Wigan college achieves international benchmark recognition for high-quality advice

Winstanley College was globally recognised for its high-quality Information Advice and Guidance services (IAG) provided to young people.

The college’s IAG for students includes a number of strands: careers; guidance and personal tutor support; library and study support; support for those with additional needs; counselling and work experience.

The Matrix Standard is the international quality standard for organisations that deliver IAG either as its sole purpose or as part of its service offering.

Head of the Matrix Service for The Growth Company Roger Chapman said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Winstanley College and I would like to congratulate the team on their success.

"We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service and a focus on continuous improvement, all underpinned by effective use of the resources available.

"The Matrix Standard is designed to benchmark organisations against best practice in these areas. With their accreditation success, Winstanley College is working to provide the best possible support.”

Assistant principal Victoria Morgan said: “We are delighted to have been re-accredited to the Matrix Standard.

"It is a great achievement that recognises how the student is always at the heart of what we do.

"We are particularly proud of the comments in our accreditation report that reference "the ethos of encouraging students to be the best they can be and aim for the top while being able to marry together the potentially diverse aims of maintaining its high academic (and new vocational) excellence alongside encouraging students to recognise, acknowledge and address wellbeing and mental health issues - two areas that are sometimes seen as mutually exclusive.

"The whole package of pastoral support available encourages students to be open and honest being supported to recognise that they do not necessarily preclude them from achieving successful outcomes.”

"There is excellent feedback from students about the support that they can access and receive at College."

Principal Louise Tipping added: "I’m proud the effort of so many at the College has been recognised.

"The award recognises the commitment and hard work of our staff and partners.

"It acknowledges their efforts to continually raise standards and offer outstanding service in providing information, advice and guidance.

"Congratulations and thank you to all involved."