Wrexham Glyndwr University top inWales for inclusion

WREXHAM Glyndwr University is number one in Wales and fourth in the UK for its inclusive approach to student recruitment and support, according to a survey from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

The institution is among the best in Wales at widening participation and ranks eighth in the UK for providing part-time students from less traditional backgrounds with access to degrees.

Around 26% of its students are from a “low participation neighbourhood” and entering higher education as the first in their family, according to the HESA report.

Responding to the findings the university said it prides itself on its student support and services which are 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 looked 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.