Edge Hill University has won the award for Outstanding Student Financial Support Package at this year’s THES Awards, followed by The University of Leeds as highly commended.
The award, backed by OFFA, aims to recognise the good work that institutions are doing to support students financially. The judges were particularly keen to reward imaginative and creative packages that effectively target under-represented groups.
Congratulating the winner, Sir Martin Harris, Director of OFFA, said:
‘I’m delighted to see Edge Hill University win this award. The entry was an excellent example of a broad package of financial support tailored to the needs of a number of under-represented groups. I was particularly impressed by the range of creative initiatives designed to encourage retention and achievement.’
Commenting on the University of Leeds scholarship programme, Sir Martin said:
‘I particularly like the fact that this scheme at the University of Leeds is an innovative collaboration between the university, business and the local Council. It demonstrates a good understanding of the needs of a specific under-represented group and how financial support will make a real difference to their lives.’
The winners of the THES Awards were revealed on 15 November, at a dinner held at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane. The full list of winners can be found in the ‘2006 Award Winners Special Supplement’ accompanying the 17 November edition of the Times Higher Education Supplement.