An external review has praised our College for its outstanding Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) services, with our learners benefiting from high-quality support.
The review was carried out against the Matrix Standard, the national benchmark for IAG. This standard examines whether organisations provide clear, accurate and effective advice to help learners make the right decisions about their education and future opportunities. Achieving strong results means our learners can trust that the guidance they receive is professional and focused on their needs.
During the 2024/25 academic year, we provided over 3,200 individual IAG sessions for our learners and apprentices, including one-to-one careers guidance, group sessions, and support for looked-after and care-experienced learners through personal education plans and EHCPs.
Our learners gave excellent feedback on their experiences. 94% rated their first IAG session positively, while almost 98% said one-to-one appointments were a “positive experience”. Over 98% of those attending group sessions said they felt more confident about their next steps, from writing a CV to applying for jobs, training or Higher Education.
Almost 400 of our learners also received guidance specifically aimed at Higher Education, including help with personal statements. Our learners and staff described the support as “overwhelmingly positive”.
Reviewers highlighted the College’s “fully integrated approach” to guidance, with careers, wellbeing and personal development forming a “golden thread” throughout college life.
Special praise went to the Student Services and Apprenticeships teams, which were recognised for creating a welcoming environment and building strong local partnerships. Our learners described these teams as approachable and supportive, helping them feel safe and confident while planning their next steps.
Our industry-specialist staff provide students with high-quality, up-to-date careers advice that reflects the realities of today’s job market. We have also set up Employer Advisory Boards across every curriculum area, a model praised in the report for ensuring that what students learn is genuinely driven by local labour market and skills needs. These strong employer links mean the curriculum remains closely aligned to real opportunities in Oldham and the wider region, allowing students to benefit from guidance that is fully informed by current industry trends and future workforce demands.
Alan Benvie, Vice Principal – Student Experience and Inclusion, said:
“We want every student to be prepared, confident and excited about their future. This Matrix assessment shows that the guidance and support our staff provide is making a real difference in learners’ lives.
“We will continue to strengthen our careers-related services even further, making sure all students have the advice, guidance, skills and experience they need to thrive in their next steps.”
