Student Satisfaction

The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) requires all colleges to distribute the Student Satisfaction & Engagement Survey (SSES) as a means to evaluate and enhance college provision in Scotland. The survey provides a national approach to monitoring student satisfaction and engagement across the sector and SFC annual guidance issued to colleges includes the selection criteria and questions.

Alongside the SFC’s SSES, NCL have been undertaking an initial perception survey - “Did we get it right?” – making it available to all enrolled students. This survey complements SFC’s Survey, allowing NCL to capture and understand the early experiences of our students. Early identification of issues enables NCL to adjust student support and systems that will benefit their total student journey.

Below are some of the results from the latest SSES and ‘Did we get it right’ survey. It should be noted the data presented does not represent all protected characteristics; however, this does help to provide a picture of the experiences of our diverse student body and ultimately enables the college to better understand their experiences.

From our 2023/24 SSES - 4,306 respondents

• • 92% of all respondents agreed they were satisfied with their college experience.
  • 89% of all respondents agreed they were treated equally and fairly by staff.
  • 86% of all respondents agreed they felt part of the college community.

Below are some of the results from our latest SSES with respect to protected characteristics.

• • 93% of African, African Scottish or African British students agreed they felt part of the college community.
  • 90% of Pakistani students agreed they felt part of the college community.
  • 87% of care experienced students felt part of the college community.
  • 84% of Bi-sexual students agreed they were treated equally and fairly by staff.
  • 82% of students with a mental health condition agreed they were treated equally and fairly by staff.
  • 89% of students either Deaf or with a hearing impairment agreed they were treated equally and fairly by staff.
  • 92% of females and 92% males were satisfied with their college experience.
  • 92% of 18-19-year olds were satisfied with their college experience.

From our 2024/25 ‘Did we get it right?’ Survey – 5519 respondents

• • 92% of all respondents (compared to 90% in 2023/24) agreed they received help if they have a learning problem.
  • 94% of all respondents (compared to 93% in 2023/24) agreed All students are treated fairly and with respect.
  • 95% of all respondents (compared to 94% in 2023/24) agreed that NCL overall is a good college.

With respect to protected characteristics our ‘Did we get it right?’ survey revealed:

• • 92% of Polish students agreed NCL overall is a good college.
  • 89% of Gay Woman/Lesbian students agreed NCL overall is a good college.
  • 93% of care experienced students agreed NCL overall is a good college.
  • 91% of students with a mental health condition agreed all students were treated equally and fairly.
  • 96% of students deaf or with hearing impairment agreed all students were treated equally and fairly.
  • 97% of Muslim students agreed all students were treated fairly and with respect.
  • 90% of students with a Specific Learning Difficulty - Dyslexia, Dyspraxia or AD(H)D – agreed knew about the help they could get if they have a learning problem.

By undertaking both surveys, it helps to provide a more comprehensive representation of our student experience and take the necessary and relevant actions forward. For example, in response to the 2023/24 SSES, the college launched our new Wellbeing Academies, a significant initiative to bridge the gap between an individual’s studies and their overall emotional wellbeing.

NCL are delighted our students feel NCL has created the right conditions for them to have a positive student experience. However, NCL is committed to continuous improvement and will strive to make changes to meet the needs of our diverse student body.