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Kingston University shortlisted for Entrepreneurial University of the Year and Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year in 2014 Times Higher Education Awards

Kingston University has been shortlisted for two prestigious Times Higher Education accolades - the Entrepreneurial University of the Year Award and the Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year Award.

The Entrepreneurial University of the Year category recognises an institution which has developed an unparalleled environment for fostering enterprise. In 2012-13, for the fifth year running, Kingston University graduates generated the most start-up companies of any UK higher education institution, thanks to our high levels of extra-curricular and academic support. Some 400 students were involved in developing enterprises and 1,000 students took part in entrepreneurship education. And the University's young entrepreneurs regularly win awards - they carried off 19 out of 21 cash prizes in last year's Bright Ideas competition.

Kingston University was shortlisted for the Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year award for the support provided to care leavers with the difficulties they often face in higher education. By 2012-13, there were 122 care leaver students at Kingston University, the highest number among the 62 universities reporting to Buttle UK, the charity for children and young people living in poverty. Kingston's support package, KU Cares, includes increased bursaries, priority for scholarships, support in applying for international study mobility funds and other enhanced support for care leavers.

In 2012-13, 89 per cent of graduating care leavers achieved a 2:2 degree or above, compared to 90 per cent at the University overall - a significant achievement given the barriers they face.

The University was selected from hundreds of award nominations. Vice-Chancellor Professor Julius Weinberg said: "This achievement is down to hard work and inspirational thinking. I am grateful to everyone involved and delighted that their efforts have been recognised. It shows that Kingston University can be as good as it gets."

The winners will be announced on 27 November at a special event in London.

• Find out more about the enterprise programme at Kingston University.
• Find out more about how Kingston University supports care leavers through KU Cares.