The Mayor of Kirklees Clr Cahal Burke has helped celebrate three top awards for the University of Huddersfield.

In recent months the university has earned an outstanding Gold rating, the highest accolade attainable, in the Office for Students’ latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF); an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted for its apprenticeships; and Business School of the Year in The Times Higher Education Awards 2023.

The Mayor held a special reception to mark the university’s achievements.

In his speech he described the university as a “jewel among the many gems we have in Kirklees” and a “flagship for educational excellence.”

He added: “The fact it attracts students from all parts of the country, as well as overseas, is testament to how highly it is regarded in the higher education world.

“This is no more evident than with the university’s apprentice provision being awarded an outstanding rating by Ofsted. It is only the second university to be awarded Ofsted’s highest rating for its apprenticeship provision in the last four years.

“The university is also the only one in the Yorkshire and Humber region or the north-west of England to have both an outstanding Ofsted rating for apprenticeships and to be a TEF gold-rated university.

“We must also recognise the university’s incredible international appeal. It was given an overall five-star rating by QS – the international benchmarking system that marks Teaching, Employability, Facilities, Innovation, Internationalisation and Inclusiveness.

“The University of Huddersfield goes from strength to strength and plays an increasingly important part in the life of Huddersfield and Kirklees.

“It is a vital and valued partner of Kirklees Council and many other agencies and groups working together to widen the range of opportunities for the whole community.

“I am proud to be a graduate of the University of Huddersfield myself. During my time studying there I experienced excellent teaching and learned from the best, from those who also cared about progression and achievement.

“On behalf of Kirklees, I would like to thank all the staff, both past and present, and students who have received their degrees from the university, for enriching all aspects of life in our borough.”