Results from the 2025 Chartered ABS Annual Membership Survey

The Chartered ABS Annual Membership Survey explores a range of topics important to UK business schools. This year’s report presents data on student recruitment, government policy, strategic priorities and investments, financial performance, and EDI.

UK business schools report signs of recovery in both domestic and international student enrolments for 2025/26.

• For enrolments of UK students, 27% of the responding schools reported that they were lower this year compared to 36% in 2024/25.

• For international students, 35% of the responding Deans stated that enrolments were lower this year compared to 75% in 2024/25.

• Looking ahead, over half of the responding Deans expect enrolments in January 2026 to remain stable and just over a third anticipate an increase from last January’s intake.

After a difficult financial year in 2024/25, there are signs of optimism for the year ahead.

• 47% of the responding schools experienced a decline in income in the year since 2023/24, with 11% describing it as significant.

• Compared to the 2024 survey, the proportion of schools reporting a rise in income has dropped (39% down from 51% in 2024), while those reporting a decline has risen (47% up from 36% in 2024).

• Looking at the current financial year of 2025/26, 58% of the responding Deans expect to see an increase in their income compared to the previous year. Specifically, 11% anticipate a significant rise.

• Financial performance was rated as the highest priority by the responding business schools with an average rating of 4.72.

The UK policy environment continues to have adverse effects on the business school sector.

• 88% of the responding schools reported the ban on visas for dependents as having a negative impact in the previous academic year, and 73% anticipate the same impact in the current academic year.

• 60% of the schools stated that the reduction in the length of the Graduate Route from two years to 18 months had already had a negative impact, with the proportion rising to 67% for impact in the current academic year. 

• 38% of the responding schools who offer Level 7 Apprenticeships said they will not continue to offer them under the forthcoming 16-21 age limitation. 

Business schools continue to drive efforts to progress widening participation and improving equity in outcomes across higher education.

• Almost two-thirds of the responding schools said they deliver foundation courses and 4% have plans to do so.

• In the last five years, 51% of the business schools observed an increase in the proportion of domestic students who had received free school meals.

• The responding schools reported monitoring and reducing attainment gaps, using a combination of approaches such as targeted academic and personal support, curriculum changes, and initiatives to improve equity in employability.  

Download the full report