Student satisfaction in Scottish colleges is lower among full-time FE students than those on part-time courses, new figures reveal.

The Scottish Funding Council’s (SFC) college student satisfaction and engagement survey, published this morning, shows an overall satisfaction rate of 93 per cent among full-time FE students - two percentage points lower than among part-time students.

The same trend was visible among HE students in colleges, where 89 per cent of part-time and 87 per cent of full-time students said they were satisfied with their college experience.

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College student satisfaction

The response rate to the survey varied among Scotland’s colleges, and was too low at some colleges last year to allow for comparison. But in institutions where a sufficient proportion of students responded, the overall satisfaction rate dropped marginally among FE students - from 93.1 per cent in 2017-18 to 92.5 per cent in 2018-19. Again, the picture for HE students was similar, dropping from 83.2 per cent to 82.8 per cent.

The report reveals that fewer full-time FE students were satisfied when asked if they felt that their “suggestions are taken seriously”. The statement that “staff encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning” had the highest level of satisfaction at 95.5 per cent.

This statement also had the highest proportion of students, almost 50 per cent, answering that they “strongly agree” with it. The statement that “the college students’ association influences change for the better” had a lower level of response but not all students would have the same level of engagement in this area.

FE ‘delivering a first-class experience’

More than 44,000 college students responded to the survey, conducted by the SFC for the fourth time.

Shona Struthers, chief executive of Colleges Scotland, said: “It is encouraging that the proportion of satisfied college learners who are studying full-time further education courses is at 93 per cent.  Given that 81 per cent of students in colleges are studying further education courses, this Scottish Funding Council report clearly signifies that the sector is delivering a first-class experience for its learners.

“A priority for colleges is to provide opportunities for learners to obtain work-ready skills, which prepare them for the labour market by collaborating with employers to deliver high-quality, industry-standard training and qualifications. So it’s very welcome that 92 per cent of full-time further education students stated that their course has helped them develop knowledge and skills for the workplace.

“Colleges in Scotland deliver 26 per cent of all higher education in Scotland, so it’s also pleasing that 87 per cent of full-time higher education students have expressed satisfaction with their courses. Going to college is a first choice for many people and this report outlines the essential role they have in improving people’s lives by preparing them to meet the challenges of the workplace.”

Satisfaction rates by college