Edge Hill University is celebrating after its Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with The Progress Group received the highest possible rating from Innovate UK, achieving an ‘Outstanding’ grading in recognition of the project’s innovation, impact and successful delivery.
The prestigious grading reflects the strength of the collaboration between Edge Hill University and The Progress Group, recognising the partnership’s ability to translate academic expertise into practical innovation that delivers lasting benefits for alternative education.
Professor George Talbot, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Knowledge Exchange), said of the grading:
“We are delighted with this recognition of Edge Hill’s outstanding partnership with The Progress Group. Partnership with industry and our communities is central to our connected futures, and to growing the productivity and prosperity of the North West.”
Part funded by Innovate UK, the KTP brought together researchers from Edge Hill University’s Department of Computer Science and a KTP Associate, with The Progress Group’s specialist knowledge of alternative education to explore how artificial intelligence could enhance virtual learning for young people unable to access mainstream education.
Professor Ella Pereira, from the Department of Computer Science, at Edge Hill University, added:
“This partnership has combined cutting edge research with practical insight to develop innovative AI solutions that have the potential to transform learning experiences for young people in alternative education. We are proud of the impact this collaboration has delivered and look forward to building on its success through future partnerships.”
The ‘Outstanding’ grading is awarded only to projects that demonstrate exceptional performance, recognising excellence in collaboration, innovation, project delivery and impact.
Susan Suttle, IUK KTP Adviser, (Merseyside, Warrington and West GM), said:
“It has been a pleasure to support this partnership to develop and achieve such a successful outcome. Whilst The Progress Group has taken big steps forward in embedding a digital first capability into their alternative education provision, the university simultaneously have gained new applied research knowledge that can directly inform their academic discipline across teaching and research. This was a highly technical project, which was adaptable to the changing AI landscape and the recent grading is testament to the hard work of all parties.”
Jayne Worthington, CEO of The Progress Group, said:
“Receiving an ‘Outstanding’ grading for our Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Edge Hill University is a brilliant achievement. This partnership has been instrumental in driving forward digital innovation across Progress Schools, and to receive the highest possible grading is a true testament of the collaboration and dedication of everyone involved. It’s exactly the kind of partnership between academia and industry that helps us keep improving outcomes for the young people we work with.”
The award further reinforces Edge Hill University’s commitment to working with industry partners to deliver research with real-world impact. Through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, the University continues to apply its expertise to help organisations innovate, solve complex challenges and create positive outcomes for organisations.
