‘Robust arrangements’ for quality at Neath Port Talbot College according to UK’s independent quality body

Neath Port Talbot College (trading as NPTC Group of Colleges) has ‘robust arrangements in place for securing academic standards, managing academic quality, and for enhancing the student experience’, according to a review by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). The review commended NPTC Group of Colleges for its achievements in several areas including student support and the use of digital technology.

The review was undertaken by a team of three independent reviewers, who were appointed by QAA and took place online between 27 and 29 June 2022. Overall, the review panel concluded that NPTC Group of Colleges meets the requirements of the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG) Part 1 on internal quality assurance, and that it meets the relevant baseline regulatory requirements of the Quality Assessment Framework for Wales.

Its commendations include:

• The institution’s expansion of the higher education (HE) staff team to recognise the distinctiveness of the HE provision and to create a HE community, in order to enhance the student experience.
• The institution’s commitment to providing tailored support to students to meet their academic and pastoral needs to enable them to achieve their potential.
• The development and effective use of digital technology across the College, within a supportive environment, enabling the ongoing enhancement of learning and teaching.
• The institution’s commitment to student engagement and in listening and responding to the student voice. This has enabled students to contribute to the overall quality of provision.

Corporation Board Chair, Dr Rhobert Lewis, said: 'The outcomes of this review are excellent, with no fewer than six commendations. This demonstrates how successful staff are in providing more than just an education, with student support, along with student success, being our top priorities. The message from the review is very clear. Students receive excellent support to study university level courses with us that are not only delivered on the students’ doorstep but are also affordable, flexible, and career focused'.

QAA’s report makes no recommendations to the NPTC Group of Colleges.