What the OfS 2025 sexual misconduct survey tells us - and why it matters

The Office for Students (OfS) have published their findings from their sexual misconduct survey 2025 – the largest national survey to date on sexual harassment and sexual violence in higher education (HE). 

The survey was completed by over 51,000 final-year undergraduates across England with the findings highlighting the scale, context and challenges that the sector is facing to tackle sexual harassment and misconduct across campuses.  

What are the key findings in the OfS sexual misconduct survey? 

• 1 in 4 students (24.5%) experienced sexual harassment since becoming a student 

• 1 in 7 (14.1%) experienced sexual assault or violence 

• Most incidents were not formally reported — only 13.2% of harassment victims and under 13% of assault victims under age 21 made a formal complaint 

• Nearly 60% of recent harassment cases occurred within the last 12 months 

• Most incidents happened outside university settings but still involved someone connected to the university — such as another student or staff member 

Who is most at risk for misconduct?

Students were more likely to experience misconduct if they were: 

• Female 

• Under 21 at the start of their course 

• LGBTQ+ 

• Disabled 
• From certain religious backgrounds (Jewish, no religion, or other minority beliefs) 

Who feels least confident reporting misconduct?

While 67.5% of students said they felt confident about where to seek support, confidence dropped among: 

• Female and LGBTQ+ students 
• Disabled students 
• Those who had actually experienced misconduct 

Why does the OfS sexual misconduct report matter?   

This report matters because it showcases the real prevalence of harassment and sexual misconduct that higher education is challenged with. It also demonstrates how current support systems are failing those who need them. On a more positive note, this report helps build a foundation for HE organisations to target better prevention, improve support available and change the culture across campuses – especially as many reported incidents involve people within the campus community.  

What can my organisation do to meet the OfS E6 condition? 

To support universities and other HE organisation’s efforts to meet the OfS’s E6 condition and effectively prevent harassment and sexual misconduct, we have developed a comprehensive E6 eLearning suite designed to help HE providers meet the compliance requirements.  

The suite offers foundational training – for staff and students – and equips them with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate and uphold the principles of E6. 

Find out more about our E6 suite here:
 

This animated video provides an overview of Ciphr eLearning’s E6 suite, designed to help UK higher education institutions meet the OfS E6 condition to actively prevent and address harassment and sexual misconduct. The video shows an animated university environment with students and then showcases visuals from the eLearning courses and the scenarios and animations within them.

For more information about this suite, and how Ciphr eLearning can support you navigating this area, get in touch with us today.