STUDENTS are happier at Hartpury than ever before, according to the latest results of the National Student Survey (NSS).

The NSS 2015 shows that student satisfaction at Hartpury has risen again to 86% - up from 84% in 2013 and up 9% since 2010-11. That’s also significantly above the national average of 80% for comparable institutions.

Sixteen areas have shown an increase, with the biggest jumps within the areas of support from academic staff and the quality and availability of learning resources. The new University Learning Centre that opened in September 2014 offers 24-hour access to a range of facilities, including workstations, quiet study areas, research materials, journals and a separate postgraduate area.

Staff at Hartpury are good at explaining things – that’s the view of 94% of students and students continue to feel that tutors and lecturers are enthusiastic and make the subject interesting and that their course is intellectually stimulating – a rise from 79% to 86%.

Courses including both the BA (Hons) Equine and Sport Business Management degree programmes, as well as the BSc (Hons) Animal Science, BSc (Hons) Equestrian Sports Science and the Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching achieved an impressive 100% overall student satisfaction rate.

Russell Marchant, Hartpury Principal, said: “We’re always striving to continually improve the student experience here at Hartpury and it’s great to see those efforts paying off with student satisfaction levels rising yet again, particularly given this year saw our highest ever number of students completing the survey.

“These results follow on from a hugely positive report from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) - the independent body that monitors standards and quality in UK higher education – who highlighted the student experience we offer here and identified seven areas of best practice.

“It’s really rewarding to know that students here really value the quality of teaching, the resources and the advice and guidance they receive from all staff to ensure they can reach their potential and make the most of their time with us. It’s why so many of them go on to secure fantastic careers in the industries they choose.”