Framework

All colleges use the How Good Is Our College? (HGIOC?) quality framework to evaluate and report on their performance. This forward-looking framework builds on existing, effective internal quality arrangements within colleges, and aligns with Education Scotland’s 'Overarching Framework' for evaluating the quality of services and organisations – the overarching framework used by other sectors.

The framework also takes account of the Scottish Funding Council's arrangements for Regional Outcome Agreements, as well as the extensive changes within the college sector over recent years.

Through the use of HGIOC?, colleges and their stakeholders identify what is working well and what needs to improve. The framework is based on four high-level principles, which in turn are underpinned by challenge questions and quality indicators:

• Leadership and quality culture
• Delivery of learning and services to support learning
• Outcomes and impact
• Capacity for improvement

Each college produces an Evaluative Report and Enhancement Plan. These outline the methodology and approaches taken to evaluation and progress made against targets and areas for improvement, as well as grades.

HM Inspectors have engaged regularly with colleges since the new arrangements were introduced in 2016–17, providing support and challenge to staff in their understanding of the principles and approaches behind the new arrangements; and the accuracy and appropriateness of their approaches to evaluation.

The college-devised Evaluative Report and Enhancement Plan and associated proposed grading outcomes are submitted to Education Scotland. Evidence gathered is used to evaluate the accuracy and appropriateness.

Submitted reports are subject to independent scrutiny and endorsement procedures. Individual college reports, grades, and associated endorsement statements will be published on the Education Scotland website.

Key documents

PDF file: Approach to external quality assurance, engagement, and enhancement by HM Inspectors 2023-24 - Briefing Note (123 KB)

PDF file: Briefing note for colleges: progress visits (409 KB)

Related links

College reviews - Reports on the quality of provision in Scotland's colleges (See Further education section from drop down menu under Organisation type heading).

How Good Is Our College? (HGIOC?) - This framework reflects the changed landscape in which colleges are working.

Word file: Grading - Advice and guidance on grading 2017-18 Evaluative Reports (83 KB)