St Mary’s University, Twickenham (SMU) has continued its outstanding performance in the 2024 National Student Survey (NSS) published today.
The NSS, which surveys graduating students on their university experience, found that SMU had improved across all seven of the key themes, ranking in the top five nationally* for Learning Opportunities, Academic Support, and Organisation and Management and top ten for Student Voice. The University also ranked first in London for Academic Support and Organisation and Management, and top five in four other categories.
Speaking of the results, St Mary’s Vice-Chancellor Prof Anthony McClaran said, “I am delighted to see the outcomes of this year’s NSS. Building on last year’s success is a significant achievement for colleagues across the University. These results demonstrate how staff at St Mary’s live the University’s values, delivering an outstanding experience and outcomes for students in all they do. I would like to thank our students for their engagement with the survey and their ongoing support for University feedback systems.”
St Mary’s Provost Prof Symeon Dagkas added, “This is a fantastic result for St Mary’s and a strong endorsement of all we are doing to develop and improve the University. I would like to thank our brilliant academic and professional services colleagues who deliver the best possible experience for our students every day.”
The Survey found that students rated the University 96% for how good are teaching staff at explaining things, 92% for both how easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to? and how well have teaching staff supported your learning?, 91% for how well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?, and 90% I was given opportunities to meet my required practice learning outcomes.
The news follows the recent announcement that SMU has retained its Ofsted Outstanding rating for its third consecutive inspection, cementing the University’s place as one of the country’s leading teacher training providers. Into its second decade as an Outstanding rated institution, the report found that at SMU trainee teachers “benefit from first-class levels of support from university staff from the point of application”.
SMU also climbed into the top 50 of the Good University Guide in the 2024 edition. The University’s position of 45th overall, fourth amongst modern universities, and eighth in London, are its highest ever positions in that league table. The Good University Guide also rated SMU in the top five for Teaching Quality and top ten for Student Experience.
*amongst higher education providers with university status (excluding specialist providers)