The University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, which includes Selby College, exceeded benchmarks in the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS) across teaching quality, academic support, learning opportunities, and assessment.
Steve Mulligan, head of higher education at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “It’s fantastic to see such strong engagement from our students in this year’s National Student Survey, and even more rewarding to see the University Centre achieve such outstanding results.
“This demonstrates the commitment and passion of our staff, who go above and beyond to provide a high-quality, supportive learning environment for our learners where their voices are heard and their feedback is valued.
“I’m incredibly proud of what our students have accomplished and wish them every success as they progress into employment or further levels of study.”
The centre’s results placed it above the national sector average in multiple key areas.
More than 94 per cent of students said they were satisfied with the academic support they received, compared to the sector benchmark of 89 per cent.
Over 90 per cent of respondents were happy with the teaching on their course, noting that it helped them develop essential knowledge and skills for the future.
Students also praised the learning opportunities available to them, saying their courses allowed them to explore ideas in depth and apply their learning through meaningful assessments.
Nearly 88 per cent said teaching staff made their subject engaging and accessible.
The survey also found that 84.5 per cent of students felt their views were heard and valued by staff, four per cent above the national average.
Mr Mulligan said: “It’s fantastic to see such strong engagement from our students in this year’s National Student Survey, and even more rewarding to see the University Centre achieve such outstanding results.”
He said the results reflect the group’s commitment to a student-centred approach and continuous improvement.
The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group was formed in March 2022 following the merger of Selby College and Wakefield College, and the creation of Castleford College.
It serves more than 9,000 students across its three colleges, including those in higher education, full-time study, and apprenticeships.
The University Centre offers a range of degree-level programmes validated by established regional universities, including foundation degrees, full degrees, HNCs and HNDs, top-up degrees, and teacher training.
Courses cover a broad spectrum of subjects including animal management, art and design, business, construction, childhood studies, digital technologies, engineering, health and wellbeing, music, performing arts, public services, social science, and sport.
The NSS is one of the largest student surveys globally, gathering feedback on teaching, assessment, support services, and mental health provision.
The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group works closely with employers to deliver work-based training and address current and future skills needs across the region.
The group employs more than 800 teaching and support staff and has an annual turnover of £36 million.
It offers a wide range of post-16 education, apprenticeships, higher education, adult qualifications, and distance learning options.
Anyone interested in degree-level study can contact the University Centre’s Clearing hotline on 01924 789 111.
More information is available at www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/HE.
