Edge Hill University Achieves Top 15 Ranking for Student Social Mobility
Edge Hill University has proudly announced its placement among the top 15 higher education institutions in England for the Student Social Mobility Index. The university secured the 13th position out of 100 universities in the 2025 list, which is published annually by the independent think tank, the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI). This recognition underscores Edge Hill's ongoing dedication to providing opportunities for all students, regardless of their background.
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
Dr. Jo Wright, the chief student and governance officer at Edge Hill University, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, "By championing equity, we are continuing our pioneering heritage of challenging barriers to education. I’m proud to see that this vision is having a real impact on the lives of our students." The university prides itself on delivering opportunity for all, with a continued commitment to supporting individuals from a wide range of backgrounds to access and succeed in obtaining an excellent university education and the skills necessary for successful careers.
Understanding the Social Mobility Index
The Social Mobility Index assesses the experiences of graduates from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, measuring the social distance they travel through various metrics. These include how students access higher education, their completion rates, and their outcomes post-graduation. Edge Hill University has been recognized for its efforts in these areas, providing a supportive environment for students who are typically under-represented in higher education.
Supporting Diverse Student Groups
Edge Hill University offers a nurturing environment for students from diverse backgrounds and cultures, including:
- Students who have experience of care or are estranged from family
- Students with caring responsibilities
- Students who were eligible for free school meals
- Students entering university from neighborhoods with low participation in higher education and from low-income households
- Students who hold refugee status
- Students who identify as Black, Asian, or from other minority ethnic groups
- Students who did not study A Level qualifications, such as those with BTEC backgrounds
- Students who are the first in their family to enter higher education
Key Initiatives for Access and Success
Edge Hill University has implemented several key initiatives to encourage wider access and support student success, including:
- A Widening Access and Student Success Team: This team provides enhanced support throughout the student journey, working in co-creation with students and staff through award-winning Student Advisory Panels to develop initiatives that empower students during and after their university experience.
- Medicine with Foundation Year Programme: This program enables students who do not meet the required academic results for entry onto the five-year medicine course to still pursue their medical education.
- The University’s Fastrack Programme: Aimed at prospective students over the age of 21, this program prepares individuals for degree-level study when they lack the required qualifications.
- Supportive Careers Team: Edge Hill's careers team offers personalized support to students from non-traditional backgrounds, helping them navigate their career paths effectively.
These efforts highlight Edge Hill University's proactive approach to fostering an inclusive educational environment that promotes social mobility and student achievement across all demographics.
