IntoUniversity Norwich supporting more than 3500 young people in five years

The IntoUniversity Norwich centre, run by the national education charity IntoUniversity in partnership with the University of East Anglia, celebrated its 5 year anniversary this week.

Working with local schools and the wider community, the centre provides long-term educational support to help students improve their attainment, build confidence and explore their future study and career options. Its programme includes after-school Academic Support, one-to-one Mentoring, and aspiration-raising workshops and trips.

The centre was established to address educational inequalities in West Earlham, where young people are significantly under-represented in Higher Education. Through its programmes, students have the opportunity to develop key skills and gain first-hand experience of university life, including visits to the University of East Anglia campus.

Since opening, the centre has had a measurable impact on young people in the area. More than 3500 students have taken part in its programmes, and in the most recent academic year 62% of IntoUniversity Norwich students progressed into Higher Education, compared with a local average of 14%.

Students, families, staff, volunteers and community partners came together on Thursday 23rd April to celebrate the centre’s fifth anniversary. The event highlighted the centre’s achievements over the past five years and the positive impact it has had on young people and families in the local community.

Dr Rachel Carr, Chief Executive and co-founder of IntoUniversity, said:

“We’re delighted to be celebrating the five-year anniversary of our Norwich centre and our partnership with the University of East Anglia. Together, we have worked with thousands of talented young people in West Earlham, supporting them to realise their ambitions and achieve their educational potential. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership in the years to come.” 

Scott Knight, Head of Outreach at UEA, said:

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate five years of the IntoUniversity Norwich centre and the impact it has had on young people in West Earlham. As the university partner, UEA is committed to widening access to higher education and ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed has the opportunity to do so. Over the past five years, the centre has become a vital part of the community, providing long term academic support and a pathway to future possibilities for hundreds of young people. We look forward to continuing this partnership and helping even more students realise their ambitions in the years ahead.”

IntoUniversity Norwich will continue working with local schools and partners to support young people across the city to achieve their ambitions.