The University of Bath could be about to join the Russell Group of elite UK universities after quitting the 1994 Group of small research-intensive universities.
Bath vice-chancellor Dame Glynis Breakwell yesterday said continued membership of the 1994 Group “does not reflect the type of university we are”.
The university, which has around 15,000 students, is seen as a prime candidate to become a Russell Group member, joining 24 other universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol and Manchester, as it has among the highest proportions of undergraduates holding A-level grades of AAB or above.
Four other UK universities made a similar move earlier this year.
In a statement Dame Glynis said: “Our community comprises a high proportion of postgraduate students and consistently delivers excellence in both research and teaching, demonstrated by our highest ever ranking in the national league tables.
“This year we have successfully recruited more of the most able students than ever before, and recent large scale research grants show the quality of the work we do here.
“Continued membership of the 1994 Group does not reflect the type of university we are, nor sit well with the future direction of the university's strategy.
“We will continue to focus on our mission to deliver world class research and teaching and, where appropriate, will remain involved in existing collaboration initiatives with other leading universities.
“We are actively exploring future opportunities to work together with colleagues regionally, nationally and internationally.”
