Full Breakdown
University of Bradford Tops Social Mobility Index 2025
3/24/2026, 12:26:54 PM
Overview of the Rankings
The University of Bradford has been recognized as England's leading institution for graduate social mobility in the 2025 annual rankings, which assess how effectively universities support socio-economically disadvantaged students from enrollment through to post-graduation success. The rankings, compiled by London South Bank University (LSBU) and published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), consider various factors including undergraduate access, continuation rates, and graduate outcomes.
Key Rankings and Institutions
Following the University of Bradford, Aston University secured the second position, while the University of Wolverhampton took third place. Other notable institutions in the top ten include Birmingham Newman University (fourth), the University of Salford (fifth), the University of Greater Manchester (sixth), and Birmingham City University (seventh). Among the Russell Group universities, Imperial College London, the London School of Economics, and King’s College London ranked eighth, tenth, and eleventh, respectively.
Methodology of the Index
The English Social Mobility Index evaluates universities based on the proportion of their intake from the two most deprived socio-economic groups, their continuation rates, and the median salaries of graduates. The salary data is adjusted to account for regional differences, providing a comprehensive view of how well institutions support disadvantaged learners.
Official Statements on Social Mobility
Professor Antony Moss, pro vice-chancellor for education and student experience at LSBU, emphasized the need for universities to enhance their efforts in addressing long-standing inequalities in access and outcomes for disadvantaged students. He stated, “Institutions need to do more, both individually and collectively, to close the access and outcome gaps for these learners.”
Professor Nick Braisby, interim vice-chancellor at the University of Bradford, remarked that the university's recognition reflects its core mission, especially during a time when the value of higher education is under scrutiny. He noted, “It is important to be clear about what universities are for.”
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the positive recognition for certain institutions, there remains criticism regarding the overall effectiveness of universities in promoting social mobility. Some experts argue that while progress has been made, significant gaps still exist in both access to higher education and the outcomes for disadvantaged students.
Complete Rankings of the Top 20 Universities
1. The University of Bradford
2. Aston University
3. The University of Wolverhampton
4. Birmingham Newman University
5. The University of Salford
6. The University of Greater Manchester
7. Birmingham City University
8. Imperial College London
9. The University of Huddersfield
10. London School of Economics and Political Science
11. King’s College London
12. Teesside University
13. Edge Hill University
14. St George’s, University of London
15. Staffordshire University
16. The University of Central Lancashire
17. The University of Leicester
18. London South Bank University
19. University of Cumbria
20. Keele University
The 2025 Social Mobility Index serves as a critical tool for universities to evaluate their strategies in supporting socio-economically disadvantaged students, highlighting both achievements and areas needing improvement.
