University of Exeter honoured with silver award at the UK Social Mobility Awards 2022
The University of Exeter has been honoured for innovative work to address barriers to progression to higher education.
Support to help thousands of children across the country realise their potential was honoured with a Silver Award for the ‘University of the Year’ at the sixth annual UK Social Mobility Awards.
The University of Exeter was shortlisted for the award thanks to initiatives such as Exeter Scholars, a free progression programme for pupils traditionally under-represented in higher education.
Pupils join in Year 10 or Year 12 and learn about university life, explore academic study in their chosen subject and develop transferable skills to help their school studies. There are face-to-face events, such as summer schools, as well as continued support and online activities. Students who progress to undergraduate study at Exeter are also able to access a range of financial, practical and academic support to help them succeed once at university. During the 2021/22 academic year 430 Exeter Scholars achieved university places with 191 progressing to undergraduate study at Exeter. Of these 54 per cent achieved AAA or higher.
During the pandemic the programme moved entirely online with innovations including a virtual summer school. The Exeter Scholars team worked closely with academics to create lesson plans, course materials, self-directed modules and interactive experiences.
Nicola Sinclair, University of Exeter Head of Widening Participation and UK Student Recruitment and Director (Practice) of the Centre for Social Mobility, said: “Improving access to higher education for all – and particularly under-represented groups – is our priority. We run ambitious and innovative projects to widen access and make sure everyone can realise their potential once at university. We are delighted this work has been recognized by the UK Social Mobility Awards.”
Professor Lisa Roberts, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Exeter, said: “I’m delighted that our University has been honoured with a Silver Award at this year’s Social Mobility Awards. As a University that puts people at the heart of all our activity, and with a vision to lead the progress on creating a fair, socially just and inclusive society, the ambition to increase social mobility and break down barriers to higher education runs through everything we do.
“Our priority is to support all young people to realise their potential and to ensure that they have the opportunity to progress to higher education, if they wish to do so. I am extremely proud of the innovative work of my colleagues, and very pleased that this has been recognised by the UK Social Mobility Awards.”
The winners of the 2022 UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs) were announced at an Awards Fundraising Gala held at The Royal Lancaster London Hotel.
The UK Social Mobility Awards were set up to recognise organisations that are prioritising social mobility, for example through recruitment processes and progression programmes, outreach within the local community, or by developing innovative ways to create change. This year’s judges included a panel of esteemed leaders chaired by Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE.
Tunde Banjoko OBE, Founder of The UK Social Mobility Awards, said: “The UK Social Mobility Awards is a vehicle to raise awareness of social mobility and showcases the individuals and organisations who are dedicated to its advancement. The number and quality of entries we received for this year’s awards is an indication of the increasing significance of social mobility to UK business. I would like to congratulate all the inspiring organisations and individuals who took home a trophy this year. All the UK Social Mobility Awards finalists are making a tangible difference to social mobility in this country and this recognition is extremely well-deserved.”
The UK Social Mobility Awards are organised by leading societal change charity, Making The Leap, who support thousands of young people from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds each year.
