The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) has confirmed the quality and standards of provision at The Northern School of Art (CCAD) following its review in February.

A team of QAA reviewers visited The Northern School of Art and judged that its academic standards, the quality of its student learning opportunities, and the quality of information about its learning opportunities all meet UK expectations. The enhancement of its student learning opportunities is commended.

The review identifies a number of examples of good practice. These include:

• the thorough and detailed integration of CCAD’s reporting mechanisms with awarding body requirements for the monitoring and maintenance of academic standards
• the comprehensive support offered to staff for personal development and scholarly activity
• the fully integrated and effective approach to employability that ensures students are prepared for professional practice in the creative industries.

The review made one recommendation for improvement: that The Northern School of Art provide clear guidance to all students on the strategies in place to support the completion of an academic module while on work experience.

Patrick Chapman, Head of Employability and External Relations at CCAD, said: ‘The Northern School of Art welcomes QAA’s findings. As an independent specialist provider of creative degrees, we pride ourselves on how we focus on our students and enabling them to develop careers in the creative industries. We are delighted then that QAA commends the way we enhance our students’ learning experience.’

‘We are also especially pleased to be recognised for our good practice in employability and maintaining high academic standards. We know these are fundamental in maintaining our position as the top UK provider for graduate employability in art and design, with 96 percent in employment or further education six months after they leave.’

QAA’s Higher Education Reviews are carried out by experts from other universities and colleges. Every review team includes a student reviewer, because QAA believes that students should be partners in the quality assurance of their education.

The team that reviewed The Northern School of Art comprised Jonathan Doney (independent reviewer), Mary Blauciak (The Manchester College) and Nicole Natur (student reviewer from the University of Huddersfield).

A successful review means that The Northern School of Art can display the QAA Quality Mark, indicating to UK and international students that it meets national requirements for standards and quality.