Bradford East celebrates five years of supporting young people

 IntoUniversity Bradford East is celebrating five years of supporting young people across Bradford, marking the milestone at an anniversary event bringing together students, families, staff, volunteers and partners, including Queens’ College, University of Cambridge and local corporate partners.

Since opening in Holmewood in 2021, the centre has worked with over 3,000 young people, helping them develop academic skills, build confidence and explore their interests, education and career options. 

In 2024/25, 56% of school leavers from IntoUniversity Bradford East progressed to university, compared with 11% of young people living in the area around the centre.

Through its partnership with Queens’ College, University of Cambridge, young people from Bradford have had opportunities to experience university life, meet students and staff, and broaden their horizons, alongside the vital funding that supports the centre’s work. To date, 225 students from IntoUniversity have visited Queens’ College, meeting university students and staff and exploring what higher education could offer them.

The fifth anniversary event on 22nd October celebrated the centre’s work with young people and families over the past five years, and the partnerships that have helped create opportunities for students across the local community.

Creating opportunities for young people

IntoUniversity Bradford East provides support to young people from aged 7 through after-school Academic Support, Mentoring, in-school workshops and programmes in the school holidays. 

At the centre, students receive help with their studies while exploring new subjects, developing their skills and building confidence. The centre works closely with schools, universities and local partners to give young people experiences they may not otherwise have access to. 

Through its partnership with Queens’ College, students have visited the College to experience university life, meet university staff and students, and explore different possibilities for their future.

Dame Menna Rawlings, President of Queens’ College Cambridge, said:

“I’m delighted to be in Bradford to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the IntoUniversity centre. Social mobility matters deeply to me, and I’m proud that Queens’ College, Cambridge supports this initiative, which inspires and supports young people to fulfil their potential, whatever their background. I’m also grateful to the supporters who make this partnership possible. Here’s to the next five years!”

This long-term approach means young people can build relationships with centre staff, mentors and volunteers and access different opportunities as their interests and ambitions develop. 

Dr Rachel Carr, CEO at IntoUniversity, said:

“Over the past five years, IntoUniversity Bradford East has built strong relationships with young people and families, creating opportunities for students to develop their confidence, discover new interests and explore their futures. Our partnership with Queens’ College, Cambridge, is an crucial part of this, helping young people experience university life and see the possibilities open to them. We’re incredibly proud of what the centre has achieved alongside our partners, and look forward to supporting many more young people across Bradford in the years ahead.”

Kylie’s story

Kylie speaking at the anniversary event

When Kylie first visited IntoUniversity Bradford East in 2022, she was taking part in an Engineering activity designed to introduce primary school pupils to new subjects and future possibilities.

Four years later, Kylie is a Year 9 student who continues to attend the centre. She has taken part in Academic Support, Holiday FOCUS workshops and the Mentoring programme, where she receives one-to-one support from a university student mentor. She has also started volunteering with younger pupils during Primary Academic Support, helping them with their work while developing her own confidence and skills.

“IntoUniversity has helped me create a structured revision plan and improve my grades. This is because at IntoUniversity I do additional revision. It has also helped improve my confidence, especially as a result of the Mentoring programme. […] IntoUniversity has supported me by exposing me to different future pathways and has given me an insight into what I want to do in the future.”

Looking ahead, IntoUniversity Bradford East will continue working alongside young people, families, schools and partners to create opportunities for more students to build confidence, explore their options and take their next steps towards the future they want.