The University of Northampton is "No. 1 for value added" – The Guardian

The University of Northampton has rocketed 31 places (the second fastest climber) in the latest national Guardian League Tables and become No. 1 in the UK for the ‘Value Added’ category.

'Value Added' is one of the most important categories for revealing how students succeed academically. The result is assessed by comparing students' individual degree results with their entry qualifications out of a score of 10. This helps demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of teaching at an institution.

As well as being No. 1 for Value Added, The University of Northampton is now ranked by The Guardian's as 63rd out of 119 other higher education institutions across the UK.

The Guardian League Table 2012 is heavily influenced by final year undergraduate students across all subject areas who - through the annual National Student Survey - are asked to provide feedback on key issues including the quality of their courses, teaching standards and facilities at their respective universities.

In addition to being No. 1 in Value Added, The Guardian also revealed The University of Northampton's table position on 'Spend per student' (the amount of money an institution invests in the learning and associated facilities and services) has rapidly risen 30 places to '55 out of 119'.

This is great news and sends out a clear message on our new strategy to position our University as a 'top 50' institution by 2015.

Our new strategy, 'Raising the Bar', is focussed on making dramatic improvements to teaching, learning and the 'student experience' for those studying undergraduate, part-time and post graduate qualifications with us.

We're clearly making moves in the right direction and will continue to press ahead with our intent to offer the best possible service to our students.

Professor Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor of The University of Northampton

Additional improvements listed for The University of Northampton in The Guardian League Tables include: 'Satisfied with (academic) feedback' (up 8 places to '15 out of 119'); 'Satisfied with Teaching' (up 1 place on last year to '50 out of 119'). For further details: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/table/2011/may/17/university-league-table-2012?intcmp=239