The proportion of graduates from the University of Cumbria who are either getting jobs or going onto further study, has risen to 96.9 per cent.

The figures come from the Destination of Leavers in Higher Education report, published by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

The University's vice chancellor, Professor Peter Strike, said: “We are delighted with this result.

“This year over 3,000 University of Cumbria students will achieve their awards, delivering additional skilled professionals into the workplace or on to higher degrees.

“Many choose to remain in Cumbria, north Lancashire and east London [where the university has campuses], contributing to the economic success and regeneration of our communities.

“Walk into a school in north Lancashire or Cumbria and there’s a high chance you will meet a University of Cumbria-trained teacher.

"In east London the percentage can be up to 70 per cent due to our specialist teacher training campus based there.

“Similarly, at regional hospitals or health care providers, you are sure to meet nurses, midwives, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and radiographers trained by us.

“We believe this success stems from the nature of our programmes and our commitment to experiential learning.

“With lecturers who are practitioners as well as academics, students enjoy contact with people who put their learning into context, with first-class work experience and placements.”