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The Independent Further and Higher Education Sector
The independent sector for further and higher education is a thriving yet often overlooked section of the UK economy. Indeed the most recent estimate suggests that the total number of colleges probably exceeds 3,000. However, as in the past there has been no requirement for such colleges to register with the authorities, it has proved impossible to obtain an accurate figure. Most are not subject to any external inspection, and so a degree of scepticism remains amid public opinion of the sector. The Economist magazine ('Universities as global businesses' February 26, 2005) noted that as private businesses become more involved in higher education there is a danger to quality since 'at the bottom end of the market, qualifications reflect only payment'.
However, a more positive trend is now emerging of institutions discovering the dividends brought by higher standards and the aspiration to best practice, a trend in which BAC is proud to be playing a part. The demand for BAC accreditation has grown very rapidly since 2003 and the BAC currently accredits almost 250 independent colleges in the UK as well as a number of international colleges across the world. The increasing interest of government in the recruitment of international students means that BAC's role is likely only to increase over the coming years.
