Leeds Trinity celebrates as it is awarded full university status

The higher education institution has been classed as a university college for the past three years with the power to awards its own degrees. It has now benefited from the Government relaxing rules over how many students a university must have.

Previously institutions needed 4,000 students to become a university but this has now been cut to 1,000.

Leeds Trinity, which has more than 3,000 students, applied for a full university title earlier this year. It also means that the head of the organisation, Professor Freda Bridge, has become its vice chancellor just weeks before her retirement at the end of the year.

She said: “I’m delighted that we have now been granted university status – it is a major milestone in our 46 year history that recognises our collective hard work and achievements. In all but name, Leeds Trinity has been functioning as a university since its award of taught degree awarding powers in 2009, and I’m delighted that the Government’s decision will now allow us to use the title ‘university’.

“I’d like to thank all staff, students and governors who have worked hard to contribute to this momentous event in our history.”

Ed Anderson, chairman of the board of governors at Leeds Trinity, said: “The board is thrilled that Leeds Trinity has been awarded university title. We are proud of the fantastic experience we provide to our students, which is reflected in student satisfaction surveys and the employment record of our former students.

“This announcement marks an exciting new chapter for Leeds Trinity, and the city of Leeds, and we are proud to be a part of the offer for people who wish to pursue their university education in Leeds.”