Harper & Keele Veterinary School has received full accreditation from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Council for its Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVetMS) degree.  

The RCVS is responsible for setting and monitoring the standards for veterinary education, with accreditation enabling graduates from HKVS to join the RCVS Register and practice veterinary surgery in the UK. 

This significant milestone tops an amazing year for the School, which has been ranked No.1 in the UK for Veterinary Medicine in the National Student Survey, and has seen its pioneer class graduate – with many of the 90 newly qualified vets securing a role immediately after graduation. 

Founding head of the Harper & Keele Veterinary School, Professor Matt Jones, said: "We are delighted to receive the accreditation decision which recognises our innovative approach to veterinary education and the huge commitment from our colleagues and partners that underpins it.  

"We are a Vet School built on collaboration, not only between Harper Adams and Keele but with educational partners, industry and the wide range of placement providers needed to provide such a good student experience. 

"I was particularly pleased that the accreditation acknowledged our commitment to widening participation and inclusivity, and our efforts to create the right culture for everyone to thrive. We look forward to seeing the contribution of HKVS graduates to the profession over the coming years." 

Commenting on the approval of the degree by the RCVS, Professor Tim Parkin FRCVS, RCVS president and chair of the Education Committee, said: "We would like to congratulate the staff at Harper & Keele Veterinary School for their hard work in ensuring that the school's veterinary degree met our stringent accreditation standards, and welcome Harper and Keele graduates to their membership of the Royal College. 

"Our accreditation panel found some very commendable aspects to the school, such as a commitment to inclusion and widening participation, how it supports students in finding non-clinical and clinical placements, and its use of innovation to support learning.

"We look forward to continuing to work with Harper and Keele over the coming months and years to ensure that high standards continue to be met." 

The accreditation decision follows a formal inspection of the full five-year BVetMS programme earlier this year. A request for a Recognition Order to officially recognise the veterinary degree programme will now be shared with the Privy Council. 

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