GLASGOW'S University for the Common Good has achieved its highest ever figure for degree completion, according to data.

Figures show Glasgow Caledonian University has a projected degree completion rate of 80.9%.

The figure is above the national average of 80.6% and the drop-out rate also fell from 10.1% to 8.6%, below the sector average of 9.7%.

GCU was one of only two universities to meet the Scottish Government’s widening-access target to recruit 20% of students from Scotland’s 20% most deprived backgrounds by 2030.

More than a fifth of first-time Scottish students at GCU come from 20% of the most disadvantaged backgrounds.

It was also the first university in Scotland to set up an Advanced Higher Hub, which delivers classes on campus for pupils from 26 schools across the city.

Students receive academic and wellbeing support throughout their studies and care leavers are eligible to access free accommodation 365 days of the year in halls adjacent to the campus.

The figures were released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

It is the first time in 19 years that the retention rate in Scotland is better than the UK average.

Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, said: “The sector and individual institutions have dedicated significant time and effort to ensure that students get the most of their studies and time at university.

“Retention is such an important part of the task of widening access. Universities’ goal is to support students to achieve successful outcomes and that’s a much bigger and more meaningful responsibility than just getting students into university.