EDGE Hill is rapidly rising through the ranks of universities recognised for the opportunities and life chances they offer students from various backgrounds.
The University is now 13th out of 100 in the English Higher Education Social Mobility Index, a jump up of 15 places compared to the previous year.
The index is published by the independent think tank HEPI (Higher Education Policy Institute) to assess how well universities attract a broad range of students, support them while they study and ensure they go to find meaningful employment.
Heather Lloyd, head of widening access and student success, said:- “At Edge Hill, we see everyone with aspiration, ability and determination as a potential student, irrespective of their social background or previous opportunity. We’re proud that so many of our students are the 1st in their families to go to university and this is evidence of our commitment to widening access to higher education.”
Over 70% of Edge Hill’s undergraduate students are from groups underrepresented in higher education. These include students from low-income families, 1st-generation students, care experienced and estranged students, those with caring responsibilities or disabilities and those from minority ethnic groups or with refugee status.
Vice-Chancellor Dr John Cater added:- “Improving the lives of our students through the power of education is our core mission, and has been since we became the 1st non-denominational teacher training college for women in 1885. Our students benefit from an excellent education, quality pastoral care and career-boosting skills. Through them we are helping to bring about real social change for the communities we serve.”
Edge Hill has a range of support on offer to ensure prospective and current students make the most of available opportunities, developing their confidence and skills to progress to highly-skilled employment:-
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A dedicated Widening Access and Student Success Team supports students throughout their journey from pre-entry through initiatives like the Diversity Access Programme or Ignite Access Programme, to getting to grips with university life and study, and supporting successful progression as they complete their studies;
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The Fastrack programme prepares students to study at degree level if they don’t have the traditional necessary qualifications;
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Thrive provides enhanced support to 1st year students from backgrounds that are under-represented at university, from pre-entry online sessions and one to one coaching to career enhancing opportunities;
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Award-winning student advisory panels give a voice to students with various lived experiences, enabling them to actively shape the future of university services;
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The Medical School’s Foundation Year programme is a pathway to medicine for students whose background may have impacted their chances of meeting the academic requirements to apply for a degree directly;
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Edge Hill’s award-winning Careers Team offers additional personalised support to students from underrepresented groups, helping them achieve their career ambitions.
Find out more about studying at Edge Hill University, click here.
