UEL takes home prize at the prestigious NEON awards

This award recognises our Curriculum Enhancement through University Partnership (CETUP) project – a powerful initiative that brings biology, chemistry, business and law to life through university-based, curriculum-linked activities.

CETUP supports students in developing their subject knowledge and academic skills in real university environments – helping break down barriers and widen participation in higher education. The programme runs as both CETUP Science (Biology and Chemistry) and CETUP Business (Business and Law).

Carol Berry, UEL Partnerships Manager, said:

We are extremely proud of the NEON award for CETUP, as it supports post 16 student’s curriculum knowledge and university experiences at UEL. The Outreach and Access team’s partnerships work with FE colleges and UEL’s academic Schools is the driver of success for this transformative and impactful project for young people.”

The Schools and Colleges team (Outreach and Access) are dedicated to working with underrepresented groups, aligned with our access and participation plan (APP) objectives, and they work closely with local schools and colleges. They aim to deliver activities that address inequalities and support students from all backgrounds in accessing higher education.

Newham Sixth Form also won the NEON School or College Widening Access Award. This is a well-deserved recognition of our ongoing partnership with them.

UEL and Newham College of Further Education first partnered in 2016 to offer courses across both institutions with clear progression routes, aiming to secure an integrated pathway from college to university. By working together, we provide enhanced future opportunities for the local community. 

Newham Sixth Form are one of UEL’s key partnerships, with ongoing collaboration, such as the newly launched mental health support and counselling service.

The Schools and Colleges team work in partnership with New City College group, Newham College and Southwark College and UEL’s School of Health, Sport and Bioscience and The Royal Dock School of Business and Law.

These achievements and our ongoing partnership work also align with one of our core strategic objectives to foster Future Professionals. It sits under Vision 2028, UEL's ambitious 10-year strategy to reshape the face of education through collaborative initiatives alongside industry partners.

The awards ceremony took place on 5 June at the House of Commons and was hosted by Adam Thompson MP, the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary University Group, who also presented winners with their certificates.

Championing fairness

These awards follow the ethos of the University of East London’s 2025 "Year of Health". A major part of this is championing access in healthcare, outreach into communities, fairer policies and driving forward healthcare innovation.