Student-first approach earns Chichester College Group Matrix Standard Accreditation

Chichester College Group (CCG) is delighted to announce it has achieved Matrix Standard accreditation, reflecting its student-centred ethos and commitment to providing exceptional support, advice and guidance.

The accreditation is the Department for Education’s (DfE) standard for ensuring every student receives high-quality information, advice and guidance.

To achieve the accreditation, organisations must undergo a rigorous assessment process that examines the quality and effectiveness of their information, advice and guidance services across four core areas: leadership and management, resources, service delivery and continuous quality improvement.

The report featured several glowing testimonials from students, including one learner who praised the college’s Additional Learning Support (ALS) team, saying:

“I really like how much freer it feels compared to high school. I can get help whenever I need it at college, and there was more choice. The ALS team are amazing.”

Another student spoke about the support they received during their time at college, saying:

“I have received so much support at the college, it is brilliant! All my tutors helped and made sure I had access to the appropriate support; I call it my college family. They helped me to sort out my CV and approach employers.”

This was reinforced by comments from the assessors, who highlighted the strength of student support across the group:

“The Assessment found there is a genuine passion to support students’ best interests regardless of the scenario. This strength was seen across all colleges and across all teams.”

The assessors also praised the group’s approach to staff and student wellbeing:

“Students have wide-ranging wellbeing support, from online wellbeing resources to dedicated wellbeing support staff. Wellbeing is clearly a priority of the leadership team, and the policies and practices in place contribute much to staff and student retention.”

Lisa Humphries, Associate Principal for Students & Customers at Chichester College Group, added: “This accreditation is a wonderful endorsement of our student-first approach and the
hard work of colleagues across the group. We are passionate about ensuring every learner has access to the support, advice and guidance they need to thrive, and it is rewarding to see that commitment recognised through the Matrix Standard.”