Oxford Business College (OBC)
The Secretary of State announced that courses taught at Oxford Business College will be ‘de-designated’ from 31 August 2025.
This means that after this date, new and existing students on these courses will not be able to access student finance from the Student Loans Company if they study at this provider. We note that this is subject to the outcome of any legal challenge, if brought.
The higher education courses offered by OBC are validated by other higher education or further education bodies. The Office for Students has published information on what students can expect in these circumstances.
We understand that this is a very difficult and upsetting situation for students and staff. Students will be receiving information from the relevant partner provider about their options. This will include details about who they can contact for additional information.
If a student is dissatisfied with the actions taken to support them, they may be able to make a complaint to us. Before doing this students should first raise their concerns with OBC or with the relevant partner provider. We have published some additional information for students in the FAQs below.
Courses delivered at OBC were part of a partnership arrangement with other providers. You should have received information that relates to the course you were on and what options are available to you.
If you have any questions about this or have not received any letter you can contact the relevant partner:
| University or College | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Buckingham New University | 01494 605060 OBCstudents@BNU.ac.uk |
| Ravensbourne University London | 0203 040 3500 franchisestudents@rave.ac.uk |
| Newcastle College Group | |
|
New College Durham |
0191 375 4027 HEAdmin@newdur.ac.uk |
| University of West London | 0208 231 2468 obc.studentenquiry@uwl.ac.uk |
OBC and it's partner providers are members of the OIA Scheme. Students can complaint to us about OBC until at least August 2026.
You should complete the relevant providers' internal complaints process before you complain to us.
Before you fill in our Complaint Form, it may be helpful to talk to us first. You can call us on 0118 989 9813 or you can email enquiries@oiahe.org.uk.
Tell us briefly what you are unhappy about and what outcome you are hoping for. You can ask us to call you back, or we can reply by email if you prefer.
If you already have a Completion of Procedures Letter from a complaint you had made to OBC and you want to bring your complaint to us, you should fill in our Complaint Form as soon as possible.
We are unable to review complaints directly about the Secretary of State's decision to 'de-designate' OBC.
Until 31 August 2025, access to student finance will continue as usual for students who remain engaged with their studies.
Your financial arrangements will depend on your situation and what you have decided to do.
If you have transferred to a different higher education provider, you should ask that provider for advice about any issues with student funding.
You can find details about how to contact the Student Loans Company on their website.
If you are very worried about your financial situation, then you could speak to:
- The Money Advisory Service. This is a free government service.
- Your local Citizen’s Advice Service.
You may find it helpful to contact another organisation that can give you some additional support.