A learning centre in Leeds, run by the national charity IntoUniversity in partnership with the University of Leeds, has celebrated its tenth anniversary of supporting local schools and the community to help young people in the area realise their ambitions.
Leeds, 07/03/2025
A learning centre in Leeds, run by the national charity IntoUniversity in partnership with the University of Leeds, has celebrated its tenth anniversary of supporting local schools and the community to help young people in the area realise their ambitions. This celebration marks a decade of collaboration between IntoUniversity and the University of Leeds, working together to tackle educational inequalities and create opportunities for young people.
Since the first centre opened in Leeds ten years ago, IntoUniversity’s programme has provided thousands of young people with access to new opportunities and long-term support. Through Academic Support, Mentoring, and aspiration-raising workshops and trips, the programme helps to raise young people’s achievements, broaden their knowledge of future options, and develop essential soft skills, empowering them to make informed choices about their futures.
The partnership has grown over the years, with three IntoUniversity centres now operating across the city, reaching more students than ever. To date, over 14,000 young people have been supported, and staff have delivered over 2,600 workshops, including more than 380 trips to the University of Leeds to explore university life and learning.
Since the centres have opened, 62% of IntoUniversity Leeds students have progressed on to Higher Education, compared to 24% of Free School Meal students across the city.
To mark this milestone, an event was held on Friday, 28th February, at the Leeds East centre, celebrating the continued partnership with the University of Leeds and the impact it has had on students, families, community stakeholders, and supporters.
Dr Rachel Carr OBE, Chief Executive and founder of IntoUniversity, said, “We are thrilled to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of our first Leeds centre and our ongoing partnership with the University of Leeds, which has seen us go from one centre to three in the city. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of talented young individuals in Leeds, helping them reach their full potential and achieve their educational goals. Thank you so much to our partner the University of Leeds who have made these centres possible, we look forward to carrying on the successful collaboration for many years to come.”
Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President at the University of Leeds, said “IntoUniversity is a real team effort: the Leeds centres, local community, charities and organisations, as well as our alumni community, colleagues and students have all played a part in helping this programme change lives for young people over the last decade.”
“These wonderful experiences are a great example of how partnership working can benefit our local community, which is a priority for us. It is why we have committed to supporting IntoUniversity for five more years, and we hope to see even more positive stories in the future.” ”
