Meet Finley: IntoUniversity’s 250,000th student!
When Finley took part in a workshop at school, he had no idea he was making IntoUniversity history.
After months of anticipation (and a lot of careful counting), Finley, a Year 3 student from Great Yarmouth, joined an IntoUniversity workshop at his school, completely unaware he was making history as our 250,000th student. It’s a milestone moment for the charity and for the communities we support across the UK.
“Finley’s brother, Riley, was actually the first ever student to sign up when we opened,” explains Amy Rust, Centre Leader at IntoUniversity Great Yarmouth, which was launched in partnership with the University of East Anglia and Trinity College, Cambridge. “So to now welcome Finley as our 250,000th student really feels like a full-circle moment. We’ve always said that our work is about long-term relationships and seeing families grow with us. We’re so lucky to have families like Finley and Riley’s who are supportive, engaged, and passionate about helping their children succeed.”
Finley and his dad, Alex, at the Great Yarmouth centre. Finley is holding a photo of his role model, his older brother, Riley.
Finley’s Story
Eight-year-old Finley, a Year 3 student in Great Yarmouth, is bright, curious and creative. When asked about his favourite subject, he doesn’t hesitate: “Art. I like drawing – everywhere!” His most recent masterpiece, he tells us, was “mountains in Geography”.
Finley dreams of being “a famous artist” one day and already takes pride in his creativity. “I like drawing landscapes,” he says. “We did one at school with buildings, and we could make our own instead of copying the teacher.”
Recently, Finley took part in his very first IntoUniversity workshop, where students explored different careers. “We learned about Architects and Marine Biologists,” he recalls. “Architects design buildings – that was really interesting.” The concept of the “future” was also introduced, and Finley was quick to say that in his own future, he wants to be “an artist, definitely.”
When asked how he feels to be IntoUniversity’s 250,000th student, Finley beams: “Really, really, really happy!”
A Family Journey with IntoUniversity
The family’s connection with IntoUniversity began with Finley’s older brother Riley, who joined the centre in 2022. Riley had been withdrawn from school, and his parents were seeking a safe, supportive space for him to rebuild his confidence.
“We were really pleased when IntoUniversity opened,” Finley’s mum explains. “It came at just the right time. Riley was being home-schooled, and this place gave him structure again. He came twice a week, did [Secondary] Academic Support, mentoring, trips – all sorts. It helped his confidence massively. He learned social skills, he tried new things, and it gave him something to look forward to.”
One standout moment for Riley was visiting Cambridge on a university trip which was his first time away from home for a full day. “He was nervous, but he loved it,” his dad says. “He got stuck in and he really enjoyed himself.”
Now, Riley is studying foundation cooking at college and volunteers locally with young people and adults with additional needs. His parents say he’s even thinking about becoming a teacher one day, inspired by his own experiences and a desire to help others who have struggled in education. “IntoUniversity gave him those tools,” they say. “It showed him that there are doors everywhere, not just walls.”
Riley attending Secondary Academic Support at the Great Yarmouth centre. His former mentor, Laura, is now a member of staff at the centre.
Opportunities and Aspiration in Great Yarmouth
For the family, having an IntoUniversity centre in Great Yarmouth has been transformative, not just for them, but for the wider community.
“It’s such a good opportunity for the kids around here,” says Finley’s mum. “There isn’t much like this in the town, especially for children with special educational needs. Without IntoUniversity, I don’t know what would have happened for Riley. It was a chance to try new things and be inspired.”
The family is also hopeful about Finley’s future, including the possibility of university. “The possibilities are endless,” his dad adds. “If he wanted to go to university one day, that would be brilliant. It’s not just about academic stuff, it’s about giving them confidence and showing them what’s out there.”
Looking Ahead
For Amy and the Great Yarmouth team, Finley’s story captures the heart of IntoUniversity’s mission. “We’ve seen how consistent, community-based support can change lives,” she reflects. “Finley and Riley’s family remind us why we do what we do. It’s about giving young people hope, confidence, and belief in their future.”
As Finley looks ahead to more IntoUniversity workshops and the adventures of Year 4, he’s feeling optimistic. “I’m really happy and excited,” he says, eager to keep discovering what’s possible.
Finley is just one of the many remarkable young people we’ve had the privilege to work with. From the very first student to our 250,000th, every story has mattered and every moment has contributed to who we are today. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re looking forward to continuing to help even more young people discover their potential in the years ahead.