Vikki Howells, Minister for Further and Higher Education
On 25 November 2025, I gave an oral statement updating Members on the future of tertiary education in Wales, reflecting on our achievements over the past five years. I also set out the key challenges facing the sector along with my intention to publish an evidence paper and open a call for submissions inviting views from stakeholders to shape future government policy – The Tertiary Education Participation and Sustainability Evidence Paper: Written Statement: Launch of Evidence Paper and Call for Submissions | GOV.WALES
I am pleased and reassured to have received an overwhelmingly positive response from stakeholders on the evidence paper. Early feedback indicates that the challenges and opportunities are clearly articulated and provide the basis for honest discussion and future action.
I also referred to the Tertiary Education Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) that I had recently established made up of representatives from across tertiary education to provide strategic, informed and constructive advice on the major challenges and opportunities facing Wales’s tertiary education system.
Today I want to give Members more detail about our continued efforts to support and strengthen the tertiary education sector and the MAG. Last week, Medr published its report of demand, provision and distribution of subject areas across higher education in Wales. This is a report that I commissioned, and I’m pleased to hear that it is being so well received. It’s another piece of the jigsaw intended to enhance the evidence base in Wales giving providers and government the opportunity to make informed decisions.
The MAG serves as a cross-sector forum, bringing together leaders and experts from further education, higher education, government, research, civic partners and student bodies to shape policy development across key areas of national importance. Its remit includes providing advice on:
- Post‑16 participation, focusing on access, retention and progression across FE, HE and work‑based learning
- Sustainability of the tertiary education system, including financial resilience, environmental considerations and institutional stability
- Research and innovation, with an emphasis on collaboration between providers, industry and government to support Wales’s economic future
The inaugural meeting of the MAG on 21 November 2025 set a constructive tone for its work programme and confirmed the Group’s purpose and expectations. Members considered how to ensure equitable access and successful outcomes for learners from all backgrounds across FE, HE and lifelong learning pathways. Emerging demographic pressures along with collaboration, financial stability and the role of tertiary education in supporting Wales’s long-term economic ambitions were key themes.
A second meeting was held on Thursday 12 February to discuss the challenges set out in the evidence paper in more depth, with a particular focus on the challenges identified for participation, equality of opportunity and financial sustainability.
I’m very grateful to Group Members for engaging so positively in the discussion, offering invaluable insight and expertise to help us meet the challenges and opportunities in the years ahead.
The Group will meet again on 5 March 2026.