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24 September 2007 HEFCE logo
To  Heads of HEFCE-funded higher education institutions
Direct Line 0117 931 7300
Direct Fax 0117 931 7203

Circular letter number 25/2007

For further information contact Kate Nickols, 0117 931 7435, k.nickols@hefce.ac.uk

Dear Vice-Chancellor or Principal

Online survey on the impact of league tables on institutional behaviour

1.   I am writing to invite you to participate in a survey of English higher education institutions (HEIs) on the impact of league tables on institutional behaviour. The closing date of the survey is Monday 22 October 2007 (see paragraph 6).

2.   As you may know, in July HEFCE commissioned research into newspaper league tables of HEIs, focusing on how they are compiled and their impact on institutions' behaviour. As a funding body we have an interest in ensuring that prospective students have access to reliable and useful information when making decisions about which institutions to apply to; and that institutions have information which enables them to develop their policies, mission and reputation in appropriate and proportionate ways. We are also concerned that the quality of English HEIs - and English higher education (HE) more generally - is appropriately reflected in league tables which purport to offer international comparison. Our purpose in conducting this independent research is to stimulate informed debate about league tables across the HE sector, and we do not envisage endorsing any particular methodology or approach.

3.   A small number of institutions have been selected to participate in the case study strand of our research. In addition, to gather and reflect the views of the HE sector as a whole, we are offering all English HEIs the opportunity to contribute to a survey which will gather data on, and some qualitative evidence of, the impact of league tables on institutional behaviour.

4.   The survey is being carried out by Hobsons Research and the Centre for Higher Education Research and Information (CHERI). There will be a short questionnaire of closed questions and a small number of open questions. Questions will reflect many of the themes explored in the case study element of the project and will include:

  1. Perceptions of the league tables and their impact on the higher education sector and institutional reputation.
  2. Impact of league tables on institutional behaviour.

5.   Each institution will be invited to submit one response, which should represent an institutional view rather than a personal opinion. Respondents are encouraged to consult other colleagues as appropriate.

6.   The survey will be online between Monday 1 October and Monday 22 October. Once the survey is launched, an e-mail with a unique link to the questionnaire will be sent to the head of each higher education institution in England.

7.   In line with the Market Research Society's code of conduct, all responses will be anonymous.

8.   I warmly encourage you to participate in the survey, and thereby help us to build a comprehensive picture of the impact on institutional behaviour of HE league tables.

Yours sincerely

Professor David Eastwood
Chief Executive