- Home
- Curriculum
- Russell Group
Russell Group
You’ve decided that you want to study at university or college. There are over 160 higher education providers in the UK and it can be difficult to decide which one you would like to study at. You may have heard about Russell Group universities and wonder what the term means and whether it’s even something that you should be considering.
What is a Russell Group university?
The Russell Group is made up of 24 of the UK's top leading universities. These universities are committed to maintaining the highest levels of academic excellence in both teaching and research and have unrivalled links with business and the public sector.
278 Winstanley College students received places at Russell Group universities in 2021
Winstanley College always attracts the best students from across the North West. In 2020, 38% of students went on to study at Russell Group universities. Compared to a Sixth Form College average of 29%. This shows great things can be achieved when students are inspired and supported to achieve their true potential.
Why study at a Russell Group University?
Leading research
By deciding to study at a Russell Group university, you will have the opportunity to choose a degree from a wide range of internationally renowned courses – from medical, biological and physical sciences to business, social sciences and the humanities. More than 500,000 students are enrolled at Russell Group universities – one in five of all higher education students in the UK. Importantly, many academic staff in Russell Group universities are working at the cutting edge of their disciplines. This means that, as a student, you will interact with leading thinkers and follow a curriculum which is informed by world-class research. As a student, you are likely to have opportunities to engage in research yourself.
Big Investers
Russell Group universities have some of the best state of the art facilities. Millions of pounds are spent investing in libraries and study space, cutting-edge laboratory equipment, improved lecture theatres, innovative courses, arts and culture facilities, the latest software and professional careers services. On average, Russell Group universities spend 50% more per student than other UK universities on academic services and staff and student facilities. Entry to this group of universities is highly selective, and applications outweigh places on the majority of courses. This means that you will benefit from working with, and learning from, a highly-motivated and talented peer group.
Bursaries and scholarships
Every student with the qualifications, potential and determination to succeed at a Russell Group university should have the opportunity to do so, whatever their background. Bursaries and scholarships are available at all Russell Group universities.
Success rates
There are many indicators which highlight the success of Russell Group students during their degree courses: the rate of students who complete their degrees is better than at many of the other institutions in the UK and abroad, and Russell Group students are more likely to achieve excellent degree results. Furthermore, a high percentage of students are in work or further study six months after their graduation: 93% of first-degree graduates from Russell Group universities, compared to 90% for non-Russell Group graduates . First-degree students from research-intensive universities are also more likely to progress straight to postgraduate study.
Transferable skills
Students are taught how to problem solve, learn independently and think creatively and analytically – all valuable employment skills. Graduates are equipped with the skills to be successful entrepreneurs, and a significant number of them set up their own companies. So it’s no wonder why graduates are highly sought after by employers, both nationally and internationally.
Research suggests that graduates from Russell Group universities earn, on average, around 10% more than those from other universities over a lifetime. One recent study shows that 41% of those in work were earning £30,000 or more after three years, compared to 32% for graduates from all UK universities.
Networking
