Robert Gordon University (RGU) has been named Higher Educational Institution of the Year at the prestigious Herald Education Awards 2026. Judges were impressed with RGU’s ongoing commitment to employability, access and community impact.
RGU also won the Partnership with Schools award for the important work being carried by the University’s Hub Widening Access Model to create fresh routes into higher education.
The double awards success came at a glittering awards ceremony held in Glasgow with the Herald Education Awards celebrating the efforts of those in the higher and further education sectors.
Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of RGU, said: “Being named Higher Educational Institution of the Year 2026 is a tremendous achievement and is something everyone connected with the University can feel immensely proud of.
“It is an amazing reflection of the commitment of our staff and shines a light on our collective efforts to become the UK’s leading work‑integrated university by 2030.
“Winning the Partnership with Schools award is fantastic and shows how we are committed to providing pathways into higher education and this success highlights how RGU is continuing to play a vital role in maintaining crucial links with the communities we serve.”
L - R: Dr Julie Jones, Mark Williams, Aisha Kasim, Professor Lynn Kilbride, Dr Duncan Cockburn, Peter Tormey, Ross McLean and Emma Shea from RGU. Credit: Gibson Media 2026.
Peter Tormey, Head of UK Recruitment and Access at RGU, said: “The Partnership with Schools award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our team, alongside colleagues from across the University who support this important work. Together, they have built strong relationships with schools across our region, helping to improve access to higher education and highlight the lifelong benefits it can bring. This is a fantastic achievement for both our team and the University, and one we are incredibly proud of.”
Several RGU research projects, initiatives and members of staff were shortlisted in an array of categories at the Herald Higher Education Awards 2026. The Hackathon and Start-Up Accelerator were both nominated for Outstanding Business Engagement in Universities with Dr Julie Jones nominated for Outstanding Contribution from a staff member.
RGU was also shortlisted for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community for the Denis Law Legacy Partnership while Gray’s School of Art Mobile Art School was nominated in the same category. Denis Law Legacy Partnership was shortlisted for the Partnership Award and The RGU Hub Widening Access Model was also nominated for the Widening Access award.
In addition, Resilience and Responses to Interconnecting Crises in Informal Settings was nominated for Research Project of the Year.
The Herald Higher Education Awards 2026 ceremony was held at the at DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow on Wednesday 20 May and the annual event recognises the important work of students and teaching staff across Scotland’s universities and colleges.