Among fellow English institutions, Hartpury also finished in 2nd place for ‘Overall Satisfaction’ and ‘Academic Support’, and in 3rd place for ‘Assessment and Feedback’.

Despite the challenges faced by all universities during the Covid-19 pandemic, overall student satisfaction levels at Hartpury University have risen once again by over 5% since 2021 and continue to rank above the sector average. This result follows an outstanding performance in the national WhatUni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) in May where Hartpury University won the Lecturers and Teaching Quality category. Both the NSS and WhatUni awards demonstrate that Hartpury students recognise and value the University’s commitment to maintain face-to-face teaching throughout the pandemic.

Several Hartpury University degree programmes received a perfect 100% student satisfaction rating, including the BSc (Hons) Agriculture/Applied Agriculture and BSc (Hons) Equestrian Sports Science. Student satisfaction is also notably high among students on the BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Science (95%), BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing (97%), BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences (93%), and BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy (92%).

The National Student Survey (NSS) is aimed mainly at final-year undergraduate students, gathering opinions and feedback about their time in higher education. The survey asks students questions about a range of factors related to their academic experience, including the teaching on their course, assessment and feedback, and how well courses are organised. The results are collated from honest feedback about what it has been like to study their course at their institution.

Russell Marchant, Vice-Chancellor of Hartpury University, said: “I am delighted the hard work of all our staff is being recognised by our students, together we are a formidable partnership!  To achieve such recognition after only 4 years as a university is even more rewarding. I’m not surprised we did well, but I’m delighted we are number 2 in the country!”

Rosie Scott-Ward, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Hartpury University, said: “In only our fourth year as a university, I could not be prouder of the feedback we’ve received from our students in this survey.

“To be named as the number one English Mainstream University in the teaching category is particularly pleasing given the unprecedented challenges of Covid-19. Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to work closely with our Student Union, using real-time student feedback to guide our decision-making process. Our commitment to providing valuable face-to-face teaching has no doubt helped with overall student satisfaction.

“I’d like to thank each and every member of staff who has worked hard to ensure our students receive the highest level of teaching and support, helping them to experience a memorable and enjoyable journey through higher education.”