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Colleges beat universities for student satisfaction

Colleges beat universities for student satisfaction

The latest results from the National Student Survey show there are more colleges than universities in the top 100

27th July 2018, 3:13pm

More than a quarter of providers with the most satisfied students are colleges, according to the latest National Student Survey.

The National Student Survey captures the views of over 320,000 students and is produced on behalf of the Office for Students (OfS) and UK higher education funding bodies.

Out of the top 100 providers, there were 28 FE colleges on the lists, as well as two sixth form colleges. Only seven universities featured in the top 100 on the list of over 400 providers.

The colleges in the top 100 beat competition from among the most prestigious universities in the country, including Oxford and Cambridge.

‘Fantastic to see colleges recognised’

Overall satisfaction across all providers is 83 per cent, in comparison with 84 per cent last year. Seven out of 10 eligible students from across the UK took part in the survey.

David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges said it was “fantastic” to see colleges recognised in the National Student Survey.

He added: “Colleges operate at the heart of their communities; they are drivers of social mobility, economic growth and community development. They provide high-quality technical and professional education to young people, adults and employers, from entry to degree level, covering a broad range of disciplines ranging from science, engineering and IT to construction, hospitality and the creative arts.”

‘The student voice is the most important voice’

Nicola Dandridge, OfS chief executive, said while she was pleased the overall satisfaction rate remained high, the data showed that there is more work to be done.

“We will ensure the survey remains a valid and useful resource and review the changes providers are making in response to the survey’s findings,” she added.

Universities minister Sam Gyimah said the student voice is the most important voice, adding: “It is brilliant to see continually high satisfaction rates but we need to keep improving. That is why I want to see universities and colleges using this data to enhance and develop their offer for those choosing to study there.”