Salford shortlisted for widening participation Times Higher Education Award

Salford is the 18th most deprived local authority in England, out of 317, according to the Government's latest Index of Multiple Level of Deprivation (2019), whilst figures from Greater Manchester Poverty Action (2022) suggest that around 22% of children in Salford are living in poverty. Pupils facing disadvantage in Salford are now 22.9 months of learning behind their peers by the time they finish their GCSEs (EPI, 2020), making it a high-priority area for additional educational support.

In September 2022, a new learning centre opened in Salford with aspirations to empower thousands of young people to achieve their academic and career ambitions. The facility is a collaboration between IntoUniversity, University of Salford and the University of Manchester. Since opening, the centre has exceeded targets, driven by a dedicated team that has supported over 1,500 young people, recruited students to Academic Support, established partnerships with local schools, and run programmes in the holidays.

THE Awards are widely known as the “Oscars of higher education” and famously recognise excellence across the UK and Irish sectors, so it’s incredibly exciting to be nominated for an award.

This is the 20th annual THE Awards held, and this year there are 19 categories alongside the special THE Outstanding Achievement Award. The award that we’ve been nominated for is within the ‘Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year’ category.

THE editor John Gill said: “This year’s THE Awards mark the 20th anniversary of the event, which over the last two decades has celebrated the wonderful achievements of a sector that has undergone extraordinary transformation without ever losing sight of the vital role it plays across the UK and Ireland.

"In 2024 it’s fair to say that higher education is going through a challenging period, but these awards are a constant reminder that we should never underestimate the dedication and drive of those who work in our universities to transforming lives for the better. Enthusiasm for these awards as a way to celebrate those achievements remains undimmed, with more entries in our 20th year than ever before.

"Our sincere congratulations to all those shortlisted in such a competitive year – it really is an achievement to have reached this stage, and we very much look forward to celebrating with you all at our 20th birthday party in Birmingham on 28 November.”