Russell Group universities, have successful and growing alumni associations across the UK and internationally, which provide excellent opportunities for networking and staying in touch.
For further information about Russell Group universities
A full list of Russell Group universities and the Winstanley College students who attended them in 2020:
University of Birmingham
| Feeder School | Name | Course |
|---|---|---|
|
Golborne HS |
Imogen |
Nursing (Child) |
|
Rainford HS |
Evan |
Chemical Engineering (Industrial Experience) (5 years) |
|
Rose Bridge Academy |
Amy-Kate |
History of Art |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Max |
Economics |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Jessica |
Criminology |
|
Standish HS |
Grace |
Medicine (5 years) |
University of Bristol
| Feeder School | Name | Course |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Sahan |
Mechanical Engineering |
|
|
Martyna |
Law |
|
Rainford HS |
Ben |
Chemistry |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Elizabeth |
Music and Spanish |
University of Cambridge
| Feeder School | Name | Course |
|---|---|---|
|
Hawkley Hall HS |
Olivia |
Land Economy |
|
Hope Academy |
Emily |
Psychological and Behavioural Sciences |
|
|
Charlotte |
Law |
|
St. Augustine RCHS |
Mackenzie |
History and Politics |
|
St. Peter's RCHS |
James |
Natural Sciences |
|
St. Peter's RCHS |
Jessica Ann |
History |
|
St. Peter's RCHS |
Eva-Jade |
Philosophy |
|
Standish HS |
Eve |
Medicine |
Cardiff University
| Feeder School | Name | Course |
|---|---|---|
|
Bishop Rawstorne HS |
Frances |
Journalism, Media and English Literature |
|
Culcheth HS |
Simran |
Biomedical Sciences |
|
Culcheth HS |
Kathryn |
Media and Communications |
|
Haydock HS |
Sean |
Computer Science |
|
Ormskirk School |
Katie |
Optometry |
|
|
Thomas |
English Language and Spanish (4 years) |
|
St. Bede's RCHS |
Sarah |
Biomedical Sciences |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Laura |
Financial Mathematics with a Year Abroad |
Durham University
|
Feeder School |
Name |
Course |
|---|---|---|
| Birchwood Community School | James | Biological Sciences |
| Greenbank HS | Anna | Mathematics (3 years) |
| Hindley Community HS | Hannah | English Literature |
| Lowton HS | Benjamin | Modern European Languages and History (with Year Abroad) |
| Maricourt RCHS | Charlie | Physics |
| Moorside HS | James | Geography |
| St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS | Olivia | Mathematics (3 years) |
| St. Mary's RCHS, Leigh | Isabelle | Business and Management with Study Abroad |
| St. Peter's RCHS | Aleisha | Primary Education |
| St. Peter's RCHS | Samuel | Mathematics (3 years) |
| Standish HS | Joseph | Combined Honours in Social Sciences |
University of Edinburgh
|
Feeder School |
Name |
Course |
|---|---|---|
|
Byrchall HS |
Ellie |
Animation |
|
Culcheth HS |
Alexandra |
Social Anthropology |
|
Fred Longworth HS |
Benjamin |
Computer Science |
|
|
Evie |
Spanish and English Literature |
|
Standish HS |
Katie |
English Literature |
|
Standish HS |
Rebecca |
Economics |
|
Upholland HS |
Rebecca |
History and Politics |
University of Exeter
| Feeder School | Name | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Birchwood Community School | Hannah | English with Study Abroad |
| Byrchall HS | Yasmin | Classical Studies and English |
| Haydock HS | Nathan | Computer Science |
| Lowton HS | Isobel | Animal Behaviour |
University of Glasgow
| Feeder School | Name | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Culcheth HS | Kathryn | Chemistry |
| Ormskirk School | Patrick | Economics (SocSci) |
| St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS | Benjamin | Economics (SocSci) |
Imperial College London
| Feeder School | Name | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Merchant Taylors | Oscar | Medicine |
| Ormskirk School | Lucas | Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry |
| Mohamed | Aeronautical Engineering |
King’s College London
| Feeder school | Name | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Maghull HS | Rachael | Politics |
| St. Bede's RCHS | Harley | Law |
University of Leeds
Feeder School |
Name |
Course |
|---|---|---|
| Bedford HS | Molly | Law |
