Student expectations have been rising in recent years, not least because of the increased financial contribution students in England are making, although the impact has been felt across the UK.

The Government has committed to improving teaching and addressing what Universities Minister Jo Johnson MP’s has called ‘patchiness in the student experience’. Yet as things stand, specialist, regionally focused, and smaller institutions already deliver excellent student experiences. Notably:

• Half of the top 10 institutions for student satisfaction (NSS 2015) are small and/or specialist
• Smaller institutions offer HE on a human scale, helping to nurture a strong community between students
• HESA data shows that 9 of the top 20 institutions for lowest levels of non-continuation are SSIs

See the chapter: Student Experience and Engagement

 

See other key messages:

• Strength in diversity
• Understanding employers
• Research impact
• International competitiveness
• Extending opportunity & unlocking talent