Keele’s award-winning Foundation Year

Foundation years provide a stepping stone for NEETs with the potential to succeed at university, even if they don’t have the grades to get a place directly into an undergraduate programme. Keele’s unique foundation year was a key part of the University’s citation as winner of University of the Year at the Social Mobility Awards 2026.

It provides routes onto every undergraduate degree programme at Keele for students who might not have the traditional qualifications, the required subject combinations, or who might have followed vocational qualifications. More than 80% of Foundation Year students progress onto science and health-related degrees, supporting workforce development in areas of national need.

The Foundation Year equips students with the confidence, academic and real-world skills needed to succeed at university, and to thrive in an evolving jobs market.

Keele’s student population reflects the University’s commitment to inclusion: on average over the past few years, 44% are the first in their family to attend university, 33% declare a disability, and 55% identify as global ethnic majority students. Importantly, former Foundation Year students outperform direct entrants on continuation measures, achieving rates as high as 94% in the past three years (compared to 89% for direct-entry students).