Celebrating Student Success: Results Day 2025

This year’s Results Days differ from recent ones in that their cohort is the first since 2019 to have undertaken both sets of exams under standard pre-pandemic conditions. The gap between those from advantaged and disadvantaged backgrounds remains, and this year’s results continue to demonstrate the stark geographic disparities that persist across the UK.

At IntoUniversity, we work hard to support our young people across all of our centres to bridge this gap and ensure that they are empowered to reach their potential. This way, we try to ensure they can make informed choices about their futures from a position of relative power. 

At the same time, we recognise that no matter the outcome, Results Day is about more than just grades, it’s a celebration of progress, resilience, and the hard work young people have put in over the years. Across our network of centres, we’ve seen first-hand the determination and ambition of our students, and we’re incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.

Here are just a few of the stories we’re celebrating this year:

Unaiza, Craigmillar

Unaiza began attending IntoUniversity Craigmillar in 2021, taking part in Secondary and Holiday FOCUS programmes, a Careers in FOCUS placement and work experience at Accenture.

Since 2022, she has been a regular at Academic Support, using the space to revise, complete homework and get help with her personal statement. She also worked closely with her mentor Polly for two years. In total, Unaiza has completed over 200 hours with IntoUniversity.

This September, she will begin studying Economics at the University of Edinburgh. She discovered her passion for the subject during mentoring sessions.

“IntoUniversity gave me a quiet place to study, ask questions and revise with others, which I couldn’t do at home. It really helped my confidence and mental health during exams.”

Abu, Coventry

Abu began attending Academic Support at IntoUniversity Coventry in September 2024 to get additional help with his studies. He also took part in several Post-16 workshops through his school, one of our local partner schools, which helped him prepare for life after sixth form.

This summer, Abu secured a place through Clearing to study an integrated Masters in Chemistry at the University of Leicester.

“IntoUniversity provided me with a place to study in a calm and peaceful environment. It helped me revise independently. IntoUniversity is a really good place for people to build skills, ask for help and socialise with others.”

Asmaa, Coventry

Asmaa discovered IntoUniversity through her younger sisters, and went on to participate in our Post-16 programme at her sixth form. With newfound confidence and clarity about her future, she is now set to begin a Civil Engineering apprenticeship in Worcester.

“IntoUniversity is a place that really wants to help young people… I have experienced and seen this first-hand through myself but also my younger sisters.”

Ezel, Haringey North

Ezel first walked through the doors of IntoUniversity Haringey North in 2017 during a Year 5 workshop. Since then, she’s immersed herself in a wide range of programmes, from FOCUS Weeks to the Corporate Mentoring scheme and the Big City Bright Future Programme. Her journey is a powerful example of the long-term support IntoUniversity provides. Ezel will now be studying Law at the London School of Economics after achieving an outstanding A*A*AA.

“IntoUniversity has always given me different opportunities to explore my options… From Primary until now, IntoUniversity has always been there.”

Lia, Leeds East

Lia first came to IntoUniversity Leeds East in 2016 when she joined Primary Academic Support at age 9. Since then, she’s taken part in almost every programme, from Family Learning and SATs support to Business in FOCUS, Careers in FOCUS, and mentoring.

Most recently, Lia received one-to-one help with her personal statement and student finance applications, and attended the IntoHealthcare insight day at King’s College London, which she described as “the best day of my life.”

This summer, Lia achieved her dream of becoming the first in her family to go to university. On results day, Lia called the centre with her news before she even rang her parents where she told the team that she will be studying Nursing at the University of Salford.

“When I joined IntoUniversity I struggled with English and someone was able to sit with me and do phonics interventions which helped me progress at Primary school… I don’t think university would’ve been possible without IntoUniversity and their help.”

Adil and Awadh, Newcastle

Brothers Adil and Awadh joined IntoUniversity Newcastle in November 2021. Since then, they’ve shown extraordinary commitment to their futures. Between them, they’ve taken part in over 140 Academic Support and mentoring sessions, building confidence, skills and aspirations along the way. Adil will be studying Economics and Awadh will be studying Finance and Accounting, both at Northumbria University. Reflecting on their journey, their mum shared:

“IntoUniversity has really helped my children with their studies, giving them extra support and encouragement when they’ve needed it most. It’s made a big difference in keeping them motivated and confident with their schoolwork. They’ve also enjoyed being part of the Mentoring programme, where they’ve had the chance to learn from supportive mentors and build skills that will stay with them in the future.”

Tegan, Norwich

Tegan came to IntoUniversity Norwich in Year 11 and quickly became a regular face at Academic Support. With help exploring sixth form options and writing her personal statement, she’ll now be studying four A-Levels at Notre Dame Sixth Form.

“IntoUniversity made me aware of the importance of researching different options… and encouraged me to attend open evenings and taster days.”

Michela, Nottingham

After a difficult Results Day in 2024, Michela showed great resilience, enrolling in an Access to HE: Science (Life Sciences) course and deciding to pursue Pharmacy instead of Medicine. With the support of her mentor and IU staff, she has secured a place at the University of Bath.

“What I’ve enjoyed most about Corporate Mentoring is support through every decision… It helped with self-esteem and confidence.”

As Results Season comes to a close, we want to say a huge congratulations to all our students. Whether they’re heading to university, starting an apprenticeship, or continuing to explore their future options, we’re proud to have been part of their journey. 

Their stories remind us of the power of opportunity, community, and persistence and we can’t wait to see what they do next.