South Thames College has been praised for the way it supports students through their learning and career development in a Department for Education assessment.
The Matrix Standard assessment, designed to test the strength of the college’s information, advice and guidance was carried out in January when an assessor spoke to 65 staff and more than 20 students at its campuses in Wandsworth, Carshalton, Merton and Kingston, as well as partner organisations.
The assessor’s report says the college meets the required standard and praised the quality of the guidance its schools liaison and careers staff give students in choosing the right course and the ongoing care provided by staff throughout their time there.
The report says the college website has easy access to specific topics and is a summary of each of the more than 600 courses on offer, as well as Frequently Asked Questions. “Students interviewed felt there was no lack of information and guidance through the enrolment process,” the report adds.
The college’s commitment towards inclusivity is also praised in the report. “Only a small number of eligible students applying to STCG have their application declined, as courses are available at all levels of study,” it says. “During the admissions process additional learning needs are identified where possible, and referral made to Learner Support in the college.”
Many students told the assessor the college had been recommended to them by family and friends and “it was the warm welcome they received when they visited on Applicant Days that made the difference compared to other options”.
The report praises the levels of staff in place to assist students through their time at the college, including the Wellbeing Team, Student Voice, Student Services, Careers Advisers, Learner Support and Student Community Officers (SCOs).
The SCOs are having a “positive influence” on students, the report says. “Although the SCOs intervene around behaviour and are monitoring attendance, the team is guided by Trauma-Informed Practice in their early intervention approach,” it says. “Student Services particularly value their contribution to engaging with students, communicating issues and raising the profile of student support.”
The report says a priority for the college is supporting students’ wellbeing and mental health. “Among the innovations in staff deployment that enhance the service, the Wellbeing Co-coordinators have resulted in better assessment of referrals to help students access the support they need,” it says.
The assessor highlights enrichment activities designed to provide additional interest and development for students. “Among the clubs that are run are those for neurodiversity and gender specific groups as well as hobby interests to engage students, such as the popular Dungeons & Dragons gaming activity, co-ordinated with the rest of curriculum so as not to clash,” he says.
He also praised the role the college’s “highly qualified” careers staff play in helping students chart their journey after college. “Students interviewed confirmed that whatever direction they chose for their future, all options are covered by the team, including apprenticeships as an alternative to traditional degrees,” says the report.
“The chamber of commerce helps younger students understand what employers are looking for in the way candidates present themselves, and the college was credited for its focus on developing soft skills.”
The assessor praises the college’s use of data to monitor and evaluate the equality and inclusion of students’ experience. “There is impressive leadership from the top of the college group towards promoting the importance of information, advice and guidance-related support as a core aspect of the offer,” says the report.
Group CEO Peter Mayhew-Smith said the Matrix standard is an important measure of the way education institutions engage with their students. “This latest report is incredibly insightful and highlights the wealth of good practice, innovation and supportive empowering culture that is our DNA,” he said. “It’s great to be able to celebrate the wonderful work done by people all across our colleges to protect the best interests of our students in this way.”
