Why Study at ACET

ACET was inspected by EAQUALS in November 2021 and met the high standards required for EAQUALS accreditation. The teaching, the course programmes, as well as the course organisation, the learning resources, testing and evaluation were all judged to be of high quality.  It was found that the institution takes great care to protect the welfare of its clients and staff, and all publicity materials produced by the institution are accurate and truthful. 

The EAQUALS inspector identified points of excellence in the following categories:
Management and Administration
Management and Administration is an area of excellence because                                                                                                                         

• there is evidence of particularly well-planned and organised management of change, and a readiness to innovate
• there is a comprehensive risk register which is regularly maintained and updated
• regular reviews inform strategic and business planning as evidenced in the detailed Quality Planning document
• the Centre has a very inclusive approach to human resources management which actively encourages engagement by staff and promotes initiative and involvement, as indicated in the Vision Statement, in the Teaching Team Handbook, and confirmed by staff interviewed
• staff show exceptional attention to details and provide personal service in a way that contributes considerably to the smooth running of the Centre

Course Design and Supporting Systems
Course Design and Supporting Systems are excellent because

• there is detailed reference to the CEFR both in the planning and implementation of course programmes in such a way as to have a real influence on setting clear learning objectives as well as on teaching and learning.
• taken together, the ACET curriculum and Syllabus and the ACET course and LEVELS documents offer outstandingly clear descriptions and rationales for the design of course programmes and selection of learning objectives; the programmes and schemes of work combine coherence with flexibility to encourage teachers’ creativity and initiative, to a degree rarely encountered
• the development of learner autonomy is explicitly part of the pedagogy included in the course programmes
• the weekly tutorial meetings offer a regular and much appreciated opportunity to review course programmes and respond to the changing needs of students
• the inclusion of a needs analysis in the induction of each student, combined with the weekly Scheme of Work, enables exceptionally close attention to be paid to individual needs, while maintaining a focus on learning outcomes for the class as a whole. 

Communication with Staff
Communication with Staff is an area of excellence because there is an exceptionally effective mix and level of formal and informal communciation between staff at all levels with evidence of problems being raised and addressed as well as achievement recognised and celebrated.  There are constant informal opportunites for all staff to contribute their opinions and ideas for the developement and operation of the Centre.

Communication with Students and Clients
Communication with Students and Clients is excellent because the website, Partner Handbook, Student Handbook and noticeborads are exceptionally attractive, well maintained and easy to read as well as offering comprehensive and accurate information about the Centre.  Particularly wide use is made of social media accounts and inspection of these indicated frequent interaction with the clients.

Academic Resources
Academic resources are excellent as the centre has a very wide collection of material for both staff and students to use and in-house material is being constantly monitored and added to.

Student Services
Student Services are excellent because the exceptional overall attention to detail, the genuine concern for individuals and their needs, the transparency of the organisation’s systems all contribute to a culture of excellence in service to clients.

Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance is an area of excellence because there is a broad range of quality assurance procedures throughout the Centre, and a comprehensive quality enhancement plan, as evidenced by the Quality Plan seen in the Management Framework Document.  All staff displayed an exceptional level of commitment to improving quality across all services.

Learning Environment
The learning Environment is excellent because there is particular attention paid to the health and safety of students and staff, with careful frequent attention to procedures, facilities and equipment, and training. The Centre has prioritised effective measures to manage its premises and resources in an environmentally-friendly manner including the provision of recycling facilities and strictly limited photocopying.