Minutes of Quality Standards and Curriculum Committee 1 December 2025

52/25. Declarations of Interest

No pecuniary interests were declared.

53/25. Minutes – 29 September 2025 (Appendix – Agenda Item 5)

Resolved: That the Minutes of the meeting held on 29 September 2025, were approved as a true record.

54/25. Student Progress Report (Appendix, Agenda Item 4)

The Committee reviewed the first Progress Grade monitoring report for 2025/26 (previously circulated), which provided assurance on student performance across academic, technical and vocational provision. The next Progress Grade review was scheduled for February 2026.

Overall, progress indicators showed improvement compared to the previous year, with notable gains in Year 1 and Year 2 technical and vocational programmes and steady performance in A Level pathways. The college had in place a programme of support and interventions to support the expectations of high-grade achievement and attendance.

Academic Provision

• • • Year 2 A Level projections indicated 51.2% of students were on track for high grades and a 99.7% pass rate, exceeding 2025 outcomes (48.9% high grades and 98% pass rate).
    • The Committee reviewed the targeted interventions in essay-based subjects, including workshops and revised teaching materials, which were beginning to show positive impact.
    • Attendance and retention remained areas of strategic focus.

Governors reviewed and received explanations on how data was reported with respect to Meeting Target Grades. It was explained that all students have target grades set based on their GCSE grade profile. Progress Grades were a projection of where staff were indicating the student was likely to end up achieving. Quality Reviews carefully review each area to understand the position at any given time. Regarding ‘students not on target’, the recently conducted Quality reviews, undertaken in every area, included a detailed exploration and analysis. Where any areas ‘under target’ were identified, an understanding as to why and a set of actions where applicable and appropriate, was expected. However, as with progress grade projections, there were many variables as to why any given student may have been projected as achieving under their target grade. In response to questions, the VP, ALs explained the additional data presented, designed to provide Year 2 students’ progress grade profile against the previous year.

GCSE English and Maths Resits

• • • November 2025 entries had increased significantly, with 522 students registered (145 more than 2024/25).
    • Attendance was strong across all papers (93–97%); however, the Committee acknowledged the challenge of sustaining motivation among repeat candidates and agreed that achievement rates must remain a priority and supported the college’s approach to entering candidates to re-sit exams. Governors also requested an amendment to how data was reported with respect to recording GCSE retakes and results across the three campuses. Officers undertook to investigate combining GCSE updates in future reports.

Technical and Vocational Provision

• • • Progress Grades for Year 1 and Year 2 showed marked improvement compared to 2024/25.
    • Year 1 students demonstrated higher percentages meeting or exceeding target grades, placing them in a stronger position for Year 2.
    • Year 2 students also showed gains in high-grade attainment and target achievement. Curriculum teams continued to focus on raising expectations and supporting students to achieve high grades.
    • The Committee acknowledged the continuing work being done to encourage teachers to more accurately predict grades and noted the successful impact of identification of grades within T levels.

Curriculum Development

• • • The Committee noted the introduction of AAQs and the government’s intention to phase these out in favour of V-levels, requiring future curriculum planning and adaptation.

Apprenticeships

• • • Recruitment exceeded targets (249 starts against 227) and early achievements were ahead of last year.
    • However, achievement rates remained a strategic risk, with a focus on improving outcomes above 60% and toward the 65% target.
    • Expanding employer partnerships to meet income targets was also highlighted as a priority. In response to questions, the VP, Q,A & I explained how the college was building capacity to generate employer partnerships, leading to increased income generation. The new staffing structure would support the college’s ambition to enhance quality and capacity for growth.

The Committee AGREED to monitor progress through the 2025/26 QEP and that, going forward, reports to meetings should include updates on -

• • • The progress of the college’s strategies to improve apprenticeship achievement rates in underperforming sectors.
    • Interventions to support students and improve retention.
    • Progress against plans to address gaps in essay-based subjects and support lower-performing cohorts.
    • Progress against approaches to boost HE recruitment, including partnership development and marketing initiatives.
    • Progress against opportunities to attract funding.

