The University of Opportunity

News

Posted on Thursday 19 June 2025

Our ambition is to be the University of Opportunity. What does this mean for our University community?

Being the University of Opportunity is at the heart of being a university for public good.

It's about how we work to open up access to quality education for everyone., regardless of postcode, family income, background or status as a refugee.

We know that some face more challenges than others - not just to get into university, but to succeed once they are there, and to thrive after graduation.

Often these students are from under-represented backgrounds and experience persistent barriers to fulfilling their potential:

Only 26% of 18 year olds receiving free school meals progress to university. That compares to 44% nationally.
Only 6% of people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds gain places at Russell Group universities.
Just 14% of UK care leavers are in higher education by the time they are 19.
Only 7% of refugees globally have access to higher education.

We do not accept this at York. We are determined to ensure that all students have the opportunity to flourish, no matter what kind of challenges they may face.

This ambition applies to every student, with targeted action to remove the most entrenched barriers.

It's there in everything we do - from financial support to student wellbeing, career preparation and enabling every student to engage with their university community.

Find out more about our vision to become the University of Opportunity

Recent accreditations

We have recently received two key accreditations that recognise the difference we are making.

The first is from the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL). They review how universities support independent students, including those who have been in the care system at any point in their lives, as well as students who are studying without the support of their parents/guardians.

We were one of the first universities to receive this Quality Mark in 2022, and it has now been re-awarded. NNECL has rated us exceptional in five areas ('institution's culture and leadership', 'before your students join you', 'your student's wellbeing', 'your students' success', and 'collaborative and partnership working').

And we have been re-awarded our status as a University of Sanctuary. At York, we seek to be a safe place for refugees, asylum seekers and other people who have been forced to migrate, in recognition that these groups often face major challenges in their study, work and everyday life. We work together with York as a City of Sanctuary to provide an environment of understanding, welcome and compassion.

Supporting this incredible work

Much of our work is supported by the University of Opportunity Fund, our fundraising initiative at the heart of York Giving. We've recently been in touch with alumni as part of our fundraising efforts to be the University of Opportunity, and we know some of our staff will, as York graduates, have received this message. It is thanks to the huge kindness and generosity of our donors and partners that we can support bursaries, scholarships and other important initiatives.