Senior education leaders across the West Midlands have praised the University of Worcester after it was named a finalist for the Times Higher Education University of the Year Award.
The University is one of just six on the shortlist for the prestigious award, widely regarded as the top accolade a UK university can achieve.
Guy Shears, Chief Executive of the Central Region Schools Trust and a member of the University’s College of Fellows, said: “In everything Worcester does, it does it authentically and with integrity and creativity, and it does it really well.”
The Trust, which has thirteen schools across Worcestershire, Birmingham and the West Midlands, works closely with the University of Worcester.
Mr Shears said: “The links the University has to our schools are incredibly rich. The initial teacher training education here is not just rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, it really is outstanding.”
Guy added: “I’m very proud to be connected to Worcester, and for Central Region Schools Trust to benefit from the amazing people and their generous support for our schools. The nomination is incredibly well deserved.”
Worcester has been shortlisted four times for the Times Higher Education University of the Year Award in the last decade, having previously been a finalist in 2016, 2019, and 2020.
Cat Lewis, Principal of Kidderminster College and Worcester graduate said: “I think it’s a massive opportunity for our students to have a university like Worcester in this region.”
She continued: “Worcester’s use of simulation in education gives students real-world skills, which eases their transition from college into the workplace.”
Claire Heywood, Vice Principal of Kidderminster College, and also a Worcester alumna for both her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, said: “To be shortlisted is incredible. The key to it was around links to employability and skills, and that transfer of knowledge from the classroom to practical activities.”
Claire added: “We do a lot of vocational work at Kidderminster College, and seeing vocational education delivered at such scale and quality at university level is what sets Worcester apart.”
Dr Tony Evans, Headteacher of Prince Henry’s High School, Evesham, said: “As someone who trained at the University of Worcester, I know just how special its approach to teacher education is. The warmth, care, and encouragement shown to trainees make a lasting difference, helping them to enter the profession with passion, skill, and confidence.”
He said: “Worcester’s strong partnerships with schools like ours ensure that future teachers are well prepared to inspire young people.”
Professor David Green CBE DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, said: “We are deeply grateful for the generous words from our colleagues in education across the region. Their support and congratulations mean a great deal to us.”
He continued: “Central to our shortlisting is our record on graduate employment. We have been top for jobs across all multidisciplinary universities in the UK for many years. Our graduates have the highest rate of sustained employment, further study or both, according to the official Government Longitudinal Education Outcomes Statistics, from 2017 when the data was first connected, until today.”
Professor Green said: “Worcester’s shortlisting for the University of the Year Award reflects the close partnership working we do with schools, colleges, health trusts and employers across a host of industries. We aim to continue to be top for jobs and thank all our partners for their contribution to the development and success of our students and graduates.”
He added: “We are very grateful for the help and support of such distinguished educational leaders in our region. Together we aim to do still more in the interests of learners at all ages and stages. At the University, we educate outstanding teachers who go on to make a real difference in classrooms across the region, and we welcome many students from local schools and colleges into our university community. These close relationships strengthen education at every level in the region and help ensure children, young people and adult learners are supported to succeed.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]