| Culcheth HS | Sophie | Economics |
| Culcheth HS | Olivia | English Language and Literature |
| Fred Longworth HS | Olivia | English Literature |
| Fred Longworth HS | Sophie | Medical Biochemistry |
| Fred Longworth HS | Nathan | Languages, Cultures and Film Studies |
| Hawkley Hall HS | Niamh | Environmental Science |
| Haydock HS | Jack | Economics |
| Hindley Community HS | James | Ancient History and History |
| Hindley Community HS | Ewan | Physics with Astrophysics |
| Hope Academy | Rebecca | Business Studies with Foundation Year |
| Hope Academy | Rebecca | Asia Pacific Studies |
| Maricourt RCHS | Christopher | Film, Photography and Media |
| Sophie | Digital Media | |
| Harry | Chemical and Energy Engineering | |
| Our Lady's RCHS, Skelmersdale | Caitlin | History |
| Penketh HS | Marian | Philosophy, Politics and Economics |
| Rainford HS | Aaron | Chemical Engineering |
| Rivington & Blackrod HS | Mia | Medicine |
| Shevington HS | Sophie | Law |
| St. Bede's RCHS | Finlay | Mathematics |
| St. Bede's RCHS | James | Natural Sciences |
| St. Bede's RCHS | Eoin | Physics |
| St. Bede's RCHS | Matthew | Philosophy |
| St. Bede's RCHS | Thomas | Accounting and Finance |
| St. Mary's RCHS, Leigh | Christian | Business Studies |
| St. Mary's RCHS, Leigh | Emile | Chemistry |
| St. Peter's RCHS | Brandon | Biochemistry |
| St. Peter's RCHS | Joseph | Economics |
| St. Peter's RCHS | Joseph | Economics |
| Upholland HS | Samantha | Law |
| Westhoughton HS | Jasmine | Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry |
University of Liverpool
Feeder School |
Name |
Course |
|---|---|---|
|
All Saints RCHS, Kirkby |
Owen |
Engineering Foundation |
|
Bedford HS |
Alexander |
Chemistry |
|
Burscough Priory Academy |
Ava-Jane |
Biochemistry |
|
Byrchall HS |
Sherrie |
Accounting and Finance |
|
Byrchall HS |
Eleanor |
Medicine |
|
Byrchall HS |
Daniel |
Genetics |
|
Cansfield HS |
Amy |
Pharmacology |
|
Culcheth HS |
Ellen |
Architecture |
|
Culcheth HS |
Olivia |
Law |
|
Culcheth HS |
Katie |
Psychology |
|
Deyes HS, Maghull |
Nathan |
Ancient History |
|
Fred Longworth HS |
Jake |
Biological and Medical Sciences |
|
Hawkley Hall HS |
Annie Clre |
Geography |
|
Haydock HS |
Reiss |
Biological and Medical Sciences |
|
Hindley Community HS |
Hannah |
Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacology |
|
Hindley Community HS |
Luke |
Computer Science |
|
Hindley Community HS |
Lee |
Diagnostic Radiography |
|
Hope Academy |
Ashia |
Psychology |
|
Lowton HS |
Edward |
Therapeutic Radiography & Oncology |
|
Maricourt RCHS |
Mollie-Louise |
International Politics and Policy |
|
Maricourt RCHS |
Jessica |
Communication and Media |
|
Maricourt RCHS |
Eleanor |
Philosophy |
|
Maricourt RCHS |
Robert |
Psychology |
|
Ormskirk School |
Megan |
English Language |
|
Ormskirk School |
Paul |
Aerospace Engineering & Pilot Studies |
|
Ormskirk School |
Ridmi |
Biological and Medical Sciences |
|
Natalia |
Politics and Hispanic Studies |
|
|
Yee |
Biological and Medical Sciences |
|
|
Luke |
Law |
|
|
Our Lady's RCHS, Skelmersdale |
Emma |
Therapeutic Radiography & Oncology |
|
Rainford HS |
Matthew |
International Business |
|
Shevington HS |
Ella |
Law |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
James |
Diagnostic Radiography |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Rose |
Criminology |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Yasmin |
Medicine |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Daniel |
Therapeutic Radiography & Oncology |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Sophie |
Geography (Science) |
|
St. John Fisher RCHS |
Rebecca |
Communication and Media |
|
St. Joseph's RCHS, Horwich |
Emily |
Mathematics |
|
St. Peter's RCHS |
Hannah |
English Language |
|
St. Peter's RCHS |
Hannah |
English and History |
|
St. Peter's RCHS |
Harry |
Business Economics |
|
St. Peter's RCHS |
Tara |
Psychology |
|
St. Peter's RCHS |
Thomas |
Biological Sciences |
|
St. Peter's RCHS |
Lauren |
Italian with Spanish |
|
St. Peter's RCHS |
Cameron |
Ancient History and Archaeology |
|
Standish HS |
Charlotte |
Accounting and Finance |
|
Standish HS |
Jennifer |
Criminology and Sociology |
|
