UK quality Mark for Northbrook College

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) has confirmed the quality and standards of provision at Northbrook 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 its student learning opportunities, and the quality of information about its learning opportunities all meet UK expectations. The enhancement of its student learning opportunities is commended.

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

• the flexible, responsive and wide-ranging support for all students, which enables them to develop their academic, personal and professional potential

• the wide range of assessment strategies and activities used to engage and challenge students

• the proactive engagement with employers in order to enhance student learning and employability.

The review made one recommendation for improvement: that the College develop a more consistent approach to procedures used in different subject areas to ensure effective oversight of module evaluation, individual tutorial support, and assessment and feedback.

Sue Dare, Principal of Northbrook College, said: ‘I am delighted by QAA’s recognition of all that we do at Northbrook to give undergraduates a high quality education with fantastic industry specialist teachers and facilities, and our great partnerships with local and national employers, which means our graduates have great job opportunities at the end of their degrees.’

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 Northbrook College comprised Marian Stewart (independent reviewer), Howard White (University of Bath) and Kanyanut Ndubuokwu (student reviewer, Heriot-Watt University).

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