Celebrating Warwick's commitment to social mobility

Paul Blagburn, Head of Widening Participation and Social Mobility, explains what Warwick’s doing to advance social mobility in the UK – including the launch of a new IntoUniversity centre in Birmingham.

Above: Paul shakes hands with a young learner

Right: The team celebrates five years with IntoUniversity Coventry

Hi, Paul. For those not in the know, can you explain what social mobility is?

Paul: "Social mobility is linked to equality of opportunity: the extent to which people have the same chances to do well in life regardless of their socio-economic background, social class, or other circumstances beyond their control.

This is a key focus for Warwick – we want to make sure underrepresented groups can access higher education and fulfil their potential, at university and beyond. We were recognised for our contribution to social mobility at last year’s UK Social Mobility Awards."

How has Warwick taken steps to advance social mobility?

Paul: "We’ve made significant progress over the last five years and have ambition to advance this further by 2030. Since 2018, Warwick has nearly doubled the number of entrants from the most deprived areas in the country.

Of our 2021 graduates, 88 percent of students from the lowest socio-economic backgrounds progressed into professional employment or further study, one of highest in the Russell Group. Some of our steps are outlined below:

• The University will be publishing a new access and participation plan in autumn 2024, outlining new strategic priorities and commitments to support equality of opportunity.

• Collaboration is a core theme of the University’s work to advance social mobility, and we have strong partnerships with national organisations including IntoUniversity, the Sutton Trust and upReach.

• We're making a commitment to Inclusive Education for all students to have an outstanding education and student experience.

• We're making institutional pledges to drive race equality, improve equality of opportunity for people with care experience, and enhance provision for people seeking sanctuary in the UK.

You can take a look at our 2023 impact report to find out more."

Tell us about your team and the work you're doing to advance social mobility...

Paul: "The Widening Participation and Social Mobility Division is focused on addressing barriers for underrepresented groups to access higher education and provide equality of opportunity to ensure students can fulfil their potential at university and beyond. The team has five core areas: Evaluation and Evidence, Educational Partnerships, Academic Engagement and Internal Community, Sustained Engagement, and Access and Student Success. Together, these areas form part of the University’s approach to widen access to higher education and support an environment where students can thrive at Warwick and beyond.

Some of our work includes:

• A new Experience Warwick Partnership with targeted schools in Coventry and Warwickshire.
• A collaboration with the Sutton Trust – including the successful Pathways to the Professions programmes – which focuses on supporting young people who might like to work in law, banking, finance or engineering.
• Warwick Scholars, our flagship social mobility programme. Since 2018, more than 1,000 students have benefited from Warwick Scholars – it was recognised as the ‘University Progression Initiative of the Year’ at the 2023 Student Social Mobility Awards.
• The Social Mobility Student Research Hub, which aims to support students from underrepresented groups to carry out research projects.
• A Widening Participation Conference in 2023 for staff and students focused on student success, a key part of supporting a whole institutional approach.”

What is the IntoUniversity partnership?

Paul: "As a university, we partner with a national social mobility charity, IntoUniversity. We recently celebrated five years of the IntoUniversity centre in Coventry, and this year we’re announcing the launch of a brand-new IntoUniversity centre in Birmingham, in partnership with University College Birmingham!

East Birmingham has the highest levels of deprivation in the city, with many children living in absolute poverty. The learning centre will work closely with local schools, universities, and businesses to provide a comprehensive range of support services, including academic support, pastoral care, one-to-one mentoring, and practical advice, all designed to foster aspiration and ambition for higher education among local students."

How are Warwick students being recognised for their own social mobility efforts?

Paul: "Warwick students play a transformational role in advancing social mobility. We have many inspirational role models that have been recognised for their contributions and achievements. At this year's National Student Mobility Awards, four of our brilliant students were nominated, and two - Rachel Imade and Matthew Stephenson - won.