OfS report: Regent College London addresses concerns with strategic improvements

Following the Office for Students (OfS) 2024 Quality Assessment Report, we have taken a proactive and transparent approach to addressing the concerns raised. The report was conducted in November 2022 during the 2022-23 academic year. Regent College London has since undertaken significant improvements that have transformed both our academic offerings and student support systems.

We see this report not as a setback but as an opportunity to strengthen our position in the higher education sector and to raise the bar on academic excellence and student engagement. Here, we outline the key areas identified in the report, the steps we have taken since and the positive impact these measures are having on our students’ experiences.

However, this report must also be put into context. The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for the education sector globally, with institutions needing to adapt to remote learning models almost overnight. RCL’s rapid expansion during this period placed additional pressure on the existing infrastructure and delivery mechanisms. However, the College swiftly adapted to these demands, balancing growth with the necessary evolution in teaching and resource management.

At RCL, we are proud of how far we have come and remain committed to delivering world-class education in an environment that promotes academic success and personal growth.

Ensuring a high-quality academic experience

One of the key concerns raised by the OfS report was the need for an updated curriculum and more consistent teaching delivery. Recognising these as areas critical to student success, Regent College London has undergone a comprehensive curriculum overhaul. Partnering with academic affiliates and industry professionals, we modernised course materials and reading lists, ensuring they reflect current industry trends and developments. This has allowed us to offer a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for real-world challenges.

To ensure consistent teaching across all programmes, we implemented faculty-wide training initiatives that standardise course delivery and assessments. Every faculty member adheres to these guidelines, providing students with a uniform learning experience, regardless of the module or subject. Additionally, the appointment of module leaders ensures the continuous monitoring of teaching quality, helping maintain academic standards across all departments.

Strengthening academic support

Rapid expansion during the pandemic created gaps in academic support, which were highlighted in the OfS report. To address this, we invested heavily in recruiting new educators, increasing the number of academic staff by 45 professionals. This substantial growth in staffing has improved the student-to-staff ratio, providing students with more personalised attention and academic guidance.

In addition to staffing improvements, Regent College created the role of Head of Academic Support, introduced in 2024. This position focuses on addressing students’ academic and pastoral needs promptly, ensuring that each student receives the necessary guidance to excel. The increased support has already resulted in higher levels of student engagement and satisfaction.

Introducing the personal tutor system

In 2024, RCL introduced a personal tutor system to replace the pandemic-era HubX model. Every student is now assigned a dedicated personal tutor, who provides one-on-one academic and pastoral guidance. This system gives students a single point of contact for any concerns, fostering stronger relationships between students and faculty and ensuring that individual academic needs are met throughout their time at the College.

This personalised approach has significantly improved student satisfaction, with many students appreciating the tailored support and individual attention. Tutors help students stay on track academically while also providing personal development guidance, enhancing both their academic success and overall well-being.

Enhancing teaching and study spaces

The OfS report identified challenges related to the adequacy of teaching and study spaces. To meet the growing demand, Regent College London has invested in extensive campus refurbishments. These upgrades have modernised teaching environments, creating spaces that better accommodate the diverse needs of our student body.

One of the most exciting developments is the upcoming eco-friendly Harrow campus, which will offer students a cutting-edge, sustainable learning environment. This state-of-the-art facility will provide additional capacity while serving as a model for environmentally responsible education, supporting Regent College’s long-term vision of growth and innovation.

Expanding library resources

Concerns about inadequate library resources were another focus of the OfS report. Regent College has since expanded both its physical and digital libraries. The e-library now offers 24/7 access to a vast collection of digital journals, databases, and academic resources. This digital expansion is complemented by a new physical library at our Fitzrovia campus, providing students with comprehensive research tools and study spaces.

The hybrid library system ensures flexibility, allowing students to access the materials they need from anywhere, at any time. Whether learning on-campus or remotely, students now have the resources necessary to support their academic pursuits.

Standardising assessments for fairness and reliability

The OfS report highlighted inconsistencies in summative assessments. In response, Regent College London introduced a more rigorous internal moderation process, developed in collaboration with our partner universities. This system ensures that all assessments are fair, consistent, and align with high academic standards. Faculty members have undergone extensive training to implement these standards, ensuring that assessments are graded fairly and uniformly across all programmes.

This focus on fair and reliable assessments reinforces the integrity of our academic framework, ensuring that every student is evaluated based on transparent and standardised criteria.

Looking to the future: Continuous improvement and leadership

RCL remains committed to continuous improvement, ensuring that every student benefits from an exceptional educational experience. The strategic actions taken in response to the OfS report demonstrate our dedication to excellence in both academic delivery and student support.

Our commitment to leadership is also reflected in recent high-profile appointments. Steve Phillips has joined Regent College as Chairman, bringing with him a wealth of experience and insight. Additionally, the appointment of Lord James Wharton, former Chair of the OfS, to our Advisory Board signifies our ongoing dedication to quality and improvement.

With these leadership changes and our continued focus on innovation and academic excellence, Regent College London is well-positioned for future growth, as we remain steadfast in our mission to provide students with the highest standards of education and support.

Conclusion

Regent College London’s proactive and transparent response to the OfS report has resulted in significant improvements across key areas. From curriculum modernisation and expanded academic support to leadership changes and facility upgrades, the College remains committed to providing students with the best possible educational experience. Regent College is poised for continued growth, ready to lead the way in higher education.