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University of Bradford wins national social mobility award

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The University of Bradford has won a prestigious national award for its work to increase social mobility.

A group of university staff on stage at a ceremony celebrate after winning an award

Bradford was crowned the winner of the University of the Year category at the Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs) 2024. 

The University was recognised for a range of projects designed to increase social mobility. These include support for those who have spent time in residential or foster care, loans, scholarships, and a range of further support for students and graduates, including careers advice up to five years after graduation.

The gala ceremony was held in London on Thursday 3 October and the University of the Year category was championed by Nationwide. The awards provide valuable recognition for organisations who are leading the way in social mobility. The University of Bradford was previously shortlisted for a SOMO Award in 2021.

Two members of university staff in formal wear hold an award won at a ceremony

Professor Udy Archibong, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, said: “This award is wonderful recognition for the staff and students at the University of Bradford.

We are delighted to receive the award which emphasises the University’s vision of a world of inclusion and equality of opportunity where people want to, and can, make a difference

The University of Bradford’s commitment to social mobility also includes offering its students screening for disabilities such as dyslexia, by offering support to disadvantaged groups including care-leavers, asylum seekers and refugees, and by working with employers and other stakeholders to create opportunities. 

The University provide curricular and extra-curricular opportunities for students to engage in meaningful career-focused learning that is subject-specific.

It works in partnership with more than 3,000 local, national, and international employers to offer real world career development education and support the ethos of achieving ‘more than a degree’.

The SOMO Award is the latest recognition for the University of Bradford’s work on social mobility. The University has been ranked first in the Higher Education Policy Institute’s Social Mobility Index (SMI) for the last three years – 2021, 2022 and 2023. The SMI combines data relating to access, continuation and graduate outcomes.