Associate Professor Angela Scollan, from Middlesex University’s Department of Education, was part of a writing group for the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). This group developed guidance for Principle 10: Supporting Students to Achieve Their Potential, a component of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education.
The QAA, an independent body ensuring quality in UK higher education, established the guidance to help institutions create environments where students can thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Key aspects highlighted include fostering student belonging, providing effective support during transitions, ensuring equitable access to services, promoting partnership working, clear communication, and opportunities for engagement beyond the curriculum.
“Student success is about much more than academic achievement alone,” stated Dr Scollan. “Students are most likely to flourish when they experience belonging, meaningful participation and coordinated support throughout their university journey. I was proud to contribute to this important and highly collaborative project, which reflects many of the values that underpin our work at Middlesex University.”
This new guidance aligns with Middlesex University's existing commitment to student belonging, inclusion, and academic achievement. It supports the university's ongoing efforts to cultivate supportive learning environments for students from diverse backgrounds.
Dr Scollan brings extensive experience in education, research, and professional practice to her role as Associate Professor in Early Childhood Studies and a member of the Centre for Educational Research and Scholarship (CERS) at Middlesex University. Her research interests encompass children's rights, inclusive pedagogy, student belonging, and learner engagement.
