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 Celebrations are underway at Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College), after successfully achieving the matrix quality Standard 

Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College) is committed to promoting access, well-being and success for the staff and students. Their consistent efforts have proven more than efficient after being reviewed by The Growth Company, through the Matrix standard assessment. 

Matrix is a unique quality framework for organisations to assess and measure their information, advice and/or guidance services, which ultimately supports individuals in their choice of career, learning, work and life goals. 

The assessment takes over a week and includes daily meetings with key contacts, one-to-one and group interviews with staff members (including the principal, senior managers, managers, teaching and non-teaching staff), interviews with clients including past and present students across all sites, and interviews via phone with partners and external stakeholders. 

HoW College was praised for providing a positive student experience, with numerous examples given during assessment of the ways students feel valued, safe, respected, ‘in safe hands’, encouraged and nurtured. The overall feedback of the assessment also reflected marvelous competency in the areas of digital solutions, promotional materials, student progress, operational management and facilities. All of which play imperative roles in building promising and secure futures for their community.  

Comments, from the students interviewed, were positive and encouraging and included: 

‘I have nothing but praise and positive feedback. It was a huge change from my corporate job, and I was helped, supported and encouraged all the way.’ 

‘The best thing about HoW is how welcome and safe everyone feels. It’s definitely different from school and most other places.’ 

‘They are brilliant, and they have the voice of young people.’ 

Julia Breakwell, Vice Principal, Student Experience and Stakeholder Engagement, commented: 

‘We are extremely pleased to have achieved the matrix Standard here at HoW College. The accreditation recognises the hard work of our staff and students and the fantastic services we offer. We are proud of the quality of the Information, advice and guidance we provide for our students throughout their journey with us and beyond. This impartial support for students, from a range of staff, and the wrap around, bespoke support enables learners to make the best decisions for their individual needs. Very pleasingly, assessors fed back that our values (integrity, trust, inclusivity and partnership) are our strength, and numerous examples of these were cited by students and partners as some the main positive aspects of their experience of HOW College. HoW is seen as a trusted partner, considered transparent and effective in its collaborative work.’ 

HoW college will use this impressive feedback to actively seek ways to enhance the experience of their staff and students. They are enthusiastic about the future and what it holds for the community they have built. 

Well done to all staff and students who were involved!