A Leeds librarian who left school at 13 with no qualifications has praised the 'transformative' impact of her University of Leeds degree.
Lou Bentley from Morley says she experienced a chaotic life as a youngster and felt disconnected from school.
She was working as a Customer Service Officer when a visit from the University’s Lifelong Learning Centre struck a chord with her.
Leeds’ dedication to helping students overcome barriers resulted in it being shortlisted for University of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards 2026, held this week in London.
The awards are organised by charity Making The Leap, to inspire and inform real change in advancing social mobility in the UK. The University of the Year award celebrates those universities ‘making an outstanding commitment to social mobility issues’, with widening access being just the start.
Leeds was named as a great example of an institution that encourages and supports its students in achieving their best no matter what their background, age or circumstances. The University not only helps potential students access degree courses, but supports them throughout their academic journey.
Lou said the University of Leeds has changed her life.
She listened to members of the University’s Lifelong Learning Centre when they came to talk to unemployed customers and felt, for the first time, that she could also consider higher education to improve her life chances.
The Lifelong Learning Centre’s JumpStart programme – a free eight-week taster programme for adult learners – lit a fire in Lou who decided her ambition of becoming a librarian was a real possibility.
I would probably have never gone to university if I hadn't gone on the JumpStart programme. I made friends that I still see today and I feel part of the university community. I am so proud of that.
She went from sitting Maths and English GCSEs to completing a degree course in English and Comparative Literature in the space of five years – whilst at the same time working and bringing up three children.
Lou was overjoyed to graduate last July with a First Class Honours degree. This gave her the confidence to successfully apply for a Librarian role at Leeds City Library, where she worked part-time as a Library Assistant.
“I can’t thank the university enough for what they have done for me,” said Lou.
“I would probably never have gone to university if I hadn’t gone on the JumpStart programme. I made friends that I still see today and I feel part of the university community. I am so proud of that.
“It has been fantastic for my career development and changing the way I feel about myself. Even my son is hoping to study physics at Leeds too. And now I am studying for a Masters in Librarianship and Information Management. It has been truly transformative.”
Knocking down barriers
National research conducted by The Sutton Trust demonstrates that students from disadvantaged backgrounds continue to face many barriers in accessing selective universities. These barriers can then undermine their ability to continue their courses and achieve good results. They are also less likely to participate in opportunities that enhance their prospects.
Leeds sets ambitious targets to increase participation among underrepresented groups, including mature learners and those from the most deprived neighbourhoods in England. Alongside improving access, Leeds encourages students from all backgrounds to develop a strong sense of belonging and fully engage in university life.
Seeing students grow in confidence, achieve their ambitions, and go on to create new opportunities for themselves and their families is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
The University has worked with students, schools, communities, employers and regional partners to create sustainable change and ensure social mobility is a shared responsibility.
Professor Wendy Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Education and Experience, said: “Stories like Lou's remind us why this work matters so much. Universities can transform lives, but only if talented people can see a pathway to higher education and feel they belong once they get here.
“At Leeds, we're committed to creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to realise their potential, whatever barriers they may have faced. Seeing students grow in confidence, achieve their ambitions, and go on to create new opportunities for themselves and their families is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
“We're proud to be recognised by the Social Mobility Awards, but even more proud of the students whose determination, talent and success make that recognition possible."
Routes to success
The University has several routes that provide opportunities for people to study at Leeds. These include:
- Access to Leeds – offers additional consideration for applicants based on their personal circumstances.
- Contextual admissions scheme – the University can make a reduced offer to study at Leeds based on personal circumstances.
- Advice and Guidance (AIG) – the University provides information and advice through the Student Information Service and Leeds University Union while the Lifelong Learning Centre provides free careers advice at any stage of a student’s academic journey.
- Accreditation for Prior Learning – a formal process that can convert prior learning into academic credit.
- Dedicated programmes - to enable progression to foundation year level for students with significant gaps in their education.
- JumpStart programme – a free short course designed for adult learners considering higher education.
- The Plus Programme – providing practical guidance, targeted resources and one-to-one support to help students navigate financial challenges.
- Campus Reimagined – a wide-ranging programme that engages students and staff in creating more inclusive environments across the campus.
Great results
January 2025 – March 2026
Go Higher West Yorkshire, which helps make higher education more accessible to people throughout the county, engaged 2,640 learners.
Leeds to Success, an outreach programme promoting university as an exciting and achievable option to pupils aged 11 to 16, supported at least 141 students from IMD Q1 backgrounds.
Applications from students living in more deprived neighbourhoods increased from 1,015 to 1,200. This represented a 16% increase on the previous cycle and amounted to 24% growth in five years.
Around one in five first-year undergraduates are now eligible for Access to Leeds, reflecting the contextual admissions approach. It remains a major pathway into the University with more than 10,000 applicants.
The University engaged with 756 schools and colleges, delivering 626 activities and approximately 8000 hours of support.
Global Opportunities supported 111 students, including 92 fully funded participants.
Further information
For further information contact Jane Lewis by emailing j.lewis3@leeds.ac.uk or pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk