Harper & Keele Veterinary School has been ranked number one in the UK for Veterinary Medicine in the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS) – just as its first cohort of 90 students graduate and enter the profession.
The landmark results and graduation mark a significant milestone for the School, which launched in 2020 as a collaboration between Harper Adams University and Keele University. The School now has more than 600 students across all years of study.
The NSS, a high-profile annual survey of nearly half a million final year undergraduate students across the UK, saw an impressive 91.4 per cent of students at Harper & Keele Veterinary School express satisfaction with their course.
Professor Matt Jones, founding head of the Harper & Keele Veterinary School, said:
“This is a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect on the incredible work and achievements of many colleagues at the vet school, the universities and our partners to get us to this landmark. Our recent ranking as number one vet school in our first National Student Survey is testament to the profound impact this has had for our students.
“We are incredibly proud of our first graduates, many of whom secured jobs during their final year, embarking on an inspiring range of careers within the industry. Our new vets are contributing to animal, human and planetary health, working with companion and farm animals, and in supporting food security and research.”
Graduation day began with a ceremony at Keele University, before students travelled to Harper Adams University for a second event, where they were welcomed as official members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Professor Mark Ormerod OBE, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Keele University, added: “I’m delighted that Harper & Keele Veterinary School has been ranked by students as number one in the UK for Veterinary Medicine in this year’s National Student Survey.
“This outstanding result sets a strong foundation for the future of the School and highlights the impact of our joint commitment to excellence in veterinary education.”
