The University of Worcester has been shortlisted for University of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards for a fourth time.
The prestigious national awards recognise organisations that are making a measurable difference in improving social mobility across the UK.
The University’s latest shortlisting reflects its long-standing commitment to creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds and supporting students to succeed in higher education and beyond.
The University of Worcester has built a national reputation for transforming lives through education, with more than half of its students being the first in their family to attend university and 97% coming from state schools.
Professor David Green CBE, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for a record 4th time for University of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards. The University of Worcester excels in creating high quality opportunities for young people to become highly skilled professionals. We work tirelessly to ensure that people from all backgrounds have the chance to earn a higher education, thrive during their studies and progress into rewarding professional careers.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, students, graduates and partners who work together every day to transform lives through education.”
The University has developed a whole-institution approach to social mobility, focusing on widening access to higher education, supporting student success and helping graduates secure long-term career opportunities.
This approach is reflected in the University’s outcomes for its graduates. According to the Government’s Longitudinal Educational Outcomes (LEO) data 2026, Worcester is top in the UK for sustained employment, further study, or both, one year after graduation. Since the LEO was launched in 2017, Worcester has averaged the top-spot for multi-subject universities for sustained employment, with or without further study, 1,3 or 5 years after graduation. Students also rate the University highly whilst studying, with Worcester ranked in the top 20% of all UK higher education institutions for learning opportunities in the latest National Student Survey.
Cllr Tor Pingree, Mayor of Worcester, said: “It is great to see the University of Worcester recognised for the opportunities they give to their students. Their hard work has paid off again this year, leading in social mobility, continued education and long-term employment. Congratulations to the whole team!”
More than 40% of Worcester students study health-related subjects and around 20% study education, preparing graduates for careers that offer strong routes to social mobility while helping address workforce shortages in vital public services. The University now graduates around 1,000 healthcare professionals and approximately 500 teachers each year.
Worcester has also expanded higher education opportunities in areas with historically low participation rates through partnerships with colleges in locations including Walsall, Hereford, Halesowen and Weston-super-Mare, enabling more people to study closer to home.
Rt Hon Justine Greening, former Education Secretary and Chair of the Purpose Coalition, which champions social mobility, said: “A good university education can be truly transformative, giving people from every background the knowledge, skills and confidence to build rewarding careers. The University of Worcester’s strong record on graduate employment shows how widening access to higher education can help individuals fulfil their potential while also meeting the needs of wider society.
“Through its work to educate thousands of graduates for vital careers in healthcare, education and other public services, the University is advancing social mobility and strengthening the communities and services we all depend.”
The UK Social Mobility Awards recognise organisations that are leading efforts to improve social mobility and create opportunities for people from all sectors of society.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony later this year.