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Student satisfaction soars at Reaseheath College

Higher Education student satisfaction has risen for the second consecutive year at Reaseheath College according to the National Student Survey (NSS).

Overall student satisfaction has risen by 12% on the previous year with the results showing an 86% satisfaction score for teaching and 83% for the academic support provided to its Higher Education students.

Dean of Higher Education, Rachel Ellis-Jones, commented: “I am absolutely delighted at yet another increase in our student satisfaction. This is evidence of our staff’s commitment to ensuring our students have a successful academic outcome, but also really enjoy their time at Reaseheath College.”

Commenting on the results of the NSS, Professor Madeleine Atkins, Chief Executive of HEFCE, said: “The survey provides detailed and robust data which is used extensively by universities and colleges to improve the quality of their teaching and learning. It is also valuable in supporting prospective students and their parents and advisors in helping choose which higher education institution to select.”

With two commendations from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) for student learning opportunities and enhancement of student learning opportunities, there has never been a better time to study at Reaseheath College.

Reaseheath graduation opens doors to careers success

Graduates from Reaseheath College received degrees designed to boost their careers at a ceremony in the centre of Nantwich.

Dressed in gowns and mortar boards, almost 150 graduates spilled out of St Mary’s Church to celebrate with Britain’s best known Paralympic athlete Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson OBE, who was guest speaker.

The ceremony marked the achievement of students who had completed degrees in agricultural science, equine science, food technology, garden and landscape design, engineering, countryside management, adventure sports management and rural events management, all delivered in partnership with Harper Adams University.

Animal management and science students on degree programmes validated by the University of Chester (UoM) graduated alongside other UoM students at Chester Catherdral  in November.

Describing the Nantwich ceremony as one of the highlight of the academic year, Reaseheath Principal Meredydd David emphasised that the graduates would see a massive return on their financial and emotional investment. An independent analysis had shown that £40,000 spent on course fees and living expenses would secure an additional £250,000 over the span of a career. Nearly 90% of Reaseheath graduates who completed degrees last year were in related employment within six months of completing their course on an average starting salary of £21,000.

Degrees gained at Reaseheath College were specialist, technical qualifications which enabled students to gain both knowledge and the necessary skills and competencies to carve out a successful career.

In such a competitive jobs market it was important that higher education (HE) programmes were delivered and validated by high quality, well respected institutions. Reaseheath’s own HE programmes had recently been inspected by the Quality Assurance Agency and had received fantastic report, equivalent to an ‘Outstanding’ from Ofsted.

Reaseheath continued to invest in specialist facilities and resources which would give students the competitive edge in the jobs market. Over £40 million had been spent on facilities which were recognised as among the best in the country. A further £10 million would be invested this year into a national centre for Food Futures and Environmental Management and this would be followed by a £13 million spend on a 200 room residential building and an extension to the Higher Education Centre, both to be completed for September 2016.

Reaseheath currently had 700 students enrolled on degree courses. A significant number were mature students or were studying while working with the support of their employers. One of its most successful programmes was the Eden Project, which offers dairy technologists the chance to gain a globally recognised Foundation Degree in Dairy Technology. The qualification had been developed in close partnership with industry and was aimed at meeting demand for future managers.

Although academic progress was important, Meredydd pointed out that many graduates had helped to organise social events and charity fund raising, which last year contributed £12,000 to worthy charities.

Congratulating the graduates, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, who studied politics and now has a seat in the House of Lords, said that education was vital and led to wider choices. Her key advice was to try something new and not be put off by failure. Although she had been dedicated to wheelchair racing from the age of 12 she did not win for four years and this had taught her how to train and be committed.

To find out more about our degree programmes please visit the Higher Education pages on our website.

For more photos from the day visit our Facebook page.

 

QAA

Reaseheath College earns top marks for its Higher Education

Reaseheath College’s higher education students receive an excellent experience, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) has confirmed.

The QAA, which is the HE equivalent of Ofsted, has judged that the quality of degrees offered by Reaseheath and the way they are delivered is worthy of commendation and in a number of areas exceeds UK expectations. The findings, published last month, can be found at www.reaseheath.ac.uk/qaa

QAA reviewers who visited the specialist college in Nantwich judged that its academic standards and the quality of information about its learning opportunities met UK expectations. They particularly commended the quality and enhancement of student learning opportunities, finding that in those two areas the college exceeded expectations.

The review team was impressed with the college’s extensive links to employers and the extent to which they were involved in the design, quality assurance and delivery of higher education courses.

The reviewers also found that the college effectively manages its resources, using a co-ordinated and systematic approach to support its students’ academic, personal and professional development so that they reach their full potential.

They noted that all Higher Education programmes include work-based learning, work placements, internships or other opportunities for students to gain relevant work experience.

The review team found seven examples of good practice and no recommendations for improvement.

Assistant Principal and Dean of HE Rachel Ellis-Jones said: “I am delighted that the excellent quality and delivery of higher education at Reaseheath has been identified and recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency.

“The continued investment which Reaseheath makes into its specialist facilities and expert staff was also noted. This investment is a major part of Reaseheath’s ethos, which is to encourage and support our degree students as they progress into careers within their chosen industries.”

The successful review means that Reaseheath can now display the QAA Quality Mark, indicating to UK and international students that the college meets national requirements for standards and quality.

Reaseheath offers specialist degrees in animal science, adventure sports, agricultural science, equine science, environmental management, agricultural engineering, food science and landscape design.