UCSE students rate teaching, support and learning experience well ahead of the National Sector in NSS 2026 results

University Centre South Essex has achieved strong results in the National Student Survey 2026, with students rating key areas of their higher education experience well ahead of the National Sector.

The National Student Survey (NSS) is the UK wide annual survey of final year undergraduate students, gathering feedback on their course experience to help universities and colleges improve and to support prospective students in making informed choices.  

Released on 8 July 2026, the results show that UCSE, part of South Essex Colleges Group, performed well above the National Sector across major measures including teaching, learning opportunities, assessment and feedback, academic support, organisation and student voice.

Students rated positively with Teaching on my course at 93.1%, well ahead of the National Sector at 88.1%. Students also rated Learning opportunities at 91.3%, ahead of the National Sector at 85.8%, and Assessment and feedback at 90.8%, significantly ahead of the National Sector at 82.9%.

Academic support was another key strength, with UCSE achieving 93.3%, ahead of the National Sector at 89.3%. UCSE also scored above the National Sector for Student voice, with a score of 84.4% compared with the National Sector at 80%.

Subject level results also show exceptional performance across a number of areas. Education achieved 100% for Teaching on my course, Learning opportunities, Academic support and Organisation and management. Design Studies achieved 100% for Teaching on my course and Academic support, while Cinematics and Photography achieved 100% for Learning opportunities and Academic support, far above the National Sector at 81.9% and 88.1% respectively. Drama/Performing Arts also performed strongly, with Assessment and feedback rated at 98.9%, significantly ahead of the National Sector at 80.1%.

University Centre South Essex is the region’s dedicated higher education centre, offering ambitious students in South Essex a modern, career focused, university level experience connected directly to industry, employers and professional practice. As part of South Essex Colleges Group, UCSE combines the strength, scale and quality assurance of a large education group with personalised support and a real world focus, helping students thrive in their chosen careers.

Denise Brown, CEO of South Essex Colleges Group, said: “These results are a fantastic reflection of the commitment, expertise and care shown by our staff across University Centre South Essex. To see students rating UCSE well ahead of the National Sector for teaching, learning opportunities, assessment and feedback, academic support and student voice is something we are incredibly proud of.

“UCSE plays a vital role in providing high quality, accessible higher education for our communities across South Essex. Our focus is always on giving students the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to progress, whether that is into employment, further study or professional practice. These results show that our students value the teaching, support and opportunities they receive here, and that UCSE is delivering a university level experience that is focused on confidence, progression and future careers.”