Higher Education Policy Institute Reports Record Year of Impact and Growth
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Oxford-based charity the Higher Education Policy institute (HEPI) concluded a remarkably successful year, marked by increased influence and a surge in research output, according to its recently released Annual Review. The period between August 2024 and July 2025 saw HEPI solidify its position as a pivotal voice in shaping UK higher education policy.
Record-Breaking Performance
HEPI’s corporate partnerships reached an all-time high, fueling a substantial increase in publications and events. Excluding the year coinciding with the 2024 General Election, the institute’s output reached record levels.Evidence suggests a corresponding rise in HEPI’s impact on policymakers, regulators, and institutional leaders across the United Kingdom.
Did You Know? HEPI was founded in 2002 with the explicit goal of informing public debate and policy decisions surrounding higher education.
Key Research Initiatives
Throughout 2024/25, HEPI continued its regular survey series, including the HEPI / Advance HE Student Academic Experience Survey, the HEPI / Kortext Student Generative AI Survey, and the HEPI / Unite Students applicant Index. Additionally, the institute published the annual HEPI / LSBU english Social Mobility Index and the HEPI soft-Power Index, offering critical insights into key areas of concern.
Diverse Research Themes
HEPI’s research portfolio extended beyond its core surveys, encompassing a wide range of topics. These included investigations into the roles of research professionals, the experiences of Black early-career researchers-conducted in collaboration with the Society of Black Academics and GatenbySanderson-and gender-based awarding gaps at Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Further studies explored educational underachievement among boys and young men, curriculum preparedness for higher education, the impact of devolution on universities, the effects of menstruation on learning, the decline of language learning, and entrepreneurial leadership.
Pro Tip: Accessing HEPI’s research reports is a strategic move for anyone seeking to understand the evolving landscape of UK higher education.
Expanding Engagement Through Events
HEPI hosted 33 events during 2024/25, surpassing all previous years except for 2023/24, which was influenced by the General Election. These events included 13 roundtable discussions with corporate partners, 11 webinars, and nine in-person gatherings.The HEPI Annual conference, titled ‘Before, During, after: the route through higher education in changing times,’ featured presentations from the Chief Executives of Universities UK, UCAS, and the Office for Students.
Impact and recognition
HEPI’s influence extended into government, Parliament, and the media, with its work frequently cited in official documents, speeches, and debates. The organization’s impact was formally recognized in June 2025 when its Director, Nick Hillman, was awarded an OBE for his services to higher education.
| Metric | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Partners | Record Level | Highest ever Level |
| Publications & Events | Record Levels | Record Levels (excluding election year) |
| HEPI Events | 32 | 33 |
Modernization and Future Outlook
The year 2024/25 was also characterized by significant modernization efforts, including a visual rebrand and the launch of a new website, both scheduled for early 2025/26. HEPI also made progress in adopting a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool to enhance its operational efficiency.
The HEPI staff remained largely stable, though Policy Manager Josh Freeman departed to assume a Strategy manager role at the Office for Students. Professor Dame Sally Mapstone continued to provide oversight as HEPI’s Chair.
What challenges do you foresee for higher education in the coming years, and how can organizations like HEPI help address them? How crucial is autonomous research in shaping effective higher education policy?
The UK higher education sector is currently navigating a period of significant change, driven by factors such as funding pressures, evolving student demographics, and the increasing influence of technology. HEPI’s ongoing research and analysis are crucial for understanding these trends and informing evidence-based policy decisions. The institute’s commitment to transparency and accessibility further enhances its value as a trusted source of information for stakeholders across the sector. The increasing focus on student experience,as evidenced by the HEPI / Advance HE survey,highlights a growing emphasis on holistic student development and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions About HEPI
- What is HEPI’s primary mission? HEPI aims to promote research and understanding of higher education and disseminate findings to policymakers and the public.
- What types of research does HEPI conduct? HEPI conducts surveys, publishes reports, and hosts events on a wide range of higher education topics.
- Who funds HEPI’s research? HEPI receives funding from corporate partners,research grants,and other sources.
- How does HEPI impact policy decisions? HEPI’s research is regularly cited in official documents, speeches, and debates.
- Where can I find more information about HEPI’s work? Visit the HEPI website for access to publications, events, and other resources.
We hope this article has provided valuable insight into the impactful work of the Higher Education Policy Institute. We encourage you to share this information with your network, leave a comment below with your thoughts, or subscribe to our newsletter for more in-depth coverage of higher education trends.
