The University has been ranked 13 out of 100 universities across England in the 2025 list, published annually by independent think tank Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI).
Priding itself on delivering opportunity for all, the University has been recognised for a continued commitment to supporting people from a wide range of backgrounds to access and succeed in obtaining an excellent university education and the skills needed to pursue successful careers.
Dr Jo Wright, Chief Student and Governance Officer, said: “By championing equity, we are continuing our pioneering heritage of challenging barriers to education. I’m proud to see that this vision is having real impact on the lives of our students.”
The index assesses the experience of graduates from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds and the social distance they travel, through metrics including how they access higher education, how many complete their studies and what they go on to once they graduate.
Edge Hill University provides a supportive environment for students from wide-ranging backgrounds and cultures who are typically under-represented within higher education, including:
- Students who have experience of care or are estranged from family
- Students with caring responsibilities
- Students who were eligible for free school meals
- Students entering university from a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, and students from low-income households
- Students who hold refugee status
- Students who identify as Black, Asian or are from other minority ethnic groups
- Students who did not study A Level qualifications, e.g. BTEC.
- Students who are the first in their family to enter Higher Education
Key initiatives which encourage widen access and support student success at Edge Hill University include:
- A Widening Access and Student Success Team, which provides an enhanced support offer to students throughout the student journey, and who work in co‑creation with students and staff on our award winning Student Advisory Panels to develop initiatives and programmes that empower students at university and beyond.
A Medicine with Foundation Year Programme, enabling students who do not meet the required academic results for entry onto the 5 year medicine course. The University’s Fastrack programme, which prepares students for entry on to any degree level study when they do not have the required qualifications, aimed at prospective students over the age of 21.
Edge Hill’s supportive careers team, offer personalised support to students from non-traditional backgrounds.
Find out more about studying at Edge Hill University.
April 1, 2026
