(1)The Director must perform his functions under this Part in such a way as to promote and safeguard fair access to higher education (including part-time higher education in so far as his functions are exercisable in relation to it).
(2)In the performance of his functions under this Part, the Director has a duty to protect academic freedom including, in particular, the freedom of institutions—
(a)to determine the contents of particular courses and the manner in which they are taught, supervised or assessed, and
(b)to determine the criteria for the admission of students and apply those criteria in particular cases.
(3)The Director must, in the performance of his functions under this Part, have regard to any guidance given to him by the Secretary of State.
(4)The relevant authority in relation to Wales must, in the performance of the functions that are conferred on it by this Part as the relevant authority, have regard to any guidance given to it by the Assembly.