Derby’s Education Exceeds Expectations

It’s been a month of good news for education in Derby with the recent successes in A-level results, and the University of Derby’s positive responses from this year’s National Student Survey (NSS).

Colleges and Sixth Forms across Derby have been celebrating the A-Level results with numerous institutions across the city reporting record A-Level pass rates.

Bondholders Derby High School reported a 100% pass rate, Derby College achieved a 96% pass rate, and Liz Coffey, Principal of Landau Forte College, said: “This year’s group has been equal to or better than with about 90% going on to university.”

The results are especially promising in a year when the overall number of A-Level pass grades in England has declined for the first time in 32 years.

The NSS found that 86% of University of Derby students are satisfied with their course – well above the benchmark figure set by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). The University has also maintained satisfaction scores for the quality of teaching at 88%, and equals or exceeds the sector average in every question.

The University has also reported an increase in the overall number of applicants; up by 12% compared to last year.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Philip Plowden, said: “The University’s continuing outstanding performance confirms that we continue to meet our aim of providing our students with a superb academic experience.”