2026 Strategy

Make the possible happen.

Throughout our history, York St John University has consistently identified opportunities, risen to challenges and explored new possibilities. Thousands of students have travelled that journey with us.

The next stage of the journey comes at perhaps the most uncertain period of change throughout our history. It is a moment to be bold, ambitious and ready to do things differently.

By 2026 our university will have been changing lives through education for 185 years. We will be celebrating 20 years as a university. We have asked ourselves – what type of institution do we need to become by 2026? What will our contribution to the world be? And how do we get there?

This Strategy is our ambitious response – a summary of how we will make the possible happen.

Impact

Through our mission, vision, values and purpose, alongside the projects we are focusing on, we will be:

• Outstanding for learning and research that enables our graduates to succeed and that raises our academic profile.
• At the forefront of eliminating social inequalities in higher education, reflected in our students' outcomes.
• A partner of choice.
• An anchor institution in York and at the leading edge of the intellectual, economic and social evolution of our region.
• Known for a culture of excellence, demonstrated through our governance, management and people.

To view a PDF version of our full Strategy click here