Northumbria University has been given the top gong at the so-called "Oscars of Higher Education".
The institution has been named University of the Year at this year's Times Higher Education awards and recognised for the way it has transformed itself into "the UK's first research-intensive modern university" - as well for playing a vital role in both Newcastle and the North East more widely.
The judging panel noted that 40% of undergraduates under the age of 21 were from widening participation backgrounds while as many graduates go into highly-skilled employment as in every single Russell Group university combined. "The scale of [Northumbria’s] ambition, the rigour and effectiveness with which it has been pursued, and its role in transforming lives and supporting its region all make it a deserving winner,” the panel said.
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Professor Andy Long - vice-chancellor and chief executive at the university - said: “Our ambition is to give all students with the potential and ability the opportunity to benefit from a Northumbria education. Winning this award shows that the education we give our students is enriched by research – but I genuinely believe what sets us apart from others is that 40% of these students are from traditionally low-participation backgrounds. Along with all our students, they learn from researchers and academics, participate in research and co-create knowledge."
Prof Long said simply to be shortlisted was a "remarkable achievement", but that to win was a "true milestone in the university's history. He added this came on the back of an "extraordinary transition" and paid tribute to the dedication of everyone at the university.
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, the university's Chancellor, added: “When I was invited to become Chancellor at Northumbria there were two things that stood out. The first was the people, who are extraordinary, and the second was the level of ambition. It wasn’t about being a bit better, it was about being the absolute best they could be.
"Winning the THE University of the Year award recognises these qualities for all to see. It is amazing to be part of an institution where the vision has become a reality and I congratulate everyone at the University."
Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods, chair of governors at Northumbria University, said: “I believe this award reflects the fact that Northumbria is unique in the sector – a research-intensive modern university that has retained its clear social mobility mission."
This year Newcastle University was also shortlisted for the top award - the first time that two institutions from the same city, other than London, had been nominated for the prestigious award. Newcastle City Council' s leader Coun Nick Kemp welcomed the award as an "outstanding achievement".
He added: "It is also a clear signal of the strength in depth we now have in Newcastle for world-leading research and education. We are extremely proud that both universities made the shortlist for this important award.
"They are integral to this city’s success and together play a significant role, economically, socially and culturally, helping to make Newcastle a fair and inclusive place to live – and raising our profile on the global stage. Congratulations again to Northumbria on their win."
The award follows last year's Research Excellence Framework results - which showed that Northumbria had the biggest rise in research power of any UK university for the second time - moving up 27 places to 23rd in the UK.
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