Northumbria
University has been named Higher Education Institution of the Year at a
prestigious national awards ceremony which recognises successful initiatives
aimed at widening access to higher education.
The National Education Opportunities Network(NEON) Awards 2025, which took place at London’s Palace of Westminster on Thursday 5th June, shone a spotlight on the individuals and initiatives driving forward
social mobility and supporting learners from all backgrounds to reach their
potential across the UK.
Hosted by Dr
Adam Thompson MP, chair of the Government’s All-Party Parliamentary University
Group, the ceremony included seven award categories celebrating the outreach
work and partnerships making a difference across the education sector, as well
as remarkable students whose stories highlight the powerful, transformative
impact of these efforts.
Northumbria
University was named overall winner of the NEON Higher Education Institution of the
Year Award at the event.
The judges
recognised Northumbria’s Access and Success Framework which underpins support for students from pre-entry and application to the
point of graduation and beyond.
The framework
reinforces Northumbria’s ‘whole provider approach’ to access and participation,
through initiatives such as contextual admissions – where student attainment and
potential is assessed using information about the whole person, not just grades
– alongside targeted financial support and employability initiatives.
The University
has built a strong reputation for working with industry partners to offer
high-quality, real-world learning experiences that enhance career opportunities
– especially for students from backgrounds without ready access to professional
networks.
Speaking about
the award, Laura Jobling, UK Student Recruitment and Access Manager at
Northumbria University, said: “We’re constantly striving to be inclusive and to
demonstrate to learners that, regardless of background, Northumbria can provide
the support they need to reach their goals. Regional engagement with our
outreach work is strong, with over 6,900 pupils and 400 teachers currently
involved. The improved continuation rates and rising graduate success among our
students shows that these initiatives are making a real difference.”
Professor Graham Wynn, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education at
Northumbria University, said: "To truly break down barriers we must ensure
equal access to education, resources, and the support systems that allow
everyone to reach their full potential. I’m very proud that this award
highlights some of the successful initiatives Northumbria leads in this area
and the impact of our approach.
“Universities
are key to promoting social mobility, and Northumbria University plays a
pivotal role in the North East,” he added. “Around 60 per cent of our UK
undergraduate students come from the region, and nearly two-thirds of our
graduates remain in the North East to begin building their careers. This helps
bridge regional skills shortages, enhances productivity, and creates
transformative opportunities for young people throughout our communities.”
Now in its
twelfth year, the NEON Awards honour those making a real difference in the
field of educational equity. Each year, around 100 nominations are submitted
with the aim of encouraging greater recognition, support, and momentum for
initiatives that foster a more inclusive and equitable future for all learners.
Martin Webster,
Interim Director of NEON, said: “These awards are a chance to recognise and
celebrate the achievements and impact that access work across the higher
education sector has upon the lives and future opportunities of the learners we
all strive hard to support. 2025 has been a challenging year for widening
access across the sector but that means the work institutions like Northumbria
are doing is vital in enabling students to both gain access to, and succeed
within higher education. Northumbria University continue to make a real difference
to learners and truly deserve to win this year’s award.”
Discover more about support for students who choose to study at Northumbria.
