National quality mark equals national recognition
for John Ruskin College
December 2011
John Ruskin Sixth Form College in Croydon has been accredited with the Matrix Standard, the nationally recognised quality standard for information, advice and guidance services. The departments in the College involved with this process included Admissions, Careers, Student Services and Employer Engagement.
The College gained accreditation to the Matrix Standard in just six months, during which time the staff involved, participated in a rigorous self evaluation process. The College embarked on this journey towards accreditation as part of its three year Development Plan towards achieving outstanding status as a College.
The College is the first specialist vocational Sixth Form College in the country, catering mainly for learners between the ages of 14-19.
John Ruskin College wanted to ensure that its prospective and present students were receiving the best information, advice and guidance possible. Tim Eyton- Jones, Principal and Chief Executive said ‘One of the most immediate tangible benefits of achieving this accreditation is that we now have an additional tool which will reinforce our high quality services. It has also provided a further boost to the staff and students, following on from our recent successful Ofsted Inspection in May 2011 where it was stated, ‘Care, Support and Guidance are good.’ The assessment report also highlights some thoughtful feedback on future ideas we could implement as the College progresses on its journey towards ‘Excellence.’
Many strengths were identified within the assessment report which was approved by the Matrix accreditation body. It commented that John Ruskin College, ‘Has a strong ethos of listening to its students and this is reflected in the creation of student focus groups’. It also indicated that ‘Throughout John Ruskin College there is a positive approach, this is apparent both in the attitude of the staff and the displays around the College.’ Student’s complimentary comments are also evident throughout the report, especially with reference to the careers advice they have received:
- ‘I wasn’t sure what I wanted but I was given lots of advice about jobs as well as university.
It was very useful.’ - ‘They assist but they don’t dictate’
- ‘It’s a really helpful and good service’
Outlined in the report it mentions ‘The College has well qualified staff in all departments and they have demonstrated a readiness to adjust their styles to meet the needs of its students. The areas that were assessed have shown that they are delivering a high quality professional service and this has been recognised by the students they serve.’
The report also concluded that, ‘By using the Matrix standard as a means of improving the quality of its services in line with the Colleges’ three year development plan ‘Towards Excellence 2010-2013,’ the College has demonstrated its commitment to providing a high quality service for its students. The Admissions, Careers, Student Services and Employer Engagement Departments can be justly proud of their achievements.’