Outstanding satisfaction and pass rates confirm UHI Inverness as a top-performing college

UHI Inverness has again confirmed its position as one of the top-performing colleges in Scotland by achieving outstanding student pass rates and its highest-ever student satisfaction rating.

The latest UHI Inverness student survey has returned record-breaking satisfaction and response levels. The overall satisfaction rate for this month’s Early Student Experience Survey is an impressive 96.4% with an overall response rate of 69.2%.

It is the fourth year running that the first-term student survey has recorded an overall satisfaction rating within the 96% range.

This year’s survey paints a very positive picture of the student experience at UHI Inverness over the first months of the academic year.

The students highlighted the positive impact of supportive, approachable and knowledgeable staff. They also valued the strong sense of belonging and being offered practical and engaging learning experiences. 

Survey feedback from one student said:

“I love the college campus - it has beautiful landscaping and the building itself feels inspiring - it's well-resourced and the staff are all very caring, approachable and supportive. My course is excellent, and I am finding it very rewarding. I also studied for a certificate last year and that was an excellent experience all round.”

Another student said:

“The facilities are very welcoming. The building is a nice place to be. It’s very warm and inviting. The lecturers are passionate about their subjects and could not be more helpful.”

The latest published key performance indicators for the academic year 2024/25 demonstrate that UHI Inverness continues to be one of the top performing colleges in Scotland for student success.

Successful outcomes for its full-time further education students rose by one percentage point, reaching 76.4% - a result that places UHI Inverness 5.9% ahead of the Scottish National Benchmark of 70.5%.  

The successful outcomes for full-time higher national students rose from the 2023/24 figure of 68.4% to 76.7% for 2024/25. It placed 4.3% above the national average and third in Scottish colleges.

These results place UHI Inverness in second and third place respectively for FE full-time and higher national outcomes out of Scottish colleges of a similar size.

These sector-leading results are contained in the College Student Outcomes 2024-25 report by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) that measures learner outcomes across the Scottish college sector.

Student successful completion rates have increased significantly in recent years and the figures for the last academic year, 2025/26, continue this trend. UHI Inverness achieved an 80.3% successful outcomes rating in 2025/26 for full-time FE students and 86.1 % for part-time FE students. These figures will be published in May 2027.  

Dr Lindsay Snodgrass, Interim Principal and Chief Executive at UHI Inverness, said:

“These amazing figures – the successful student outcomes and our latest student satisfaction score – are truly exceptional and are used to enhance the learning experience we offer. They are a clear endorsement of the dedication of our students and staff and the quality of education we provide. The results reflect our commitment to putting the needs of our students at the heart of our planning and decisions, listening to feedback and continually enhancing the learning experience. They also demonstrate the strength of our collaborative culture, where investment in staff development and shared leadership helps create an environment in which both learners and colleagues can achieve their full potential."