The University of Sunderland School of Medicine has been named Medical School of the Year at the 2026 Educate North Awards. The recognition, announced on Thursday 7 May 2026, highlights the institution’s rapid growth and its commitment to training healthcare professionals for the National Health Service.
Since opening in September 2019, the school has focused on addressing the shortage of doctors in the North East while providing opportunities to students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in medicine. The impact of this mission is already being felt locally, with 55% of the first graduating class in July 2024 taking up roles within local health services.
The school has also earned high marks for its student experience, ranking first out of all 42 medical schools in the country for academic tutor support in the National Student Survey for two years in a row. Sir David Bell, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, described the award as fitting recognition for the hard work of staff and students.
Professor Scott Wilkes, who has led the school since its establishment, is set to leave his position to help start a new medical school at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. Sir David Bell called the award “the perfect great parting gift” for Professor Wilkes as he concludes his tenure at the university.
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