Your feedback in action

Every year, our students help to shape our programmes and learning experience – sharing feedback which inspires meaningful action and improvement.

We run an annual survey to gather the views and opinions of all postgraduate students at Tavistock Education and Training. Feedback is carefully analysed and benchmarked, informing comprehensive action plans at both institutional and course level.

We are pleased to report that the findings of our 2025 student survey have already helped to drive a number of improvements across the student experience – many of which are reflected in the results of our most recent survey, which ran in Spring 2026.

Improving the experience of disabled students

Our 2025 student survey highlighted important differences between the experiences of disabled and non-disabled students, and several initiatives have been undertaken to address this imbalance. We have launched a new online CPD training for academic staff, focused on embedding disability inclusion into teaching and learning. We have also introduced induction sessions for all first-year students to ensure they are aware of the support available to them from the outset of their studies. Alongside this, our Student Reasonable Adjustments Policy has been comprehensively revised to reflect a more student-centred approach, informed by the Social Model of Disability. We are pleased to report that overall satisfaction among disabled students has risen from 76% in 2025 to 81% in our 2026 student survey, narrowing the gap with non-disabled students (83% in 2026). We are committed to continuing our work in this area.

Building a stronger research culture

Student feedback in our 2025 survey also highlighted the need to further strengthen our research culture. In response, our research workstream has been tasked with a remit to develop and deliver initiatives that contribute to building a stronger research community. Recent activities include a research newsletter, which has helped to raise awareness of research opportunities and events, including our monthly Workshops on Wednesdays, Postgraduate Skills and Research Week, and doctoral conferences. We are pleased to report that 64% of respondents expressed that they felt part of a postgraduate research community in our 2026 student survey – a 7% increase on the year before. However, we are aware that there is more work to be done here; developing a thriving research community and culture remains a priority.

Strengthening student connections

While many of our students value the flexibility offered by our programmes, many have also used our annual survey to indicate that they would welcome more opportunities to engage with their peers outside the classroom. To address this, our Student Engagement team have created new opportunities for social interaction throughout the academic year, including student social events, “sip and paint” art workshops and most recently our ‘Curious Coffees’ networking sessions. The ‘My Student Community’ area and calendar on Moodle include information about all events, helping students to keep up-to-date with opportunities to interact and socialise throughout the academic year.

Creating space for wellbeing

Students expressed a wish to have somewhere quiet to retreat within the busy environment of the Tavistock Centre. In response, we opened a new ‘Quiet Space’ on the ground floor of the building in Spring 2026. A technology-free environment, the room provides a calm and comfortable place to decompress, reflect and recharge between sessions. It forms part of our wider commitment to supporting student wellbeing, alongside personal tutorials and our confidential Student Advice and Consultation Service.

We are grateful to every student who has taken the time to share their views in our annual surveys, and to participate in our broader programme of student engagement, which includes Dean’s Forums, course committees and groups. Your feedback continues to shape decision-making across Tavistock Education and Training – helping to ensure that our educational offer remains responsive, inclusive and supportive for current and future students.