UK Quality Mark for Weston College

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) has confirmed the quality and standards of provision at Weston College (the College) following its review in April 2016.

A team of QAA reviewers visited the College and judged that its academic standards, the quality of information about its learning opportunities, and the enhancement of its student learning opportunities all meet UK expectations. The quality of its student learning opportunities is commended.

The review identifies a number of examples of good practice. These include:

• the use of student and employer involvement in design, development and validation, which is particularly effective in ensuring that programmes are focused on their needs

• the effective processes in place to support higher education teaching practices, which ensure the distinctiveness of the quality of learning opportunities

• the professional and proactive approach of the higher education support team, which enables student development and achievement.

The close working relationship with the awarding bodies, which facilitates a reflective and responsive approach to assessment design and practice, was also highlighted as an achievement.

The Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips OBE, said: ‘An excellent result reflective of the dynamic HE team at Weston College. We are extremely pleased that QAA have recognised some of the outstanding aspects of our higher education provision.

‘In addition, we are particularly pleased that the College’s University Centre provision has been commended for the quality of its student learning opportunities, including learning and teaching, and enabling student development and achievement.  While we were already aware of the high quality, it is reassuring to have it recognised through the external rigorous review process that QAA have used. This is an excellent outcome for our students and staff.’

QAA’s Higher Education Reviews are carried out by experts from other universities and colleges. Every review team includes a student reviewer, because QAA believes that students should be partners in the quality assurance of their education.

The team that reviewed Weston College comprised Professor Geoffrey Elliott (University of South Wales), Mike Ridout (independent reviewer) and Diane Cleves (student reviewer, Middlesbrough College).

A successful review means that Weston College can display the QAA Quality Mark, indicating to UK and international students that it meets national requirements for standards and quality.