University rated best in South West for Education

Released: 05.11.15

The Complete University Guide has ranked the University of St Mark & St John as the best in the South West for Education and Teacher Training, according to league tables published recently.

The UK’s first teacher training college, established in 1838, has also risen up the ranks by 33 places, from 76 to 43 nationally.

Its position as top for Education in the South West puts Marjon above all 11 Universities in the region including Plymouth University, the University of the West of England, Bath Spa University and the University of Gloucester. It also features in the top 20 nationally for ‘graduate prospects’ in Education and Teacher Training with a score of 85 out of 100.

Professor Cara Aitchison, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “For 177 years this institution has been focussed on the role of education making a positive impact on people’s lives and life chances and we will continue to build on this heritage to provide outstanding education and research, leading to high levels of employment for our graduates.”

This success comes on the back on the 2015 National Student Survey where two programmes: the BEd Primary Education (Early Years) with QTS and BA Children and Young People, scored 100% for overall student satisfaction and Ofsted rates the University’s Teacher Training provision as “Good with Outstanding Features in Leadership and Management”.

This, combined with an increase in financial incentives to train as teachers (announced by schools minister Nick Gibb recently), makes Marjon an attractive choice for those considering a career in teaching, according to the University.

Dr Ian Luke, Dean of the Faculty of Education & Social Sciences said: “The results of the Complete University Guide tables, combined with high student satisfaction rates which are above the national average, makes the University of St Mark & St John an obvious choice for starting a career in teaching.”

The University has developed new models of teacher training in partnership with Schools Direct which now offers increased provision for trainee teachers. In addition, the Faculty of Education & Social Sciences is evaluating a national pilot scheme on behalf of the Department for Education.