THE University of Bradford topped a new university league table based on its impact on improving students’ social mobility.

The new English Social Mobility Index, published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), is the first to measure and compare the impact universities have on people’s social mobility - the ability to change social status relative to one's current social location in society.

The University of Bradford was ranked first in the country out of more than 100 universities.

Academic registrar Nikki Pierce said: “Delivering social mobility is a core part of our strategy and something the university has been working hard to support. To be recognised as number one in the country is gratifying. It demonstrates the commitment we make to this and the fact we really have tried to make a difference to the lives of people in the region."

“This report recognises students who come to Bradford do well in terms of changing their life chances. Most league tables rank universities based on the UCAS entry tariff, which is a reflection of A-level grades.

"What this new ranking system shows is the impact we’re having on students, many of whom come from socially deprived backgrounds and who might not have had opportunities to show their ability and yet, with the right support, they are able to achieve their full potential.

“Ultimately this benefits students but it has a wider impact in terms of levelling up, benefiting local businesses and the regional economy.”

Author of the report, Professor David Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor of London South Bank University (LSBU), said: “Existing university league tables perpetuate a self-fulfilling cycle of behaviour which compounds social advantage - with institutions with the highest entry tariffs admitting students from the most privileged backgrounds who then inevitably go on to command the highest salaries.

“The English SMI is an attempt to highlight, instead, the value that universities make to social mobility by showing the distance – academically and economically – they help their students to travel.

“The results of the Index reflect the diversity of our higher education sector. Some institutions admit moderate numbers of students from lower socio-economic backgrounds and enable these individuals to achieve significant social mobility.”

In 2019/20, the University of Bradford was named as University of the Year for Social Inclusion by The Times and Sunday Times. The University was also among the earlier signatories to the Rt Hon Justine Greening’s Social Mobility Pledge and has since been named an Opportunity Anchor in recognition of its pivotal role in transforming lives.