The University of Worcester, recently recognised as the UK’s leading university for graduate employment outcomes, has now been named University of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards.
The prestigious national award recognises organisations making a measurable difference to social mobility and celebrates Worcester’s success in enabling people from all backgrounds to access higher education, thrive during their studies and progress into rewarding professional careers.
The achievement represents a remarkable double accolade for the University and reflects its longstanding commitment to delivering high-quality education, exceptional student support and outstanding graduate success.
Sharon Smith, Chief Executive of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Everyone at the Chamber of Commerce is absolutely delighted to see the University of Worcester recognised as University of the Year for Social Mobility. This award reflects something those of us who work closely with the University have seen for many years: a deep commitment to helping people realise their potential, whatever their background or circumstances.
“As an alumna of the University myself, I know how the University can change lives. It opens doors for people who may never have imagined that higher education was within their reach and gives them the skills, confidence and opportunities to build successful futures. In doing so, it also makes an enormous contribution to our local businesses, public services and communities.
“I would like to congratulate all the staff, students, graduates and partners on this fantastic and thoroughly deserved achievement.”
Earlier this year, the Daily Mail University Guide named Worcester University of the Year for Graduate Jobs 2027, describing its students as “lucky” and stating: “Worcester has a record for getting its graduates into high-skilled jobs that rivals the best in the country, leaving many of the Russell Group in the shade.”
Government Longitudinal Educational Outcomes (LEO) data shows Worcester is the UK’s leading multi-subject university for sustained employment, further study, or both, one year after graduation. Across the 10 years that LEO data has been published, Worcester has achieved the strongest employment outcomes of any multi-subject university overall.
Professor David Green CBE, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, said: “To be recognised as the UK’s University of the Year for Social Mobility, while also being acknowledged nationally for having the strongest graduate employment outcomes, is a tremendous honour.
“This is an extraordinary achievement for our students, staff and graduates. It demonstrates that universities can widen opportunity and deliver outstanding results at the same time.
“For 80 years, the University of Worcester has been transforming lives through education. We believe talent is found everywhere and that higher education should enable people from every background to fulfil their potential and build successful, rewarding careers.”
He added: “None of this would be possible without the outstanding support of our partners across business, community and public sector organisations, who provide so many placements, internships and work-based learning opportunities for our students. Their commitment helps our students gain the skills, confidence and experience needed to succeed.”
More than half of Worcester’s students are the first in their family to attend university and 97% come from state schools. The University has built a national reputation for transforming lives through education, proving that widening participation and outstanding outcomes go hand in hand.
The University of Worcester has been a national trailblazer in building partnerships that strengthen opportunity and support regional growth. It helped create the UK’s first and only integrated university and public library, and has developed notably close relationships with local businesses, schools, NHS organisations and local authorities. These partnerships help ensure the University remains closely connected to the communities it serves while creating opportunities for students, graduates and local residents alike.
The University’s success is driven by employment-focused courses, strong partnerships with employers and extensive opportunities for practical learning and work-based experience. Around 40 per cent of Worcester students study health-related subjects and approximately 20 per cent study education, helping to address workforce shortages while providing graduates with strong pathways into professional careers. 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.
The UK Social Mobility Awards recognise organisations leading efforts to improve social mobility and create opportunities for people from all sectors of society.
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]