Five years of partnership between IntoUniversity and the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh has supported more than 8,000 young people across three centres, with 70% of school leavers progressing to Higher Education.
School leavers supported by IntoUniversity learning centres in Glasgow and Edinburgh progressed to Higher Education at more than twice the rate recorded among young people from Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas.
Across the first four years of a partnership between IntoUniversity and the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, 70% of school leavers from the centres went on to Higher Education, compared with a national average of 27.9% for school leavers from Scotland’s most deprived areas.
October marks the partnership’s fifth anniversary, with more than 8,000 young people supported through the centres in Govan and Maryhill in Glasgow, and Craigmillar in Edinburgh.
The partnership combines IntoUniversity’s long-term educational support and community relationships with the expertise, resources, students and staff of both universities. Young people receive academic support, mentoring and careers guidance, alongside university visits, work experience and opportunities to explore their options after school.
Dr Rachel Carr, CEO and Co-Founder of IntoUniversity, said:
“Over the past five years, this partnership has shown what’s possible when organisations come together with a shared commitment to young people and their communities. By combining the expertise, relationships and resources of IntoUniversity and the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, we’ve helped thousands of young people build confidence, explore their potential and shape their futures.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, and grateful to the families who have trusted us and the donors and funders who have made this work possible. We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting even more young people across Scotland.”
Among the young people supported by the programme is Cindy, who joined IntoUniversity Govan shortly after moving to Scotland from Italy. With English not her first language, she initially needed help to navigate the Scottish education system, complete her schoolwork and build friendships.
Over four years, Cindy received more than 350 hours of support through academic sessions, mentoring, careers workshops and work experience. She went on to achieve almost perfect exam results and is now studying Medicine at the University of Glasgow.
Cindy said:
“IntoUniversity was the first place I came to, even before starting school. I didn’t know anyone, and I couldn’t communicate with people. The staff were so patient – they helped me every step of the way, from learning the language to applying for schools.”
“We had a neurosurgeon visit the centre and hearing them speak made something change within me. I knew after that surgery was the space I wanted to be in.”
Professor Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice Chancellor (External Engagement) at the University of Glasgow, said:
“Talent and ambition are everywhere, but opportunity is not. This partnership is about changing that. Together with IntoUniversity and the University of Edinburgh, we are helping young people to broaden their horizons through raising aspirations and attainment levels.
“Five years on, we are proud to celebrate this milestone with our partners and the communities that have made it possible. We look forward to the future of this successful partnership as we continue to reach more young people and their families, with the aim of ensuring that background is never a barrier to achieving your potential.”
In Edinburgh, Unaiza joined the Craigmillar centre in S3 in 2021. Alongside support with exams and university applications, she explored careers in finance, law and interior design, gained work experience at Accenture and BlackRock, and received mentoring from a University of Edinburgh student.
She received offers from all five of her chosen universities and is now studying Economics at the University of Edinburgh.
Unaiza said:
“IntoUniversity has provided me with a quiet and friendly place to focus on my studies and make new friends. It’s really helped me improve my studying, especially because having a tutor can be expensive, and at IntoUniversity there are lots of people who can help you with any subject.”
Chris Cox, Vice Principal (Philanthropy & Advancement) at the University of Edinburgh, said:
“We are very proud to be part of this ground-breaking collaboration, which boosts academic attainment levels and encourages pupils to think big and back themselves wherever that may take them. We’re delighted to see successive cohorts do well through school and go on to positive destinations, including further and Higher Education courses across the whole of Scotland.
“Through this partnership, our Craigmillar, Govan and Maryhill centres continue to make a meaningful difference to children in our local communities, helping to create life-changing opportunities and tackle deep-rooted educational inequality.”
Since 2021, more than 3,000 IntoUniversity students have visited the two universities, and more than 300 university volunteers have supported programmes across the three centres
The partnership has also enabled IntoUniversity to pilot an Adult and Family Learning programme across its three Scottish centres. This helps parents and carers build confidence in supporting their children’s education and explore learning opportunities for themselves.
Its work supports Scottish Government priorities to tackle the poverty-related attainment gap, widen access to higher education and help young people fulfil their potential.
Students, families, staff, volunteers and community partners gathered at IntoUniversity Govan on 6th October to celebrate the anniversary. A second celebration will take place at IntoUniversity Craigmillar on 27th October.
The partnership is supported by philanthropic funders and partners, alongside families, schools, volunteers and local communities.
