Edge Hill awarded for helping local community

Edge Hill University has been commended for its ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community’ in the Times Higher Education Awards. 

Vice-Chancellor Dr John Cater said he was thrilled that the university’s efforts had been recognised by the judges. 

He said: “To even be shortlisted for a Times Higher Education (THE) award is a brilliant achievement so to be highly commended is a huge honour. 

“Edge Hill is a university that is rooted in community spirit. From supporting others in their time of need to providing our students with the skills needed to address workforce challenges, we are a university focused on helping others educationally, socially, culturally, and economically.” 

The university was recognised for showing its community spirit when it rushed to the aid of Asmall Primary School when it suffered a fire in June 2021.  

Edge Hill University opened its doors to Asmall pupils just one week later so their education would not be disrupted, ensuring to provide the school with everything they needed. 

From a shocking event came a life-changing experience for the children and parents of a local school and has opened their eyes to a university education. 

Professor Jane Moore, Edge Hill’s Dean of Faculty of Education, said: “As a University that originated as a teacher training college primary education is very close to hearts, so when we heard about the fire at Asmall Primary we knew we had to step in and help.  

“We made a building available for the exclusive use of the pupils with an individual classroom for each year group, just like they had at school.  

“Our amazing teacher training students also volunteered to help out with this new arrangement and provided additional support helping to develop their own skills as well as benefiting the pupils. 

“Community means a lot to us at Edge Hill, so being praised for our contribution to the local community is testimony to our commitment to helping others.” 

Edge Hill was also shortlisted in the ‘Widening Participation Initiative of the Year’ category in recognition of its medical school’s efforts to redress the balance in what is traditionally an ‘elite’ profession, helping to raise aspirations and develop a workforce sensitive to the healthcare needs of diverse communities. 

To find out more about Edge Hill University, click here. 

To find out more about the Times Higher Education Awards, click here.