University hits table low

The University of Wolverhampton was today named as the second worst performing university in the Midlands, with only Derby scoring lower.The University of Wolverhampton was today named as the second worst performing university in the Midlands, with only Derby scoring lower. It came 114th out of 123 nationally in the Good Universities Guide - two places higher than last year. Senior officials put a brave face on the showing today. Vice-Chancellor Professor Caroline Gipps maintained: "The National Student Survey recently rated us as one of the best universities for the quality of learning resources and access to specialist equipment. "We receive very high ratings for all our Quality Assurance Agency assessments, inspections and professional body accreditations. "The University is also a national leader in technology-supported learning. Our tremendous contribution to education and to businesses in the region has been recognised by national awards." Read the full story in the Express & Star

The University of Wolverhampton was today named as the second worst performing university in the Midlands, with only Derby scoring lower.

It came 114th out of 123 nationally in the Good Universities Guide - two places higher than last year. Senior officials put a brave face on the showing today.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Caroline Gipps maintained: "The National Student Survey recently rated us as one of the best universities for the quality of learning resources and access to specialist equipment.

"We receive very high ratings for all our Quality Assurance Agency assessments, inspections and professional body accreditations.

"The University is also a national leader in technology-supported learning. Our tremendous contribution to education and to businesses in the region has been recognised by national awards."Birmingham rose five spots to 23rd, while Keele fell seven to finish 48th.

Worcester improved from 103 to 92 while UCE Birmingham plunged from 77 to 89 place.

Wolverhampton recorded a near 71 per cent satisfaction rating with students. Derby had a slightly higher figure but still finished two places lower in the national standings in 116th spot - a fall of 11 places on last year - and this left it rock bottom in the Midlands.

Professor Gipps said there was much to be proud of in Wolverhampton, describing graduates, staff and students as "ambassadors" for what her university was achieving.

She added: "The University is ranked fourth nationally for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, which give organisations access to groundbreaking research and the skills of a high-quality graduate, and 12th for the number of days training we deliver to businesses.

"We train large numbers of teachers, nurses, midwives, social workers and other professionals who drive the education and healthcare systems in the region."

She added the table, compiled for tomorrow's Sunday Times, does not reflect its true qualities.

by John Scott

University ratings

Last year's position in brackets

Warwick 7th (6th)

Birmingham 23rd (28th)

Aston 32nd (33rd)

Keele 48th (41st)

Staffordshire 79th (81st)

Coventry 83rd (87th)

UCE 89th (77th)

Worcester 92nd (103rd)