Equity Awards: success for our second cohort and national recognition
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Goldsmiths has celebrated the graduation of our second cohort of Equity Award scholars and the transformative impact of donor support.
Alexander Morley ("Morley") who achieved a first-class BA (hons) Psychosocial Studies pictured with Equity Award Academic Lead, Dr Marl'Ene Edwin
Some 19 remarkable students whose achievements reflect personal triumph and the impact of donor support graduated as part of our Summer Graduation held at the QEII Centre in Westminster.
Breaking Barriers, building futures
Launched in 2021, the Equity Awards provide financial and pastoral support to Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) students at Goldsmiths. The programme helps break down barriers to higher education and widen participation. The Awards recognise potential, nurture ambition, and empower students to focus on their studies, reducing the pressures of financial insecurity that can hinder academic success.
The programme began as a partnership between philanthropic donors and Goldsmiths, reflecting a shared commitment to equity and access. It is now fully sustained by donor generosity, continuing to demonstrate the transformative impact that targeted philanthropy can have in higher education.
Chanelle Simpson, BA (hons) Social Science Community Development and Youth Work (left), and Rachel Akinyele BSc (Hons) Psychology (right) with Dr Edwin.
Outstanding academic achievement
This year, 19 Equity Award scholars graduated from Goldsmiths, of which five received first class honours degrees, while the rest achieved strong upper second Class (2:1) results, a remarkable record of achievement across the cohort.
The Equity Awards are about more than financial support; they are about recognising potential and opening doors. Seeing 19 scholars graduate this year, with outstanding results, is proof of what happens when barriers are lifted, and students are given the chance to thrive.
Dr Marl'Ene Edwin, Academic Lead, Goldsmiths Equity Awards
National recognition for equity and excellence
The Equity Award’s impact is now being recognised nationally, with the Equity Awards shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious FutureEd Awards, a celebration of innovation, equity, and Black excellence in higher education.
Alongside a nomination in the Best Mentor category for Dr Edwin, we are also being acknowledged for the programme’s role in creating opportunities and driving systemic change in access, success, and progression for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Olivia Uchechi Mcfarlane, BA (Hons) Sociology with Criminology with Dr Edwin.
Goldsmiths has always believed in the power of education to transform lives. The success of our Equity Award graduates shows just how vital donor support is in enabling us to widen participation and create the leaders, thinkers and creatives of the future.
Professor David Oswell, Interim Vice-Chancellor of Goldsmiths
Professor Oswell continued: "That’s why it is so powerful to see the programme not only changing individual lives but also being recognised nationally for its innovation and impact.”
Voices of impact: scholars reflect
For many students, the Award has been life changing. By offering both financial assistance and a community of support, the scheme has given scholars the security to pursue their studies to the fullest.
“Receiving the Equity Award was absolutely critical to my ability to successfully begin studying at Goldsmiths. The award immediately alleviated the initial financial pressures of moving to London for the first time.”
“This practical support gave me the confidence to actively engage with my new environment—it facilitated my attendance at crucial social and networking events, which allowed me to quickly establish connections and feel settled.”
Zafar Tariq, BA (Hons) Promotional Media: PR, Advertising and Branding (graduated 2025)
Powered by donor support
The Goldsmiths Equity Awards exist thanks to the generosity of donors who believe in advancing equity and opportunity. and their support is already changing lives. With two successful graduating cohorts, national recognition, and a model of support that other institutions are beginning to take note of, the impact is clear.
Equity Award scholar Joquan Johnson (“JJ”), BA (hons) Music, with long-time Goldsmiths trustee and Equity Award supporter, Ben Morton Wright, who chaired the graduation ceremony.
Looking ahead: growing the movement, creating change
Beyond individual success, the Equity Awards are providing valuable insights into how targeted interventions can advance equity across higher education. The programme is already demonstrating enormous potential to inform Goldsmiths’ ongoing work to enhance support for Global Ethnic Majority students. In the years ahead, we look forward to scaling and shaping these approaches even further.
As the Awards continue to grow, welcoming new cohorts of scholars each year, they stand as a shining example of how universities, communities and donors can work together to create meaningful, lasting change in higher education.
Thank you to our community of supporters, scholars, and our committed staff.
Find out how they support our talented students to thrive – Goldsmiths Equity Awards.