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
New Policy Lab launched to help York and North Yorkshire thrive
Development of a possible visitor levy first on the agenda.
- 19 November 2025
- Community
- Events
- Research
Article
Votes at 16: Yorkshire academics and youth workers highlight urgent need for political conversations with young people
York St John University hosts webinar to examine the role of youth work in preparing for the extension of voting rights to 16 and 17 year olds across the UK.
- 13 November 2025
- Events
- Research
Article
Students and staff provide sports therapy and fitness support for BBC presenters’ Children in Need challenge
‘Unforgettable learning experience’ supporting the Thousand Mile Challenge
- 6 November 2025
- Community
- Students
Article
York St John University celebrates community champions with honorary degrees
Menfulness charity founder and Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime in West Yorkshire to be recognised for their impact across Yorkshire and beyond.
- 4 November 2025
- Events
- Students
Article
Shaped by personal experience and a passion for social justice, York St John academic named in the top 2% of scientists
Dr Obasanjo Bolarinwa earns global recognition for his work in public health.
- 3 November 2025
- Research
