XCEL STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2009
University of the West of England (UWE)
WINNER OF
Xcel Best Institute of Widening Participation
Xcel Best Institute of Widening Participation
The University of the West of England (UWE) was declared the ‘Best Institute of Widening Participation’ for their work in encouraging the Xcel target audiences of woman, multi-ethnic and disabled students.
Xcel judges were impressed by the university’s firm commitment to raise aspirations and widen access to Higher Education for people from under-represented backgrounds, families, groups and communities. UWE is currently the largest recruiter in South West England of students from under-represented groups and has a substantial and wide ranging widening participation outreach programme that extends each year to 37,000 young people and adults from target schools, colleges and communities with low Higher Education participation rates.
UWE has one of the broadest entry criteria for higher education, recognizing experience and vocational qualifications to ensure those who are capable of higher education can study higher education.
UWE were justifiably proud of becoming the first ever Xcel Institution of the Year, as Chris Croudace, Head of WP and Director of Outreach at UWE, explains:
It was both an amazing moment and a huge privilege to be able to accept this special award on behalf of the University.”
Chris added, “The award is a tribute to the efforts of the many individuals and teams who have contributed tirelessly to the cause of widening participation at UWE.”
UWE is showing in the clearest manner, that talent and success do not come attached to gender, disability, race, or any physical characteristics.”
Andre Dixon, Xcel Awards Manager.
