Authors: Nathalie Huegler and Natasha Kersh
In 2019, The Edge Foundation commissioned the UCL Institute of Education to conduct an evaluation of the Edge Hotel School (EHS), which was founded by the Edge Foundation in partnership with the University of Essex. The EHS provides a unique model of integrated practically-based higher education, enabling students to obtain foundation or honours degrees in hospitality and events management while working alongside industry professionals in an on-site 4-star country house commercial hotel. The central focus of this evaluation has been to explore how the EHS model combines the development of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills through an action-based learning approach and to identify wider implications and lessons to be learnt for industry-engaged education. The evaluation has also sought to identify perceived challenges, key achievements and future developments envisaged by stakeholders.