Three higher education institutions have been honoured with the most prestigious award for UK businesses – the King’s Awards for Enterprise.
The winners, including Times Higher Education, UK upmarket teen educator Oxford Royale Academy and the University of Hertfordshire, were announced on May 6.
Paul Howarth THE CEO said receiving the “prestigious award” was an “an absolute career highlight for me and an amazing seal of approval for the tremendous work THE does for one of the world’s most important sectors – higher education”.
THE was recognised in the international trade category for demonstrating rapid growth as a global provider of higher education data, insights and services.
It is one of only 252 organisations in the UK to be recognised by the royal initiative, now in its 59th year, which was established by HM Queen Elizabeth to recognise outstanding UK businesses.
THE’s portfolio includes university rankings, data products, global events and consultancy, with clients in 85 countries.
Meanwhile, Oxford Royale refers to itself as a leader in premium summer school education. The award, also in the international trade category, recognises a business that welcomes students from over 175 nations.
George Humphreys, Oxford Royale’s CEO, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition. “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award, which serves as a testament to our commitment to providing transformative educational experiences for students worldwide, right here in the UK,” he said.
The University of Hertfordshire also nabbed an award in the international trade category.
The university is one of the largest international student recruiters for post-1992 universities and was the only university to be recognised with a King’s Award for Enterprise this year.
Despite global challenges including the pandemic, Herts has expanded its international sales by 330% in the past six years.
The university has 135 study abroad partners and 19 transnational education partners.
“This award is extremely encouraging and shows there is an appreciation beyond the sector of the immense value and need for our international community”, said Professor Quintin McKellar, University of Hertfordshire Vice Chancellor.
“The fact that our education is held in such high esteem around the world, making it a great export product, and that we are one of the most popular places to study is something to celebrate.”
