About
About
Founded in 1841, we transform lives through the power of education across the generations.
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At York St John University we pride ourselves on our community and heritage.
We have been teaching people from across the world for 180 years. We are passionate about giving our students a teaching and learning environment that is safe, exciting, inclusive and inspirational.
With official 'Sanctuary' status, we also see our role as something bigger than an education provider. Our role in the city of York is one we take seriously. Many of our students and staff are activists, engaging directly with our wider community.
Our University for Social Impact Strategy
Our strategy sets out our vision, values, strategic aims and indicators of success.
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Our economic and social impact
Our University plays a substantial role in the region’s economy and makes an important social impact through widening educational participation, research and enabling development.
An independent evaluation of our social and economic impact in the 2021/22 academic year highlights our strong commitment to social justice and the added value we generate for the UK economy in return for the public funding we receive.
Read the Economic and Social Impact report summary:
York St John University Economic and Social Impact Summary (PDF, 0.2MB)
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At York St John University we are making mental health a priority. That is why we have joined universities across the UK in signing up for Student Minds' University Mental Health Charter Programme.
"The University Mental Health Charter was created by thousands of staff and students to shape a future in which everyone in higher education can thrive."
For more information, see our initial article welcoming the news: York St John signs up to University Mental Health Charter.
More about York St John
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Leadership and governance
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Campus and facilities
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Partnerships
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Our home in York
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Our graduate attributes
Higher York
Higher York is a partnership between University of York, York St John University, Askham Bryan College and York College.
As a place-based partnership of institutions, the Higher York institutions are committed to the economic, social and environmental and cultural life of the York City Region. Higher York has a strong track record of collaboration and partnership with key City Region stakeholders to overcome the challenges facing our local communities.
Read more about the commitments and contributions in the PDF below:
Featured news
Article
Charities and social enterprise groups offered funding and academic expertise to support community projects in Yorkshire
Community Research Grants 2026 offer expanded opportunities from York St John University research institutes.
- 2 February 2026
- Research
Article
York St John joins global initiative to improve research evaluation
York St John University signs the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), strengthening its commitment to fair, transparent, and inclusive approaches to equitable research assessment and academic career advancement.
- 30 January 2026
- Research
Article
Warm Spaces cinema returns to York
York St John University's Cinema & Social Justice team offer free film screenings for people trying to stay warm this winter.
- 23 January 2026
Article
Creating change at the York St John Communities Centre
At York St John Communities Centre, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality, inclusive mental health, educational and wellbeing support. Since opening our doors in 2016, we’ve worked to meet the evolving needs of individuals, families,
- 20 January 2026
Article
York St John becomes the first university in the UK to use revolutionary maternity simulator that actually gives birth
Midwifery students can use Mama Anne to prepare for the most challenging scenarios in labour and birth.
- 19 January 2026
