A principal whose FE college topped a student satisfaction poll for HE courses said it was “humbling” to beat some of the UK’s leading universities.

Tyne Metropolitan College topped the 2014 National Student Survey with a 100 per cent satisfaction rating for the quality of its HE courses

The North Tyneside-based college, rated good by Ofsted in all areas in a report published in June, was only matched by the world-renowned Courtauld Institute of Art in London.

Some twelve FE colleges were included in the top 20 on the list, which was compiled by the Higher Education Funding Council England (HEFCE) and featured 322 universities and colleges.

Jon Vincent, Principal and chief executive at TyneMet, said: “Student satisfaction is of paramount importance to us, and we are thrilled to report that we not only surpassed all other FE institutions locally and nationally, but to outrank so many esteemed universities nation-wide is truly humbling.

“It is extremely pleasing to see so many FE colleges in the top 20 in this league table as it demonstrates the hard work put into satisfying students’ individual needs, preparing them for the world of work or HE progression.”

The government-backed National Student Survey (NSS) allows students to give their opinions on what they liked about their time at college or university and to express their satisfaction with their Higher Education course, as well as highlight things that they felt could have been improved.  

Student feedback is then used to compile year on year comparative data to help prospective students make informed choices of where and what to study.

This year’s results were part of a survey of 321,000 final-year students, looking at all aspects of students’ HE experiences, including standards of teaching, assessment, academic support and levels of organisation.

When the results of the survey were published last week, Lynne Sedgmore, executive director of the 157 Group of colleges, said the findings revealed an “untold story” about FE colleges.

“The results demonstrate that these colleges are providing an outstanding experience for higher education students,” she said.