University recognised as a UK leader for social mobility

The University has been recognised as one of the UK's leading institutions for social mobility, securing top 10 rankings in the Social Mobility Commission report. 

The report, Who Gets In? University Benchmarks for Social Mobility, examines how effectively universities create opportunities for students from a wide range of backgrounds and support them to achieve positive outcomes. The University performed strongly across all three measures, ranking:

• 6th nationally for location-adjusted social mobility
• 9th nationally for equal access
• 10th nationally for the overall social mobility coefficient

These results place the University in the top 10 nationally across all three measures included in the report.

The recognition builds on the University's position as 3rd in England in the English Social Mobility Index, highlighting its success in widening access to higher education while also supporting students to continue, succeed and progress into positive graduate outcomes.

The achievement reflects the impact of a whole-University approach to social mobility. By combining innovative outreach and access programmes with a strong focus on student success, belonging and graduate outcomes, the University continues to help students from underrepresented backgrounds realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

The results are a reflection of the collective efforts of colleagues across Access and Aspire, Uni Connect, Student Success, academic schools and professional services, all of whom play a role in creating opportunities for learners from a wide range of backgrounds and supporting them throughout their student journey.

The findings also reinforce the University's commitment to transforming lives and strengthening communities through education. They demonstrate the importance of ensuring that students are not only able to access higher education, but are supported to thrive, achieve their goals and secure successful futures after graduation.

The latest recognition provides further external validation of the University's work in widening participation, student success and social mobility, and showcases the positive impact being made across the institution every day.