14.3 C
Manchester
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
EducationInclusivity credentials help the University of Bolton soar in 2024 rankings

Inclusivity credentials help the University of Bolton soar in 2024 rankings

The Guardian University Guide 2024 has placed the University of Bolton in the top 30 universities in Britain, raising the question of whether those in a higher socioeconomic bracket are pivotal to the success of universities.

With national policy heavily geared towards levelling up, social inclusivity promises to be a major factor in creating a more equitable society.

Increasingly public debate is centred on how many private school students are taking up sought-after places at some of the top British institutions.

A recent report from The Tab showed that 15 universities are made up of 20% or more students from fee-paying schools – a divide that The University of Bolton is attempting to flip the script on.

Socially inclusive

As one of the most socially inclusive universities in Britain — in 2021, successful admissions were 95% from non-selective state schools and 60% first-in-family higher education students — the aim is to level up from the grassroots.

The university says more than 20% of its students come from some of the country’s most deprived areas, despite lacking a massive endowment fund enjoyed by elite universities.

Natural diversity

Bolton’s vice-chancellor, professor George Holmes, said: “Britain is a fantastic example of the successes a diverse nation can achieve when a wide range of different voices are given a full seat at the table.

“At the University of Bolton, the student body and academic staff possess a natural diversity that represents the best of global Britain. The power of bringing people from all walks of life into our university is not lost on us, and we believe our continued work to bolster diversity and emphasise social inclusivity are a big part of our success to date”.

Major improvement

As well as being ranked a top 30 university by The Guardian, Bolton is rising in The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024 with an 18-place improvement on last year.

In specific categories, the Sunday Times put Bolton at 12th in the UK for teaching quality, 15th for student experience and 10th for social inclusion — all higher than any other university in North-West England.

Super students

Students such as odds-defying Codie Farrell, a young mother with two children and an extensive history of debilitating medical issues, have found a home at Bolton University.

Codie said: “Bolton has been fantastic for me and is enabling me to pursue a career as a clinical scientist in haematology, which is a field I am fiercely passionate about.”

Other success stories include asylum seeker Yolande Amana-Ghola who left The Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2002 and came to the UK alone. Now she’s a part-time councillor for Salford City Council, having obtained first-class honours in her BSc.

Yolande said: “I was denied education as a destitute asylum seeker. This is clearly a gap which many people fall into, and I consider myself lucky to have been such a voracious reader and passionate lifelong learner. Otherwise, I would not have the tools to pursue further education, let alone the English skills to undertake a degree.”

PhD student Boluwatife Oyesola was the first member of her family to arrive in Bolton from Nigeria nearly a decade ago. She is an ambassador for international students. Now her daughters Toluwani and Abimbola also study there.

She said: “Bolton University is entirely student focused with such a warm and hospitable environment for people to grow in and improve their knowledge of the world. For us it’s become more than a place to study. This is home.”

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
Latest

K2L Marketing Strengthens Global Footprint with New Offices in Dubai and Illinois

Manchester-based performance marketing agency K2L has announced the opening of two new international offices, one in Dubai and the other in Illinois, USA. This...

Choosing reliable vehicle financing for families in Manchester

When it comes to securing vehicle financing for your family, reliability is essential. Families need to consider the long-term impact of their financial decisions,...

Appy Pie Unveils Snappy 2.5: A Faster, Smarter Website Builder Designed Around User Feedback

Appy Pie has introduced Snappy 2.5, the latest upgrade to its website builder, developed in direct response to long-standing user feedback. This release focuses...

FREESMO Leads the Way with Smarter Smoke-Free Choices Through Trusted Questionnaire

As the smoke-free sector continues to grow and diversify, FREESMO is highlighting the importance of its Smoke-Free Questionnaire – a tried and tested tool...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Growing green: Smart strategies for sustainable business growth

In today’s competitive landscape, growth isn’t just about scaling quickly, it’s about doing so responsibly. Customers, investors, and even employees are increasingly drawn to businesses...

Appy Pie Unveils Snappy 2.5: A Faster, Smarter Website Builder Designed Around User Feedback

Appy Pie has introduced Snappy 2.5, the latest upgrade to its website builder, developed in direct response to long-standing user feedback. This release focuses...

K2L Marketing Strengthens Global Footprint with New Offices in Dubai and Illinois

Manchester-based performance marketing agency K2L has announced the opening of two new international offices, one in Dubai and the other in Illinois, USA. This...

FREESMO Leads the Way with Smarter Smoke-Free Choices Through Trusted Questionnaire

As the smoke-free sector continues to grow and diversify, FREESMO is highlighting the importance of its Smoke-Free Questionnaire – a tried and tested tool...

More News

Student’s chance to beat the tuition fee hike – win £9,535 with TOTUM

As university tuition fees are set to rise for the first time in over eight years, the UK’s leading student discount brand has just...

University of Manchester ranks in top 5 universities for spinout generation

The University of Manchester has been ranked the fourth highest academic institution for the total number of spinout companies generated in the Spotlight on...

Funding approved to upgrade Rochdale primary schools

Primary schools in Rochdale are to receive a share of more than £2.9 million as part of an upgrade to local education facilities. This investment, funded...