South Bank Colleges is delighted to announce that it has successfully achieved the matrix Standard, following an external assessment of the college’s information, advice and guidance services.
The accreditation is confirmed from 17 June 2026 and recognises the quality of support available to students across South Bank Colleges, including Lambeth College at Clapham and Brixton, and London South Bank Technical College at Nine Elms.
The matrix Standard is the Department for Education’s recognised quality standard for organisations that deliver information, advice and guidance. For students, this includes the help they receive when choosing a course, planning their next steps, accessing careers advice, getting support with wellbeing, applying for university, finding work placements, or progressing into employment.
As part of the assessment, the assessor reviewed a wide range of college services, including Safeguarding and Wellbeing, Careers, Personal Development, Tutorials, Marketing and Schools Liaison, Student Finance, Recruitment and Enrolment, Inclusive Learning, Counselling, Apprenticeship Support, Work Experience and Placements, Enrichment, and Student Voice.
The report highlighted the college’s developing “wraparound” approach to support, with teams working together to make sure students receive timely and appropriate guidance. It also recognised the strong role of careers advice, safeguarding, wellbeing, tutorial support, and work experience in helping students build confidence and plan for the future.
Students interviewed during the assessment spoke positively about their experience at South Bank Colleges. The report noted that students described the college as safe and supportive, and said they felt staff cared about them as individuals. It also highlighted the importance of the college’s support in helping students develop soft skills, reach personal goals, and access practical help such as funding and travel support.
The assessment also praised the college’s careers and progression work, including support for UCAS applications, students with Education, Health and Care Plans, and learners considering higher education. The report noted that student destinations show an increasingly broad range of achievement, including progression to Russell Group universities and specialist higher education institutions.
South Bank Colleges’ work with employers and local partners was also recognised, including support for apprenticeships, T Level placements, work experience, construction, green skills, digital, health and care, and adult learning. The report described the college’s adult provision as essential to the local communities it serves, particularly for adults looking for a first or second chance to gain skills and move forward.
Elaine Smith, Director of Student Engagement and Wellbeing at South Bank Colleges, said, “Achieving the matrix Standard is a fantastic recognition of the work taking place across the college to support students at every stage of their journey. This award reflects the commitment of staff across many teams, all working together to help students feel safe, supported and ready for their next steps.”
South Bank Colleges will continue to build on the strengths identified in the assessment, with annual continuous improvement checks helping the college maintain and develop the quality of its information, advice and guidance services.
For students, parents, carers, employers and partners, the matrix Standard accreditation provides clear reassurance that South Bank Colleges is committed to giving learners the support they need to make informed choices, overcome barriers, and progress with confidence.