Standish HS |
Jessica |
Criminology |
|
Upholland HS |
Sophie |
Psychology |
London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE)
| Feeder School | Name | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Culcheth HS | Maya | Law |
| Greenbank HS | Lauren | International Relations |
University of Manchester
|
Feeder School |
Name |
Course |
|---|---|---|
|
Atherton Community School |
Millie |
Biosciences with a Foundation Year |
|
Bedford HS |
Elizabeth |
Psychology |
|
Bedford HS |
Jack |
Law with Criminology |
|
Byrchall HS |
Caitlyn |
Computer Science |
|
Byrchall HS |
Lorraine |
Actuarial Science and Mathematics |
|
Byrchall HS |
Kian |
Physics with Astrophysics |
|
Canon Slade HS |
Louis |
Mathematics |
|
Cansfield HS |
Niamh |
Architecture |
|
Cowley HS |
Anelis |
Ancient History |
|
Culcheth HS |
Kathryn |
Medicine |
|
Culcheth HS |
Eleanor |
Children's Nursing |
|
Culcheth HS |
Alexander |
Economics and Finance |
|
Culcheth HS |
Thomas |
Business Accounting with Industrial/Professional |
|
Culcheth HS |
Daniel |
Computer Science (Human Computer Interaction) with Industrial Experience |
|
Culcheth HS |
Amelia |
Law |
|
Deanery HS |
Andrei |
Economics |
|
Deanery HS |
Rebekah |
Economics |
|
Deanery HS |
Harvey |
Biosciences with a Foundation Year |
|
Fred Longworth HS |
Danielle |
Politics and Modern History |
|
Fred Longworth HS |
Ellen |
Medicine |
|
Fred Longworth HS |
Jack |
Law with Criminology |
|
Fred Longworth HS |
Samuel |
Japanese Studies |
|
Golborne HS |
Grace |
Dentistry (BDS first-year entry) |
|
Great Sankey HS |
Elizabete |
Economics |
|
Hawkley Hall HS |
Daniel |
Medicine |
|
Hindley Community HS |
Danielle |
Pharmacy |
|
Hope Academy |
Amy |
Psychology |
|
Hope Academy |
Liam |
Mathematics |
|
Lowton HS |
Jennifer |
Psychology |
|
Maricourt RCHS |
William |
Computer Science with Industrial Experience |
|
Merchant Taylors |
Alice |
Children's Nursing |
|
Moorside HS |
Edward |
Chemical Engineering |
|
Ellie-Ann |
Pharmacy |
|
|
Rainford HS |
Adam |
Pharmacy |
|
Rivington & Blackrod HS |
Aiesha |
Information Technology Management for Business with Industrial Experience (ITMB) |
|
Shevington HS |
Erin |
Earth and Planetary Sciences |
|
St. Bede's RCHS |
Jamie |
Accounting with Industrial/Professional Experience |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Luke |
International Business, Finance and Economics |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Daniel |
Business Accounting with Industrial/Professional |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Samuel |
Economics |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Krystyna |
Computer Science with Industrial Experience (4 years) |
|
St. Peter's RCHS |
Paisley |
Optometry |
|
Standish HS |
Faye |
Computer Science with an Integrated Foundation Year |
|
Standish HS |
Samuel |
Politics and International Relations |
|
Standish HS |
Samuel |
Mechatronic Engineering |
|
Upholland HS |
Madelaine |
Law |
Newcastle University
|
Feeder School |
Given Names |
Course |
|---|---|---|
|
Bolton School |
Ciaran |
Chemical Engineering |
|
Cansfield HS |
Adam |
Mathematics |
|
Culcheth HS |
Jennifer |
Electronics and Computer Engineering |
|
Greenbank HS |
Sarah |
Media, Communication and Cultural Studies |
|
Hindley Community HS |
Jake |
Chemistry (4 years with Industrial Training) |
|
Hope Academy |
Georgia |
Mathematics and Accounting |
|
Ormskirk School |
Ben |
Economics and Finance |
|
Ormskirk School |
Constance |
Biochemistry |
|
Babar |
Biomedical Sciences |
|
|
Shevington HS |
Jamie |
Accounting and Finance (with Placement) |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Lucinda |
Philosophy |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Owen |
Medicine and Surgery |
|
St. Peter's RCHS |
Hannah |
Law |
|
St. Peter's RCHS |
Mia |
Dentistry |
|
Walkden HS |
Scarlett |
Media, Communication and Cultural Studies |
|
Walkden HS |
James |
Sport and Exercise Science |
|
Westhoughton HS |
Joshua |
Media, Communication and Cultural Studies |
University of Nottingham
|
Feeder School |
Given Names |
Course |
|---|---|---|
|
Bolton School |
Sarah |
Veterinary Medicine |
|
Fred Longworth HS |
Charlie |
German and History |
|
Fred Longworth HS |
Orouwa |
