Exeter hailed University of the Year for its outstanding support of social mobility

Exeter has been named ‘University of the Year’ at the prestigious national awards programme celebrating outstanding support for social mobility.

The University triumphed at the Social Mobility Awards in London, last night (Thursday), in recognition of its work across multiple national and regional projects dedicated to championing equal opportunities and improving life outcomes for young people.

These include the Success of All programme, which focuses on widening participation, closing gaps in student outcomes, and building a diverse and inclusive learning environment, and the work undertaken to embed social justice and inclusion at the heart of its strategy, and in its curriculum and teaching.

The award also recognises the University’s leadership of the South West Social Mobility Commission, new educational programmes to develop skills that improve employment opportunities, and engagement with policymakers through its Centre for Social Mobility.

Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “We are thrilled to have been named University of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards. This achievement acknowledges the incredible work undertaken by colleagues across our University to make a real and lasting impact to people and communities, here in the South West and across the UK.

“The award speaks to our Strategy 2030 commitment to deliver real change to people’s lives, through increasing education, skills, and genuine opportunities for all. This includes our Success For All programme, which ensures that talent, not background, shapes a student’s future; and our work through initiatives such as the South West Social Mobility Commission and our Undergraduate Tutoring Programme.

“We are so proud to be recognised with this award, and I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to everybody involved, for their tireless work in tackling and improving social mobility.”

Since its inception in 2017, the Social Mobility Awards have recognised and celebrated forward-thinking organisations that are embedding social mobility initiatives into their core business strategy to create positive social change for their employees and in their communities.

This year saw a record number of entries, with 15 winners honoured on the night at the gala event at the Hilton Park Lane Hotel. Exeter was one of six finalists in its category, and was chosen ahead of The Open University, Imperial College London, University of East London, Queen Mary University of London, and Nottingham Trent University.

Comedian and writer Shappi Khorsandi presented the award to the University’s delegation of Nicola Sinclair, Associate Director Access and Participation; Professor Vrinda Nayak, Associate Professor in Medical Education and Associate Dean for Taught Students (Racial Equality and Inclusion); and Dr Kirsty Janes, Access and Participation Insights and Evidence Manager.

“We were thrilled and honoured to receive this award on behalf of the University,” said Ms Sinclair. “It recognises all of the tireless work that has taken place over many years in support of social mobility and the promotion of equal opportunity.”

“The award is also a testament to the fantastic teamwork across the University between academic and professional colleagues in collaboration with our students,” added Professor Nayak. “Together, they are removing barriers, fostering inclusion and ensuring that talent, not background, shapes a student’s future.”

The University works extensively within and outside the region to promote equality through education. It supports around 1,500 learners each year from Year 10 upwards – including those returning to learning – in programmes to develop educational skills, inform choices and encourage progression into undergraduate study. Among them are award-winning schemes such as Exeter Scholars and the Mature Access Pathway, run collaboratively with further education colleges. University staff and students work with pupils across the South West through school and campus-based activities, including advice sessions, subject conferences and student-led tutoring, supporting many thousands of local learners each year.

The award reflected the impact of the Success for All initiative, which is a comprehensive programme working to create a diverse and inclusive educational environment. Among numerous recent activities have been collaboration with disabled students to make teaching and assessment more accessible; wide-ranging cost-of-living support to help students overcome financial barriers, and initiatives such as Exeter Cares, which offer pastoral and practical help for students who may need additional assistance due to challenging personal circumstances.

The award also recognised the University’s commitment to quality marks, such as the Race Equality and Mental Health Charters, while programmes such as 100 Women Black Professors NOW have helped improve the representation of staff from minority groups in senior positions.