Newman University named in top 10 for impact on social mobility in new report
A new report released today, 4th March, from The Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) titled Designing an English Social Mobility Index, has been released which names Newman in the top 10 for impact on social mobility.
The paper offers a methodology for comparing the contribution of individual English higher education providers’ to social mobility.
Within the report universities are called on to use the Social Mobility Index to reflect on how, in the context of their own institutional missions, they can have the most impact on the social mobility of their graduates.
Newman University was named as one of the ten universities which is making the most significant contribution to social mobility.
Professor David Phoenix, author of the report commented:
“Existing university league tables perpetuate a self-fulfilling cycle of behaviour which compounds social advantage – with institutions with the highest entry tariffs admitting students from the most privileged backgrounds who then inevitably go on to command the highest salaries.
The English SMI is an attempt to highlight, instead, the value that universities make to social mobility by showing the distance – academically and economically – they help their students to travel.
The results of the Index reflect the diversity of our higher education sector. Some institutions admit moderate numbers of students from lower socio-economic backgrounds and enable these individuals to achieve significant social mobility. Others accept many more of these students and, while not moving them as far, make a very substantial cumulative contribution. This model provides a mechanism for institutions to explore how best to effect social mobility within the context of their own strengths and mission.”
Vice-Chancellor of Newman University, Jackie Dunne, commented “Newman University seeks to offer a University opportunity to all those who can benefit, and we support students to succeed and to achieve their full potential. These life changing opportunities have a transformational effect on the lives of students, as well as on the communities we serve.
Ensuring all students can participate in work placements helps them to progress into careers , where they can develop and thrive individually as well as being able to ‘give back’ to their communities and the economy.”
To read the report in full visit the HEPI website.