London Met recognised for its outstanding commitment to diversity and widening participation
Date: 19 September 2025
London Metropolitan University has been named runner-up for University of the Year for Social Inclusion in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025/26.
The recognition highlights London Met’s aim to be one of the best universities for ensuring all students, from all backgrounds, are supported to succeed.
Being placed runner-up in this respected category underlines the University’s mission to make higher education accessible, inclusive and transformative – particularly for those who have traditionally been underrepresented at university, or who have faced barriers in their past.
The announcement comes following the news that London Met has been ranked first in the UK for the difference it makes to students’ lives, according to the Guardian University Guide 2026.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Julie Hall, said: “This recognition is fantastic. For us, social inclusion means providing opportunities to succeed at university for anyone who feels they can benefit from higher education. In a period defined increasingly by rage and division, universities like London Met open our doors wide to opportunities. We believe a socially inclusive university reflects the values that hold a society together, provides hope for a better future and ensures a skilled workforce for our countries.”
She added: “The award is a real testament to the incredible efforts of staff and students who create a community where everyone can thrive. This recognition encourages us to go further in putting our students at the centre of everything we do.”
London Met has a proud history of supporting first-generation students, mature learners, and those from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed. The recognition also reflects the University’s continued investment in innovative teaching, personalised student support, and strong partnerships with local communities.
This latest accolade strengthens London Met’s reputation as one of the UK’s most socially inclusive universities, building on its long track record of transforming lives through the power of education.
London Met was awarded the runner up award, to Birmingham Newman University in top slot – another university with a deep commitment to making a difference to people's life chances.
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 provides the definitive rankings for UK universities and the most comprehensive overview of higher education in Britain, making use of the latest data. It features everything you need to know about applying to university and detailed online profiles for 133 universities, covering research reputation, campus facilities, scholarships and bursaries, and nightlife.
The guide provides prospective students and their families with the information to make an informed choice about higher education, evaluating everything from satisfaction with teaching quality and the student experience to degree continuation rates and graduate employment prospects.
