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  "description": "Keele University has been recognised nationally for its work widening access to higher education and helping students from underrepresented backgrounds progress into graduate careers.",
  "path": "/keele-university-shortlisted-for-national-social-mobility-award/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-07-02T08:04:56.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk",
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  "textContent": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nKeele has been shortlisted alongside the University of Warwick and Manchester Metropolitan University, with the winner set to be announced on 8 July 2026.\n\n## Supporting young people across Staffordshire and beyond\n\nThe shortlisting reflects Keele University's commitment to widening participation and supporting student success through initiatives including Higher Horizons.\n\nBased on the university's campus, the programme works to raise aspirations and increase progression into higher education.\n\nSince 2017, Higher Horizons has supported more than 65,000 young people across Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire.\n\nRecent data shows that 47 per cent of participants go on to apply to university, around twice the rate of their peers.\n\n> “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.\n>\n> ”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.“\n>\n> Kulvinder Birring, Director of Student Futures at Keele\n\n## Building experience and career opportunities\n\nEmployability forms a key part of the Keele student experience, with every undergraduate degree offering either a placement year or an integrated professional placement.\n\nThese opportunities allow students to gain industry experience, build professional networks and strengthen their future career prospects.\n\nThis work is supported by the Keele Deals framework, which brings together local authorities, businesses and education providers to create pathways into employment.\n\nThe university's Access and Participation Plan also offers a range of support measures, including academic skills support, financial assistance, wellbeing services and careers guidance.\n\n## Strong graduate prospects\n\nRecent figures have highlighted the impact of Keele's approach.\n\nIn 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.\n\nFinancial support also remains an important part of the university's work.\n\nThrough 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.\n\nThe winner of University of the Year at the Student Social Mobility Awards 2026 will be announced on 8 July.\n\n### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp\n\nNever miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone!\n\n\nGet Instant Updates\n\n\n\n####  Enjoyed this story?\n\nThe Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire.\n\nEvery contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county.\n\nSupport independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal**** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.",
  "title": "Keele University shortlisted for national social mobility award",
  "updatedAt": "2026-07-02T08:04:57.575Z"
}