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The Learning Institute

The Learning Institute

We've been shortlisted!

The University of Worcester, in partnership with The Learning Institute, has been shortlisted for a Guardian University Award.

The University of Worcester has been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of its work to widen access to higher education and to share its inclusive approach across the world.

The Guardian University Awards recognise some of the very best work taking place in universities across the UK.

Worcester’s work in the South West of England and London, in partnership with The Learning Institute, has been shortlisted in the Widening Access and Outreach category. For the past 12 years the University and The Learning Institute have been working together to provide opportunities for students to develop their skills in areas such as early years, learning support and child and adolescent mental health, and subsequently opening up career pathways in education, CAMHs and other associated children’s services. Over 1,000 students have graduated and are now working to advance their schools, children and communities in some of the most isolated and deprived parts of South West England and London. The great majority of students are mature, female students, very many of whom are working mothers.

Teaching, course structures and timetabling have all been designed around the student’s needs. Classes are taught in accessible locations, such as local schools, and are held one day per week during the academic year, ensuring students can study around family and work commitments. This inclusive approach has been highly successful. Working together Worcester and The Learning Institute have found a truly effective way of overcoming the uneven geographical spread of universities, and created more opportunities to study more flexibly just when they have been sharply reduced nationally.

Nick Appleby, Director of The Learning Institute, said: “Through our partnership with the University of Worcester, we are determined to help build an infrastructure of resilience in communities suffering challenge. We work with students and families where there has been no experience of higher education to aid their capacity to change.  By doing this it nurtures ambition and hope, and opens doors to new employment.”

Professor David Green CBE, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, said: “I am delighted that the valuable work of so many colleagues at the University to promote true inclusion and reach out to provide opportunities for people to learn, has been recognised through being shortlisted.

“The award is based on our commitment to inclusion and the belief that everyone, no matter where they live, no matter what their background, their physical ability, gender, race or religion is, has a fundamental right to education and the opportunity to make the very best of their own potential. I am very proud of the wonderful, inspiring work by dedicated, imaginative, hard-working colleagues at Worcester. It is a true privilege to work with the Learning Institute, with whom we share so many values and so much dedication and expertise.”

The awards will be announced during a special event in London on April 10.

For information on courses at The Learning Institute please visit www.learninginstitute.co.uk or email degrees@learninginstitute.co.uk