The University saw very strong progress in its Value Added score, which relates to the probability of a student from Bedfordshire achieving a 1^st or 2:1. Bedfordshire achieved 16^th position, placing it firmly in the top quartile for universities whose students obtain good degrees.

Commenting on the publication of the Guardian University Guide, Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell said: “The latest league table rankings affirm that the University of Bedfordshire continues to move forward, and that our commitment to putting students first and providing a truly transformational student experience is increasingly recognised.”

The Vice Chancellor added: “League tables generally focus on entry requirements rather than aspirations. This is often at odds with our ambition to ensure all our students, no matter what their background, are able to achieve their potential. It is good to see this finally recognised.”

The Guardian also singled out the University for the increase in the number of its students satisfied with their course, as well as those satisfied with the quality of feedback from University staff on their progress. It comes at a time when many students from other universities are complaining at the amount of contact time they have with university staff.

The rise places Bedfordshire ahead of many of its closest competitors including Hertfordshire, Northampton and Bucks New University.

The climb in the Guardian league table builds on the improvement in Bedfordshire’s ranking in the Complete University Guide, published last month, which saw the University rise 11 places.

Bedfordshire recently leapt in the annual World University Rankings (Times Higher Education) which placed the University as 64 out of 130* universities in the United Kingdom and was revealed earlier this year as one of the world’s top young universities in the 2017 Young University Rankings

*The Times Higher Education World University league table ranked the University of Bedfordshire as 64 out of the 91 UK universities. However there are 130 universities in the UK who are eligible to be included in the league table which places Bedfordshire as 64 out of 130 for UK universities.