13/07/10
Third in the UK – but second to none
The School of Education has been rated third best in the country, according to the Guardian's 2011 University Guide, just behind Cambridge and Huddersfield. The newspaper's 'value added' score – which compares students' individual degree results with their entry qualifications – gave Kingston 10 out of 10.
Andy Hudson, Head of the School of Education, said: "This is the third year running that education at Kingston has been up there at the top of this consumer rating. That's very heartening, especially at a moment when the coalition government might want to de-couple teacher training from universities."
He added that the 'dynamic relationship' between schools and Kingston University led to the very best preparation of teachers and those working in early years. "Credit must go to those fantastically dedicated staff in the School of Education for the work that they do keeping the partnership work we do with local educational settings so fresh and alive," he added.
Student Sallianne Robinson, a nursery manager from Shere near Guildford in Surrey, has just completed her finals of a BA top-up in Early Years Education, having previously completed a foundation degree with the University. She chose Kingston because of its location and reputation. "I juggled work, two children and my degree, so it hasn't been easy," Sallianne said. "But the support you get at Kingston couldn't be better. Daryl Maisey, Jessica Johnson and the other tutors were always there, and always on the end of a phone or email, and the teaching quality is second to none." She also thanked her family for their 'massive' support.
Sallianne plans to continue working at the Friends Day Nursery near her home, which looks after around 54 children. "People have asked me when I'm going into teaching," smiles Sallianne. "I remind them that within a nursery, we are teaching! But degree has opened all kinds of doors for the future, and it's something I've wanted to achieve ever since I left school."
Sue Hiley, Director of Studies Primary, said the team were delighted with their league table position. "Our view is that tutors work hard with students to ensure effective progress on a challenging degree programme that includes school experience modules," Sue said. "Our average point score is not as high as other institutions, so we do well with the outcomes. The school continues to recruit above average for our sector (Primary ITE) for males and those from declared ethnic minority backgrounds."