55/25. Higher Education – Term Report (Appendix, Agenda Item 5)

The Committee received a strategic update on Higher Education provision for the first term, with a focus on quality, compliance and sector risks (previously circulated).

• • • New entrant numbers (32) fell short of the 40 target and the continuation rate (87.2%) was below the 90.1% threshold. In response to questions, the VP, V&TE explained the enhanced recruitment and retention strategies being deployed.

Annual Partnership Review (APR)

• • • The recent review with the University of Staffordshire had confirmed that the partnership remained robust and aligned with strategic priorities.
    • Positive feedback had been received on student support and resources, demonstrating the impact of the £600K investment from the Higher Skills Investment Fund (HSIF) used to improve facilities.
    • External examiners had praised the clarity of learning outcomes but had also recommended greater consistency in feedback. Four improvement actions were agreed:

Office for Students (OfS) Strategy and Sector Risks:

• • • The VP, T & V E explained that the new OfS 2025–30 strategy prioritised quality, student experience and sector resilience, emphasising four guiding attitudes:
    • Ambitious for students from all backgrounds
    • Collaborative in sector stewardship
    • Vigilant in protecting public money and student fees
    • Vocal about higher education as a public good
    • The OfS had also recently written to Board Chairs highlighted emerging risks, including financial pressures (43% of institutions forecast to report a deficit), significant change programmes linked to policy reforms (e.g., Lifelong Learning Entitlement) and compliance challenges in third-party delivery and safeguarding public funds. Providers were urged to maintain robust governance, transparency and readiness for future reforms. The VP explained the college’s position in relation to each risk. The college -
    • was not in deficit and contributed positively to overall finances.
    • intended to maintain readiness for Lifelong Learning Entitlement reforms.
    • The Board Chair referred to the letter recently issued by the Office for Students (OfS) to update governing body chairs on the OfS’s view of current and emerging risks in the higher education sector and to encourage boards to ensure these were actively monitored and addressed.

The Quality. Standards & Curriculum Committee had received an assurance briefing on the college’s response to the quality and standards themes raised in the letter, including maintaining academic quality, student outcomes and compliance with regulatory conditions surrounding Freedom of Speech.

Funding Initiatives:

• • • The Higher Skills Injection Programme and Modular Accelerator Programme continued to meet all compliance and quality assurance requirements. Delivery windows for HSIF were extended to 2028/29, with predicted student numbers across occupational routes totalling 91. The Committee acknowledged that these initiatives were key to future growth and alignment with local skills needs.

Legal Compliance – Freedom of Speech:

• • • The Committee was informed of new duties under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, effective August 2025. The college’s Free Speech & Academic Freedom Policy was in the process of being revised and would be approved by Board

56/25. Quality Enhancement Plans (QEP) 2024/25 and 2025/26 (Appendices, Agenda Item 6)

Final Quality Enhancement Plans (QEP) 2024/25

The Committee reviewed the final QEP report (previously circulated). It noted strong progress in teaching quality, with A Level and Extended Diploma high-grade targets met and more Grade 1 SAR outcomes achieved than planned. However, apprenticeship achievement rates (54.6%) and functional skills outcomes remained below target and had been carried forward in 2025/26. Retention had improved to 89.7% (learning aims) and 93.2% (student level), were close to the 90% target; however, attendance (86.7%) still fell short and as this would again be carried forward, the Committee challenged whether the college was able to meet the attendance targets set. In response to this, the VP, Q, A & I and D – QT & LE explained the initiatives being implemented to improve retention and attendance. The Board had set a challenging target for attendance and retention, which the Committee agreed was right to strive for.

Draft Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) 2025/26

The Committee reviewed the draft QEP, which set out priorities for improving quality and student outcomes. Key areas included:

• • • Apprenticeship Achievement: Target remained at 65%; early indicators showed improvement, but achievement rates required continued focus.
    • Attendance: Current attendance (89.9%) was below the 90% target and progress was off track. The Committee agreed that this would need further interventions to meet the challenging target.
    • Retention: Retention for 16–18 students was close to target (89.7% learning aims, 93.2% student level); however, this would remain a priority.
    • High Grades: The strategy to raise A Level and T Level high-grade attainment was ongoing.
    • Functional Skills: Achievement rates remained below national average. The Committee acknowledged that targeted strategies were being developed.
    • Achievement Gaps: Monitoring and interventions continued to reduce gaps between student groups.
    • Parental Engagement: Communication improvements had not yet started and would be a focus for 2025/26.

