THE University of Worcester is one of the best in the country for being inclusive the university’s Pro Vice Chancellor has said.

Ross Renton was speaking after the Office for Students (OfS) said universities should significantly reduce the gap between disadvantaged young people and their more advantaged peers taking degree places – or face possible financial penalties.

Youngsters from the most advantaged areas of England are more than six times as likely as their less advantaged peers to go to one of the most selective institutions, analysis by the university watchdog found.

And the most selective institutions have now agreed tough targets with the OfS for the next five years as part of attempts to improve access.

Mr Renton said: “The University of Worcester is one of the best universities in the UK for welcoming students in a truly inclusive way.

“Over 97 per cent of Worcester students were educated in state schools compared to less than 90 per cent nationally.

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“Worcester’s outstanding record meant that it was one of just six universities in the whole of the UK shortlisted as a finalist in the 2019 UK Social Mobility Awards. Uniquely Worcester is also the number one university in the UK for quality education and number one university for gender equality (Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings 2019), whilst our work to include students with a disability enjoys a global reputation. This record of achievement stems from Worcester pioneering the ‘whole institution approach to inclusion’ some 10 years ago.

“We believe that everyone has a fundamental right to education and the opportunity to make the very best of their own potential. In a recent report from the Higher Education Policy Institute, Worcester was ranked eighth out of 132 UK institutions for ensuring that people from all backgrounds have the chance to study at university.

“We undertake wide ranging work with schools and colleges to raise aspirations and offer support for prospective students to ensure they get high quality advice and guidance in all aspects of their university application. From the moment a student joins the university there is extensive support on offer to help them to flourish during their studies.”