Wrexham Glyndwr University top in Wales and fourth in UK for inclusivity

New figures have found Wrexham Glyndwr University as number one in Wales and fourth in the UK for its inclusive approach to student recruitment and support.

The figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) reveal the institution is among the very best in the country when it comes to widening participation.

Wrexham Glyndwr University is also eighth in the UK for providing part-time students from less traditional backgrounds with access to degrees.

Around 26% of the university’s students are from a ‘low participation neighbourhood’ and entering higher education as the first in their family, according to the HESA report.

Wrexham Glyndwr University prides itself on its student support and services, focused on providing them with security, stability and academic excellence during their time in North Wales.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maria Hinfelaar, said: “I am incredibly proud of the achievements of our students, some of whom experienced serious challenges along their journey through education.

“The applied focus of our degree programmes, the innovative research we are doing in close collaboration with the community and the supportive environment for students have led to our recognition as the top university in Wales for inclusion.

“The results are testament to the vision and drive of our widening access team, who are out across the wider region every day, engaging with schools, job centres and local organisations.

The HESA data for full-time entrants looks at those under 21 years old entering higher education for the first time.

Wrexham Glyndwr University was among the five providers with the highest percentage of 2016 entrants from ‘widening participation backgrounds’, along with the universities of Sunderland, Teeside, Suffolk and Bolton.

Reflecting on the results, Secretary of State for Education Damian Hinds said: “I am encouraged to see a record proportion of university entrants now coming from state schools and disadvantaged areas.

“Many universities are already doing brilliant work to ensure more young people go on to higher education, and I would encourage this best practice to be shared across the sector.”

For more on widening access at Wrexham Glyndwr University, take a look at the website or visit the next open day on Saturday March 3 from 10am-2pm.