RGU crowned Higher Educational Institute of the Year

RGU also won the Partnership with Schools award for the important work being carried by the University’s Hub Widening Access Model to create fresh routes into higher education.

The double awards success came at a glittering awards ceremony held in Glasgow with the Herald Education Awards celebrating the efforts of those in the higher and further education sectors.

Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of RGU, said: “Being named Higher Educational Institution of the Year 2026 is a tremendous achievement and is something everyone connected with the University can feel immensely proud of.

“It is an amazing reflection of the commitment of our staff and shines a light on our collective efforts to become the UK’s leading work‑integrated university by 2030.

“Winning the Partnership with Schools award is fantastic and shows how we are committed to providing pathways into higher education and this success highlights how RGU is continuing to play a vital role in maintaining crucial links with the communities we serve.”

Exemplary school partnerships

Peter Tormey, Head of UK Recruitment and Access at RGU, said: “The Partnership with Schools award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our team, alongside colleagues from across the University who support this important work.

"Together, they have built strong relationships with schools across our region, helping to improve access to higher education and highlight the lifelong benefits it can bring. This is a fantastic achievement for both our team and the University, and one we are incredibly proud of."

The judges were impressed by this comprehensive schools’ partnership which engages pupils across all secondary stages, combining outreach, curriculum support and sustained guidance, offering a breadth and depth of engagement for clear progression routes into higher education.

Presenter praises RGU 

Speaking at the Awards, presenter Des Clarke said: “This year’s winner stood out as a university whose impact could be seen across a wide range of submissions, each reflecting a serious commitment to students, partnerships and the wider community. The judges were particularly impressed by the breadth of its work across multiple categories, which together painted the picture of an institution operating at a high level across very different areas of university life. This was not about success in one niche; it was about quality, consistency and purpose across the board.

“Its entries demonstrated real strength in business engagement, widening access and civic contribution, alongside projects that showed a university deeply connected to the needs of its region. There was a clear emphasis on employability, long-term partnership building and creating opportunities for those who might otherwise be excluded. What resonated strongly with the judges was that these initiatives were not superficial or one-off, but part of a broader institutional approach with sustained outcomes and meaningful reach.

“Across its shortlisted work, the judges saw an institution using its expertise, influence and partnerships to create practical change. There was evidence of innovation, but also of follow-through: projects that were well designed, rooted in real need and capable of delivering impact beyond the campus. Taken together, the entries revealed a university with a strong civic identity and an impressive ability to deliver high-calibre work across many disciplines and priorities.”

Recognising excellence across the University 

Several RGU research projects, initiatives and members of staff were shortlisted in an array of categories at the Herald Higher Education Awards 2026. The Hackathon and Start-Up Accelerator were both nominated for Outstanding Business Engagement in Universities with Dr Julie Jones nominated for Outstanding Contribution from a staff member.

RGU was also shortlisted for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community for the Denis Law Legacy Partnership while Gray’s School of Art Mobile Art School was nominated in the same category.  Denis Law Legacy Partnership was shortlisted for the Partnership Award and The RGU Hub Widening Access Model was also nominated for the Widening Access award.

In addition, Resilience and Responses to Interconnecting Crises in Informal Settings was nominated for Research Project of the Year.

The Herald Higher Education Awards 2026 ceremony was held at the at DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow on Wednesday 20 May and the annual event recognises the important work of students and teaching staff across Scotland’s universities and colleges.

Main image: The RGU team with the two awards they won at the Herald Higher Education Awards 2026. Credit: Gibson Media 2026.