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.
Facts and figures
Who we are
180 years of teaching people from across the world in the heart of York
Top 15 We have been named 13th out of 135 universities in the country for teaching quality in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
Radical Our unique contextual offer scheme, described as radical by the Office for Students, gives more people a fair chance to access Higher Education
40,000 We are connected to a network of over 40,000 alumni from across the years and across the world
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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
Voices for Nature: Local leadership in climate resilience
York St John University partners with the North York Moors National Park Authority on community climate resilience project.
- 9 December 2025
- Community
- Research
Article
Opening doors to communication as York St John brings British Sign Language learning to A-Level students
York St John University teams up with local schools to deliver British Sign Language enrichment classes to A-Level students.
- 8 December 2025
- Community
Article
A dose of nature - new partnership to inspire healthier, more active living through North Yorkshire’s landscapes
York St John University academics join new programme aimed at harnessing the power of North Yorkshire’s natural landscapes to help people live healthier, more active, and more connected lives.
- 8 December 2025
- Research
Article
Creative talent shines as Graphic Design student wins Christmas card competition
Graphic Design student’s festive artwork chosen as York St John University’s official Christmas card.
- 2 December 2025
- Students
Article
Living Lab kicks off this year's climate resilience projects with student grant launch
Expanding community engagement with Friendly Living Fund, People’s Assembly and official campus space.
- 24 November 2025
