Keele University shortlisted for national social mobility award

Keele University has been recognised nationally for its work widening access to higher education and helping students from underrepresented backgrounds progress into graduate careers.

Keele University has been shortlisted for University of the Year at the Student Social Mobility Awards 2026, recognising its work to improve opportunities for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

The national awards programme is organised by social mobility charity upReach and celebrates universities helping more students access higher education, succeed during their studies and progress into graduate careers.

Keele has been shortlisted alongside the University of Warwick and Manchester Metropolitan University, with the winner set to be announced on 8 July 2026.

Supporting young people across Staffordshire and beyond

The shortlisting reflects Keele University's commitment to widening participation and supporting student success through initiatives including Higher Horizons.

Based on the university's campus, the programme works to raise aspirations and increase progression into higher education.

Since 2017, Higher Horizons has supported more than 65,000 young people across Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire.

Recent data shows that 47 per cent of participants go on to apply to university, around twice the rate of their peers.

“We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award. It reflects the commitment of colleagues and partners across the University who work to create opportunities for students from under-represented backgrounds and support them to achieve their ambitions.

”Improving social mobility is central to our mission, and we are proud to help students access higher education, succeed in their studies and progress into rewarding careers.“

Kulvinder Birring, Director of Student Futures at Keele

Building experience and career opportunities

Employability forms a key part of the Keele student experience, with every undergraduate degree offering either a placement year or an integrated professional placement.

These opportunities allow students to gain industry experience, build professional networks and strengthen their future career prospects.

This work is supported by the Keele Deals framework, which brings together local authorities, businesses and education providers to create pathways into employment.

The university's Access and Participation Plan also offers a range of support measures, including academic skills support, financial assistance, wellbeing services and careers guidance.

Strong graduate prospects

Recent figures have highlighted the impact of Keele's approach.

In the 2026 Uni Compare rankings, published in June 2025, Keele was placed among the UK's top 15 universities for graduate employability prospects and achieved a 97 per cent student recommendation rate.

Financial support also remains an important part of the university's work.

Through its discretionary Access and Success Fund, students from underrepresented groups can receive up to £1,500 in each year of study, helping them to make the most of their time at Keele.

The winner of University of the Year at the Student Social Mobility Awards 2026 will be announced on 8 July.