PRAISE is coming from some prestigious quarters after Worcester University was named a finalist in the Times Higher Education University of the Year Award.
The university is one of just six on the shortlist for the award, widely regarded as the top accolade a UK university can achieve.
And senior education leaders from across the West Midlands have come out to congratulate the university on its nomination.
Guy Shears, chief executive of the Central Region Schools Trust and a member of the university’s College of Fellows, said: “In everything Worcester does, it does it authentically and with integrity and creativity, and it does it really well.”
The trust, which has thirteen schools across Worcestershire, Birmingham and the West Midlands, works closely with Worcester University.
Mr Shears continued: “The links the university has to our schools are incredibly rich. The initial teacher training education here is not just rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, it really is outstanding.
“I’m very proud to be connected to Worcester, and for Central Region Schools Trust to benefit from the amazing people and their generous support for our schools. The nomination is incredibly well deserved.”
Worcester has been shortlisted four times for the Times Higher Education University of the Year Award in the last decade, having previously been a finalist in 2016, 2019, and 2020.
Claire Heywood, vice principal of Kidderminster College, and also a Worcester alumna for both her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, said: “To be shortlisted is incredible. The key to it was around links to employability and skills, and that transfer of knowledge from the classroom to practical activities.
“We do a lot of vocational work at Kidderminster College, and seeing vocational education delivered at such scale and quality at university level is what sets Worcester apart.”
Dr Tony Evans, headteacher of Prince Henry’s High School in Evesham, said: “As someone who trained at Worcester University, I know just how special its approach to teacher education is. The warmth, care, and encouragement shown to trainees make a lasting difference, helping them to enter the profession with passion, skill, and confidence.
“Worcester’s strong partnerships with schools like ours ensure that future teachers are well prepared to inspire young people.”
Prof David Green, vice chancellor and chief executive of Worcester University, added: “We are deeply grateful for the generous words from our colleagues in education across the region. Their support and congratulations mean a great deal to us.”