The Committee agreed that these key areas represented the most significant risks and, going forward, would remain areas of Committee focus.

57/25. Induction Survey Report 2025 (Appendix, Agenda Item 7a)

The Committee reviewed the outcomes of the Student Perception of College (SPOC) Induction Survey (previously circulated).

The Committee acknowledged the 58% response rate (1,361 responses) and high overall satisfaction with the college articulated by students at enrolment and induction. The main outcomes of the survey were -

• • • 97% of students would recommend the college.
    • 98% felt safe (99% after safeguarding follow-up).
    • 98% agreed teachers set high expectations.
    • Induction was rated as well organised (92%) and most students understood attendance expectations and available resources.

However, two areas required improvement:

• • • Learning Support Awareness: 79% of students knew where to access help for learning difficulties; a decrease from last year
    • Travel Support: 18% of students indicated a need for better travel assistance, particularly for bus and train services. In response to a question, the VP, Q, A & I explained the decline in learning support awareness was, in part, due to different question wording this year. Nevertheless, this issue required improvement and the college’s structural staffing changes should deliver an improvement in student engagement in services overall, including knowing how to access learning support and transport. The VP, S explained the successful impact of transport initiatives the college had implemented from the start of the 2025/26 year.
    • The Committee sought assurance that the college had in place arrangements to follow up with students’ areas of specific concern and that a further survey was undertaken at year-end. The Committee also noted the importance of monitoring engagement with enrichment and work experience opportunities and was advised of the cross-college work being undertaken to do this.

58/25. Student Voice Report (Appendix, Agenda Item 7b)

The Committee received an update on student voice activities across all campuses (previously circulated). The report continued to be compiled and written by the Student Union Executive (SUE) members. Governors would be invited to SUE meetings from the next Term.

The Committee noted that –

• • • six student representative meetings had been held since October 2025, with strong attendance and a new structured approach encouraging students to propose solutions alongside raising issues.
    • Student-led projects included plans for a podcast, a women’s discussion group and the launch of a student safeguarding committee.
    • The SUE had
    • engaged in enrichment and leadership initiatives, including participation in the AoC Youth Leadership Programme, which supported leadership development and strengthened links with other colleges.
    • collaborated with the High Sheriff of Shropshire on the Blue for Youth campaign, promoting youth awareness and fundraising for local charities.
    • played a key role in Induction Week, helping new students engage with college opportunities and promoting student voice.

The Committee was pleased to see the emphasis on inclusivity, including work with PRIDE students and discussions on supporting trans students.

59/25. Careers Strategy Report (Appendix, Agenda Item 8)

The Committee reviewed progress against the college’s Careers Strategy (previously circulated) and noted that statutory requirements continued to be met.

The AM explained –

• • • the key national developments, including revised Gatsby Benchmarks to be implemented from September 2025 and the new Ofsted inspection framework effective from November 2025. The Careers Team had planned a self-assessment against the updated benchmarks and was preparing for a peer review with partner colleges in the New Year. The Careers Skills Link Governor confirmed that they would be involved in preparation for the revised Gatsby Benchmarks.
    • the college maintained its Matrix Standard following the March 2025 assessment, with the next full inspection scheduled for March 2026.
    • operational changes, including the integration of Careers and Enrichment within Student Services and the transfer of Work Experience and Employer Engagement to the Employer Engagement Team to strengthen compliance with Gatsby Benchmarks 5 and 6.
    • the Teams was also working closely with the HE Director on the developing Access and Participation Plan for HE students, pending OfS approval.
    • Plans for a major careers event, Routes2Careers Shropshire and Mid Wales, scheduled for February 2026, aimed at enhancing student progression and employer engagement.

