Aston University partners with former Education Secretary to close opportunity gap
Aston University has today unveiled a new action plan to increase access to higher education and career opportunities, in partnership with former Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Justine Greening.
The plan sets out a series of ambitions that Aston University will work towards with the aim of ensuring that more people are able to progress in careers, unhindered by their background or lack of connections.
Aston University is one of a pioneering group of UK universities and businesses aiming to set a new and higher standard on boosting social mobility in Britain, with boardroom focus on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) issues.
Aston University was among the early signatories to the Social Mobility Pledge, cofounded by Justine Greening in 2018, after she left the Government, alongside UK entrepreneur David Harrison.
The Pledge asks businesses and universities to commit to levelling up Britain by partnering with local schools, offering apprenticeships, and using open and fair recruitment practices.
The launch of Aston’s Opportunity Action Plan, is the culmination of months of work with the Social Mobility Pledge team, which identified Aston University as a trail blazer in social mobility.
Rt Hon Justine Greening, Founder of the Social Mobility Pledge & Former Education Secretary said: “Achieving true social mobility in Britain and levelling up our country is a huge challenge but one that businesses and universities are rising to. They have a crucial role to play and can be an incredible force for good in spreading opportunities more evenly across communities and to people that have missed out for far too long.
“The Covid-19 crisis has also reset the relationship between universities and their students, who expect them to be much more active on social purpose. I am delighted that Aston is at the forefront of this environment, social and corporate governance agenda. Publishing this action plan today sends out a clear signal that Aston is raising the standard of corporate ESG and I look forward to working closely with them in the important months ahead for our country.”
“I hope many more universities will follow Aston’s lead and consider how they can go further, faster to make Britain a high skilled, high knowledge economy.”
Professor Alec Cameron, Vice-Chancellor, Aston University said: “Aston University puts students and their opportunity to succeed at the centre of everything we do. We don’t just talk about social mobility or treat it as an add-on; it is absolutely central to our purpose, transforming the lives of our students and launching them into exciting careers.”
“The Social Mobility Pledge articulates and commits to the role that Aston University plays in enabling students from a wide range of backgrounds to achieve their potential at university and realise their career dreams. The employability of our graduates - and their life and career success - is of huge importance to us. It is a reason why so many students come to Aston University.”
“Aston University’s commitment to social mobility and social inclusion enables us to play a major role in advocating for the Levelling Up agenda across the higher education sector and in the broader community.”
“Launching the Pledge marks an important commitment and plays a key part in our ongoing strategy of improving inclusion, diversity and equality.”
Aston is an active agent of social mobility in the region, raising its students’ prospects, whatever their background. Aston University was ranked first for value added (The Guardian University Guide 2020), meaning that Aston raises the attainment of its students. Out of every university in the country, Aston students are more likely to achieve over and above their potential. Just 2.7% of students from low participation backgrounds drop out at Aston University compared to a national average of 8.8%, and the attainment gap between these students and their peers from more advantaged backgrounds is far lower than average;
Aston supports local people to move into skilled jobs. Over 70% of Aston students go on a placement year which supports them to become more work-ready and which gives companies access to talent. Some 80% of Aston graduates secure a graduate job after 6 months;
Graduate employability and earnings - Aston University graduates are among the highest paid in the country five years after graduating; the 2020 Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) ranked Aston graduates at 15th in median earnings of £33,200 in the five years after graduation;
Retention of students - who come from areas of low participation in higher education; with a wide range of bursaries to support students to reach their potential, placing Aston in the top 10 for student retention;
Closing attainment gaps - In 2018/19, 59% of Aston’s students achieving a 1st or 2:1 were from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds – the highest proportion in the sector (Higher Education Statistics Agency 2018/19).
ENDS