National Student Survey 2021

York St John University has achieved an overall satisfaction score of 77% in the 2021 National Student Survey (NSS).

This year’s results come in the context of considerable uncertainty and disruption to university education as a result of the pandemic.

In line with the rest of the higher education sector, the overall satisfaction score represents a drop in comparison to last year, but remains above the sector average of 75%.

The score places the University at 36th of 122 English HE providers, within the top 40.

Scores were particularly strong for assessment and feedback, where York St John was ranked 20th, and for student voice and learning community. Each of these areas reflect significant efforts made across the university to build on feedback from previous surveys. 

The 77% overall satisfaction rating is also the joint third highest university ranking in Yorkshire.

Professor Karen Bryan, Vice Chancellor of York St John University said:

"We know that Covid has impacted on the experience of our students. However, we can be proud of these scores, and it is important to recognise the huge efforts that staff have made to support our students' learning during this unusual and demanding year. I am delighted to see that our students feel part of a community at York St John and am incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication reflected in our NSS results.

Students also scored York St John University Students' Union as significantly above average for representing academic interests.

Professor Susan Orr, Pro Vice Chancellor Learning and Teaching said:

"Our Students' Union presidents and sabbatical officers have played an important role in ensuring our students know their voice is heard at York St John. We thank them for their hard work over the past year to represent student interests and look forward to going from strength to strength in our student partnership. Together, we will continue to learn from the feedback our students have given us."

The survey, which had 332,500 responses this year – a 69 per cent response rate – asks students about a range of factors related to their academic experience, including the teaching on their course, assessment and feedback, and how well courses were organised.

You can see full details of this year's NSS on the Office for Students website.