St Helens College is number one nationally for student satisfaction

The number of higher education students who have applied to study their degree level courses at local colleges has risen this year. Meanwhile applications to study at universities have fallen.

Universities have been hit after the recent shake up of tuition fees, with applications at Leeds Metropolitan University down by 48%, University of Cumbria down 39% and University of Bradford down 30%. However, applications to study higher education at St Helens College remain buoyant.

A recent HEPI (Higher Education Policy Institute) watchdog reported, “There is no sign that as students pay more they are receiving more for their money, and that is reflected in the proportion of students who feel they are not receiving good value for money.”

The study shows up massive differences between institutions and courses when it comes to the amount of time spent with lecturers. Some students may be paying the same amount for much less contact time.

In contrast, at St Helens College we pride ourselves on the amount of contact hours with tutors our students get, along with small class sizes and the ability to keep fees low. This is reflected in the fact that Which?; one of the largest consumer bodies in the UK, states that colleges are now rivalling universities in the provision of degree level courses. The 2013 Student Academic Experience Survey was produced by HEPI and Which? with thousands of students taking part. St Helens College was rated number one nationally for student satisfaction.

The College is also launching A levels this September, with a guaranteed progression route to the higher education courses.

If you are interested in studying higher education or A levels at St Helens College, visit our website for more details www.sthelens.ac.uk