Medicine BMBS (Nottingham/Derby pathway) |
|
Merchant Taylors |
Harry |
History and Politics |
|
Moorside HS |
Mia |
English and History |
|
Sophie |
Microbiology |
|
|
Matthew |
Engineering and Physical Sciences with Foundation Year |
|
|
Rose Bridge Academy |
Sophie |
Politics and International Relations |
|
St. Bede's RCHS |
Dillon |
English |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Max |
Mathematics |
University of Oxford
|
Feeder School |
Given Names |
Course |
|---|---|---|
|
Burscough Priory Academy |
Nathan |
History |
|
Greenbank HS |
Maisie |
Theology and Religion |
|
Hawkley Hall HS |
Lucy |
Philosophy, Politics and Economics |
|
Merchant Taylors |
Katie |
French and Beginners' Russian |
|
Ormskirk School |
Tyler |
Classical Archaeology and Ancient History |
|
Other |
Nathan |
English Language and Literature |
|
Rivington & Blackrod HS |
Alexandra |
Law |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Joanna |
Economics and Management |
|
St. Peter's RCHS |
Phoebe |
Chemistry |
|
Standish HS |
Niamh |
English Language and Literature |
|
Upholland HS |
Yasmin |
Medicine |
|
Walkden HS |
Megan |
Biomedical Sciences |
Queen Mary University of London
N/A
Queen’s University Belfast
Feeder School |
Name |
Course |
|---|---|---|
|
Bolton School |
Alfred |
Politics and Philosophy |
|
Bolton School |
Rachel |
Law (European and International) |
|
Byrchall HS |
Lauren |
Accounting and Financial Management |
|
Canon Slade HS |
Rianna |
Psychology |
|
Cowley HS |
Nethmi |
Architectural Engineering |
|
Culcheth HS |
Oliver |
Criminology |
|
Culcheth HS |
Michael |
Medicine (Phase One) |
|
Deanery HS |
Charlotte |
English Literature |
|
Deyes HS, Maghull |
Emily |
Biosciences with Foundation Year |
|
Fred Longworth HS |
Charles |
Civil Engineering with a Foundation Year |
|
Great Sankey HS |
Ella |
Linguistics and Philosophy |
|
Greenbank HS |
Christalla-Eleni |
International Relations and Politics |
|
Parklands HS, Chorley |
Holly |
Biology |
|
Rainford HS |
Edward |
Geography |
|
Shevington HS |
David |
Physics |
|
St. Peter's RCHS |
Samuel |
Accounting and Financial Management |
|
Walkden HS |
Thomas |
Medicine (Phase One) |
|
Westhoughton HS |
Chloe |
Law and Criminology |
University of Southampton
Feeder School |
Name |
Course |
|---|---|---|
|
St. John Fisher RCHS |
Georgia |
Biomedical Sciences |
University College London
Feeder School |
Name |
Course |
|---|---|---|
|
Great Sankey HS |
Sudip |
Mathematics |
|
Rainford HS |
Jessica |
Psychology with Education |
|
Standish HS |
Benjamin |
Economics |
University of Warwick
Feeder School |
Name |
Course |
|---|---|---|
|
Culcheth HS |
Honey Grace |
Economics and Industrial Organization |
|
Fred Longworth HS |
Alice Grace |
Global Sustainable Development |
|
Standish HS |
Henry James |
Mathematics |
|
Upholland HS |
Baris |
Mathematics and Statistics |
University of York
Feeder School |
Name |
Course |
|---|---|---|
|
Bedford HS |
Declan |
Law |
|
Bolton School |
Flynn |
Law |
|
Byrchall HS |
Catherine |
Law |
|
Byrchall HS |
James |
Computer Science/Mathematics (Equal) |
|
Culcheth HS |
Sarah |
English Language and Linguistics |
|
Culcheth HS |
Daniel |
Politics with International Relations |
|
Dean Trust Wigan |
Alisha |
Spanish and Linguistics (with a year abroad) |
|
Deyes HS, Maghull |
Molly |
Psychology integrated Masters |
|
Fred Longworth HS |
Grace |
Social Policy - Crime and Criminal Justice |
|
Fred Longworth HS |
Eloise |
Psychology integrated Masters |
|
Golborne HS |
Chloe |
Psychology |
|
Great Sankey HS |
Robert |
Philosophy, Politics and Economics |
|
Hindley Community HS |
Holly |
Psychology |
|
Rainford HS |
Lucy |
Law |
|
St. Bede's RCHS |
Rachael |
Law |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Robert |
Philosophy/Politics (Equal) |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Rachel |
Biochemistry |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Hannah |
Environmental Geography |
|
St. Edmund Arrowsmith RCHS |
Joshua |
Business and Management with a Year in Industry |
|
St. John Fisher RCHS |
Thomas |
History |
|
St. Joseph's RCHS, Horwich |
Michael |
Social Policy - Crime and Criminal Justice |
|
St. Mary's RCHS, Leigh |
Annabelle |
Mathematics |
