York: the University of Opportunity
We are determined to establish ourselves as the University of Opportunity in the UK.
This is an achievable ambition and a key element of the next five years of our strategy. It’s an embodiment of our position as a University for Public Good, it’s central to our strategic aim of providing an education that empowers, and - now more than ever - it's relevant to all our students and staff.
"I’m really concerned we’re going to see students priced out of their education."
We know that some students - regardless of their individual talent - struggle more than others to meet their potential. They experience barriers initially in accessing higher education, and may also struggle to succeed while they’re here or to thrive after graduation.
We’re determined to address that and to ensure that York is widening access and offering equal opportunities for all groups.
We’re making a lifelong commitment to dismantle barriers and support the educational journey - especially for those groups who are under-represented and face persistent socio-economic, education and societal barriers. These target groups will always reflect the areas of greatest need, but the University of Opportunity will benefit everyone.
Our current support is targeted at:
- Students from less advantaged backgrounds with low household income
- Students with disabilities
- Care experienced and estranged students
- Mature students
- UK students from an ethnic minority background - including South Asian, Black and traveller communities
- First generation students from our local region, with limited experience of HE in the family, neighbourhood or school
“The financial support I’ve received has relieved a lot of stress, allowing me to study more, build connections, and have a more typical university life. The scholarship has changed my life.”
Our touchstones for University of Opportunity are access, success and progression - enabling all our students to thrive without encountering barriers. These are some of the key initiatives taking place across the University.
Access
Some of the initiatives supporting children and young people to begin their journey towards higher education.
Success
Our support to ensure the success of current students includes:
Progression
We're removing barriers to progress beyond university.
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“My funding meant that I had the choice to work, it meant work was something I did for the experience and not to survive. My scholarship 100% changed my opportunities and inspired my next steps."
Why this matters now
Social mobility in the UK is getting worse not better. As a University for Public Good, we must recognise and address this.
These are some of the challenges facing our students right now:
- 55% of students are doing paid work. Some of these students have multiple jobs
- 54% of students believe their academic performance has suffered because of financial stress
- York is the 8th most expensive city in the UK for student renters with an average monthly rent of £900
“In the least advantaged communities, poverty is getting worse and the hill now to be climbed is even steeper than before.”
26% of 18 year olds receiving free school meals go to university compared to 44% overall
National figures from 2023.
Only 6% of people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds gain places at Russell Group universities
Just 14% of care leavers are in higher education by the age of 19
For young people who didn't grow up in care, it's 47%.
In York, at the end of primary school, disadvantaged pupils are over a year behind more advantaged pupils
York is one of six local authorities where this is the case.
Graduate outcomes for disabled students are the least positive of any student group
Figures for York graduates, at 15 months post graduation
Working together
This is a challenge and an opportunity for all of us - staff, students, applicants, alumni and our wider community.
Some of our community are able to donate to the University of Opportunity fund and we're grateful for that support. But the University of Opportunity isn't just about fundraising. You can support us by:
- Making sure that students and applicants are aware of the support and opportunities available
- Raising awareness within your department
- Volunteering to be a mentor to a current student or recent graduate
- Getting involved in projects and initiatives within your department and across the University
Our success stories
Mary
Just 14% of UK care leavers are in higher education by the time they are 19 compared to 47% of young people who didn't grow up in care. It will take 107 years to close this gap at the current rate of progress.
Mary was care-experienced, and living in semi-independent housing from 17. She needed help to remove the barriers from her own education journey; not just to get to university, but also to have the support to help her to stay and to succeed. A University of Opportunity Fund scholarship made the difference for her.
Her own experience made her want to be part of the change, to ensure that people in her situation are heard and can succeed.
Generation Research
Addressing inequality at all levels means that our support isn’t just at undergraduate level - it also extends to students considering research as an option.
Generation Research gives a helping hand to students from all backgrounds in accessing studentship experiences. By exploring research and technical science roles, students gain the knowledge they need to put their research-focused career plan into action.