Teesside University transforms lives with new strategy
Teesside University says the report highlights its work to support students facing barriers to higher education and helped contribute to its title of Times Higher Education University of the Year 2025.
Around 85 per cent of Teesside students experience barriers in accessing, succeeding in or progressing from higher education, making the university’s focus on broadening opportunity central to its mission.
Professor Mark Simpson, deputy vice-chancellor of Teesside University, said: “We are proud of the progress we have made in creating an inclusive, empowering and transformative university experience.
“This report validates our unwavering dedication to ensuring opportunity is not just available, but truly accessible to all.
“Our mission is clearβto ensure anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can thrive at Teesside University.
“This report marks an important milestone, and we remain determined to build on this strong foundation in the years ahead.”
An APP outlines how a university will support underrepresented groups in accessing and succeeding in higher education, and this is the first time Teesside has published an impact report to showcase the outcomes of its plan.
The report covers key achievements over the 2024/25 academic year, including expanded support for students with disabilities and mental health conditions.
Student success tutors focusing on these areas delivered 110 one-to-one sessions, with 75 per cent supporting neurodiverse students to develop academic skills and confidence.
Teesside also invested in disability coordination, mental health training and year-round wellbeing initiatives as part of its approach to removing barriers for students.
Employability support was another focus.
Between August 2024 and July 2025, the universityβs Graduate Opportunities Team delivered 166 paid internships with 68 employers, 728 outreach calls to graduates, and an expanded Graduate Success Programme offering up to two years of post-graduation support.
These programmes are designed to close progression gaps for graduates from low-participation areas and ensure all students have access to meaningful career pathways.
The university also deepened its engagement with ethnically and culturally diverse communities, supporting 730 students through school and college activities aimed at raising awareness of higher education options.
Programmes included help with personal statements and the Future Leaders Residential scheme for year 12 and 13 students from diverse backgrounds.
Partnerships with local schools also grew, delivering aspiration-building activities such as digital skills workshops for girls, STEAM events, maths enrichment sessions, and creative industry taster days.
These initiatives reached hundreds of pupils across the region.
Judges for the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2025 award described Teesside as “unashamedly ambitious for its students,” recognising its wider impact in line with its core mission.
The university has embedded a robust evaluation framework in all of its APP activities to ensure progress can be accurately measured in the coming years.
It remains committed to strengthening its approach and expanding opportunities for students.