The figures released today (Thursday 4 June) by OFFA saw the University had made significant progress in attracting people typically under-represented in higher education. Importantly it was on target (2017/18) to ensure those same students were able to achieve as good degrees as those from more traditional backgrounds.

Professor Helen Bailey, Executive Dean of Academic Partnerships, who drives the University’s widening participation programme said: “These figures are proof that there is no conflict between fair access to higher education and academic excellence. We are a university, where whatever your background, you can reach your full potential.”

The University has committed to a broad outreach programme to ensure it is reaching students who traditionally felt excluded from the higher education system. This includes care leavers, disabled learners, first generation scholars, mature learners, ethnic minorities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“We are also,” said Prof Bailey “ensuring once a student has joined the university, they have the necessary support and encouragement to make sure they have the best possible student experience and leave university with a good degree.”

This assertion was borne out in the Guardian University Guide, published last week, which saw the University leap 17 places up the league table. This was due in part to recognition of the University as a learning environment where all students can flourish whatever their background.

The Guide saw Bedfordshire do particularly well on criteria relating to the student experience, such as student/staff ratio, teaching and feedback.

Employment is a key factor when attracting people to university. And Bedfordshire has made significant progress in that area too with 92% of Bedfordshire students in employment or further study soon after they graduate – one of the highest rates in the country.

Bill Rammell, University of Bedfordshire Vice Chancellor, welcoming the figures from OFFA commented: “Bedfordshire is a forward-looking university with a clear mission to widen access to higher education.

“While our students leave with good honours, we offer much more than just a degree; providing a truly transformational student experience which produces global citizens with the drive and ambition to benefit society.”