Edge Hill shortlisted for higher education awards

Edge Hill University has been shortlisted for two awards in the Times Higher Education (THE) awards. 

The university has been recognised in two categories: the Widening Participation Initiative of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community. 

Edge Hill’s commitment to widening access to medicine has been nominated for redressing the balance in what is traditionally an ‘elite’ profession and developing a workforce sensitive to the healthcare needs of diverse communities. 

Now in its third year, Edge Hill have said their medical school ‘consistently meets its recruitment targets, raising aspirations and promoting opportunities for students from less advantaged backgrounds into fulfilling medical careers, using a new and innovative curriculum to help break down health inequalities’. 

The university has also been recognised for showing its community spirit when it rushed to the aid of Asmall Primary School when it suffered a devastating fire in June 2021.  

Edge Hill University opened its doors to Asmall pupils just one week later so their education would not be disrupted, and provided the school with everything they needed. 

From a shocking event came a life-changing experience for the children and parents of a local school and has opened their eyes to a university education. 

Vice-Chancellor Dr John Cater welcomed the nominations and commended all involved for their hard work. 

“I am incredibly proud of everyone here at Edge Hill who has worked so hard to make these award shortlistings possible.  

“It is a testament to our ethos of providing opportunities for all, breaking down barriers and raising aspirations. 

“Edge Hill is a university that not only demonstrates real commitment to widening participation but is rooted in community spirit.  

“From providing our students with the skills needed to address workforce challenges, to supporting others in their time of need, we will always do anything we can to help educationally, socially, culturally, and economically.” 

THE editor John Gill said: “This is the 18th year that the THE Awards will celebrate the best that UK higher education has to offer. 

“Once again, the shortlists reflect universities doing extraordinary things in extraordinary times, during the 2020-21 academic year, when the pandemic continued to force higher education and all who work in it to respond to an unprecedented challenge.” 

The THE awards attract hundreds of entries from UK higher education institutes every year which exemplify the talent, dedication and innovation of individuals and teams across all aspects of university life. 

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on Thursday 17 November.