Edge Hill University in Lancashire has taken a moment to look back on a remarkable and eventful 2025, a year defined by outstanding student and staff accomplishments, prestigious awards, and significant campus developments that have profoundly shaped its community.
A Year of Personal and Collective Triumphs
The past twelve months have been a testament to the university's commitment to excellence and social responsibility. From pioneering research to individual stories of inspiration, the Edge Hill community has consistently demonstrated its drive.
Sport and exercise science student Zoe Harvey was awarded a scholarship for her work inspiring others to improve their physical and mental fitness. She was recognised for significantly increasing female participation in the free active sessions she coordinates as part of the university's Campus Sport programme. These twice-weekly, women-only sessions support Sport England's This Girl Can campaign, tackling the gender activity gap.
In a landmark achievement for civic engagement, Edge Hill became the first university to be awarded gold status as a Voter Registration Champion by Citizens UK. This top honour acknowledged the institution's successful efforts in promoting democratic participation, which engaged over 5,000 people, including students and community organisations, ahead of the General Election.
The spirit of care extended into the community through student midwife Athalia Ross. Inspired by a hospital placement, she organised the donation of essential baby baskets to new parents, including refugees and asylum seekers, by setting up a branch of Early Essentials UK in collaboration with the Fern Midwifery Team at WWL NHS Foundation Trust.
Academic Excellence and Pioneering Firsts
2025 also saw academic expertise in the spotlight, with Edge Hill historian Dr Bob Nicholson landing a leading role in a Sky History series on Jack the Ripper, where he shared his knowledge of Victorian popular culture.
A new chapter began with the appointment of Professor Michael Young as the new Vice-Chancellor. Professor Young expressed his delight at leading a university "deeply committed to inclusive education with a relentless drive for excellence."
One of the most pioneering moments of the year was the graduation of the historic first cohort from Edge Hill's Medical School. Fulfilling an ambition set when the school opened in 2019, 80% of this trailblazing class came from backgrounds traditionally under-represented in medicine. Many are now taking their skills back to the communities they grew up in, aiming to improve patient understanding and care.
A heart-warming family story emerged as mother and daughter duo Stephanie and Mia Kennedy graduated on the same day from the same child and adolescent mental health course, with 52-year-old Stephanie achieving a first-class honours degree.
National Recognition and Campus Growth
The university's dedication to an exceptional student experience was validated by impressive national rankings. Edge Hill placed second in the UK for learning resources and fifth for 'student voice' in the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS) and was subsequently named 'university of the year for student experience' in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026.
Campus infrastructure took a major leap forward with the official opening of the new £17.4 million Life Sciences building by UK Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith. This state-of-the-art facility, featuring advanced laboratories, is set to boost scientific education and research across the North West.
The university's creative talent was also showcased on national television, as lecturer Lee Thompson and alumnus Jack McLoughlin created the drama 'Special Measures' for Channel 5's rebooted 'Play for Today' series, focusing on the pressures of school Ofsted inspections.
The year concluded on a festive note with the university's Christmas Carol Concert at Ormskirk Parish Church, bringing together students, staff, and local residents. As Vice-Chancellor Professor Young noted, such events help keep the university "firmly rooted in our local community," perfectly encapsulating the spirit of a truly rewarding year.
