381.This section inserts a new section 253A into the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (“the 2009 Act”). New section 253A enables persons in England and Wales to share “student information” with a range of persons. “Student information” is defined in subsection (6) of new section 253A as information relating to an individual who is seeking or has sought to obtain, or has obtained, a “regulated qualification” or a “relevant qualification”. “Regulated qualification” and “relevant qualification” cover a wide range of qualifications. “Regulated qualification” has the meaning given by section 130 of the 2009 Act and “relevant qualification” has the meaning given by section 30 of the Education Act 1997 – see subsection (6) of new section 253A.
382.Student information will only be capable of being shared under new section 253A if it falls within a description prescribed in regulations. Regulations will also determine the circumstances in which sharing of student information may take place and the persons or categories of person with whom it may be shared (in addition to the Secretary of State and the Welsh Ministers, with whom information may be shared by persons in England and in Wales respectively, and information collators)
383.Under subsection (4) of new section 253A, student information that is shared under the new section is not generally to be published in a form which identifies the individual to whom it relates.