Five years of IntoUniversity in Scotland

When I think about how IntoUniversity in Scotland has grown, what stands out most is how much we’ve learned along the way. IntoUniversity has always been adaptable, but expanding into Scotland meant adapting to new communities, a new curriculum and new systems while drawing on what has worked well across the organisation previously. The learning hasn’t stopped, but has become a much more natural part of the job that strengthens our work every day. 

When our centres in Scotland first opened, we were emerging from an era still shaped by COVID-19. Our earliest sessions were delivered in masks, behind distanced desks or even virtually in some cases. The sessions in face masks and distanced classrooms feel like a lifetime ago now, but they shaped the start of our journey here. We were getting to know families and the new communities we were working in as well as navigating working as a bi-national charity for the first time.

Since then, the centre teams have worked hard to create spaces that are warm, welcoming and safe where students feel supported and can explore their future pathways. Our classrooms are no longer distanced but bustling with students each day and week in Academic Support afterschool clubs, Primary FOCUS sessions and mentoring meetings. Staff who first met students in Primary 6 FOCUS weeks in 2021 are now seeing them in S3 Secondary FOCUS workshops. It has been a joy to see the centres develop and expand their reach each year since opening. 

“Working in Govan since the centre’s inception has been such a pleasure. Getting to know our young people, their families and the wider community for 5 years has helped me to develop and nurture deep relationships. It’s so fulfilling to see our young people hit major milestones in their lives like exams, job opportunities and progression to higher education when I got to meet a lot of them in Primary school! It really makes all the work we do worthwhile when you get to see the tangible impact everyday.”
Elleis, IntoUniversity Govan Centre Leader

All of this would not have been possible without the community around us and their openness to collaboration and partnership. From the outset, we made it a priority to work alongside local community groups, family networks, and other organisations who were already doing incredible work long before we arrived. It has played an essential role in our journey and helped us understand the communities we are working in. They have supported us in sharing advice, running sessions with our young people and signposting. 

“Having joined the Maryhill team some years after the centre first opened, it was already clear to see how much of an impact the team had made within such a short time period. 5 years on from its first day, the centre is firmly embedded within the heart of the community with strong connections to not only our families, but to other community organisations and individuals who all contribute to making Maryhill the place that it is. What I value most is the trust that is placed in us, to support and guide our young people through some of the most formative years of their lives and to instill the belief that every and any future is an achievable option for them. The network of programmes that IntoUniversity offers makes this easier and witnessing our students engage, develop and thrive in our space over time is most definitely a privilege and a highlight of the role. The introduction of the Adult and Family Learning team has only strengthened our presence and support for the community, making more possible and I look forward to what the future holds for Maryhill.”
Amna, IntoUniversity Maryhill Centre Leader

Our partnerships with The University of Glasgow and The University of Edinburgh also continue to flourish. We can see their support and contribution shine through in all of our work regularly from the on-campus visits with IntoUniversity students to the recruitment of University student mentors who provide one-to-one support to young people at our centres. The Universities provide invaluable opportunities for our young people and continue to break down barriers to Higher Education. 

Last year, we also created and began delivery for our Adult and Family Learning Pilot programme in all 3 centres. It has been incredibly exciting to see the development of the pilot programme over the past year and stronger relationships being built with all members of the family. Working more closely with families has meant we are able to tailor our programmes and offer whole family support that enriches their young person’s learning and their own. 

“Despite the challenges that come with any new pilot project, this experience has been incredibly inspiring. While uncertainty is often part and parcel of piloting a programme, what has grounded and motivated me throughout is witnessing the love and dedication that families show for one another. In a world full of uncertainty, our families continue to give me hope. Their commitment is unwavering, and it is a privilege to empower them as they work towards their full potential. Leading the team delivering this programme has also been immensely rewarding, and I’m grateful for the skill and care they have brought to this journey.”
Veronica, AFL Pilot Programme Manager

Throughout the past 5 years, we have also been happy to welcome guests into the centres to showcase our work and meet the young people, staff and volunteers. Visits have included the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills for Scotland, Jenny Gilruth, former First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf and the Commissioner for Fair Access, John McKendrick alongside other key individuals who shape our work. Visits from such individuals show the importance placed on widening participation and educational access across Scotland, building positive futures for young people. Something that sits at the heart of IntoUniversity’s work. 

When I first joined IntoUniversity in 2021 as the Centre Leader in Craigmillar, I vividly remember reflecting with others of where we might be in 5 years time. As we approach our 5 year anniversary now, I feel proud of what has been achieved. From the practical side of setup in creating and establishing our centre spaces to all the moments I have been part of myself or observed others doing through our work with young people and the community. 

Since starting, we’ve worked with thousands of young people across Craigmillar, Govan and Maryhill. This represents a huge number of workshops, Academic Support sessions, and individual conversations. Moments that are often small and normal can have the biggest impact. Young people bring big questions and brilliant ideas and we’re learning alongside them every day. It is heartening to see the relationships between IntoUniversity staff and young people develop each week. 

“It has been such a privilege to work in the Craigmillar community over the last five years. My favourite part of the job has been seeing the young people we work with grow up in front of our eyes over that time period. We have watched and supported them as they have gained confidence to do things they wouldn’t have imagined doing five years ago. I knew last year’s outgoing S6s when they were in S3 and I was so proud of them on Results Day, hearing how so many achieved their aspiration of going to college, an apprenticeship or university.”
Loui, IntoUniversity Craigmillar Centre Leader

As we reflect on how far we’ve come, from socially-distanced first sessions to flourishing centres embedded in their communities, we feel immense gratitude. To every teacher, partner, volunteer, family member and funder who has believed in our vision. To local organisations who welcomed us in. To colleagues who shaped our centres with dedication and care. And most importantly, to the incredible young people of Craigmillar, Govan and Maryhill, who continue to inspire us every day. 

We’re excited for the years ahead and what comes next, from strengthening our school partnerships to continuing to innovate to meet the needs of young people in Scotland. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far, and to everyone we’ve met along the way. We feel incredibly privileged to be supported by such wonderful families, partners and communities.