The Committee noted the increasing intersectionality between careers, skills and employer engagement due to government priorities and acknowledged the challenges this would bring to the college. However, it was assured that the college had the operational structure in place to meet these challenges.

60/25. SEND and EDI Report (Appendix, Agenda Item 9)

The Committee reviewed an update on SEND and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) provision (previously circulated).

The Committee noted that

• • • the college supported 150–210 High Needs students annually, with provision ranging from ASDAN programmes and Supported Internships to mainstream courses.
    • Achievement for High Needs students had improved slightly to 81.8% (from 80.6%) but remained below the overall college rate of 88.7%.
    • Achievement in main qualifications was strong (89.7%), yet retention gaps persisted, particularly at Level 1 and below, where achievement was 70.9% against a national average of 81.5%.
    • Functional Skills performance had declined significantly to 57.5%. The VP, S explained how the college was investigating this and the interventions being put in place to improve. The Committee acknowledged that this was a priority area for intervention.
    • Positive destinations remained a strength, with 94.2% progressing successfully and 50% of Supported Internship students moving into employment—well above national averages. Eleven High Needs students progressed to university.

The Committee noted EDI progress, including closing achievement gaps for Looked After Young People (LAYP) and minority ethnic groups and a narrowing gender gap (from 3.9% to 1.2%). The college continued to become more diverse as student numbers grew and the college attracted students from wider ranging areas. The college had supported campaigns such as Proud to Be, Safe Nights Out and participation in Shrewsbury Pride.

Priorities for 2025/26 included:

• • • Improving retention and performance at Level 1 and below.
    • Addressing Functional Skills achievement decline.
    • Enhancing transition processes and enrichment for High Needs students.
    • Continuing work to reduce achievement gaps and promote inclusion.

61/25. Safeguarding Report (Confidential Appendix, Agenda Item 9)

The Committee received the termly safeguarding update for Autumn 2025 (previously circulated).

The Committee noted

• • • a significant rise in safeguarding activity, with 11,635 entries recorded in 2024/25 (up from 7,951) and 1,572 students supported compared to 1,150 the previous year. In response to questions on this, the VP, S explained the rise in numbers was due to an overall increase in students attending the college, improved transition information received from schools, high levels of staff awareness and robust reporting protocols.
    • Mental health concerns, self-harm and suicide risk remained prevalent, while referrals for emotional health and wellbeing increased sharply following the appointment of an EHWB practitioner and improved transition processes.
    • Multi-agency work identified more students at risk of exploitation. In response to a question from the Safeguarding Link Governor, the VP, S explained the initiatives being put in place to address this -
    • Training and compliance had been strengthened through CPD sessions, including Emotionally Based School Avoidance training and mandatory child protection training for key staff.
    • The Prevent Risk Assessment had been updated to reflect increased risks from online and in-person extremist activity.
    • Tutorials had covered safeguarding themes such as online safety, substance misuse and anti-spiking awareness.
    • The Committee noted new initiatives, including:
    • Recruitment of a Student Safeguarding Group to co-produce safeguarding work.
    • Partnerships with Boots for free toiletries and external counselling provision via Crane.
    • Expansion of emotional health support, including resilience sessions, EHWB ambassadors and out-of-hours counselling through the Student Assistance Programme. In response to a question from the Safeguarding Link Governor, the VP, S explained how students were being involved in supporting fellow students

Strategic priorities included managing rising case volumes, maintaining capacity and ensuring Prevent and safeguarding strategies addressed emerging risks. Governors agreed these areas required continued monitoring.

62/25. Risk

The Committee considered the strategic risks relevant to its remit and agreed that they had been discussed within the meeting, particularly –

• • • QSC 1 - Risk of retention factor falling below target 95% for 16-19 students (or declining from year to year)
    • QSC 2 - Risk that Achievement rates fall below target or are declining
    • QSC 4 – Risk that Attendance falls below target levels
    • QSC 5 - Risk that Systems in place to support students who are struggling to achieve predicted grades are not effective.

63/25. Date of Next Meeting – 02 February 2026 from 5.30 p.m. – Room 1a, London Road Campus.

The meeting concluded at 7.40 p.m.