Leena first walked through the doors of IntoUniversity North Kensington at the age of eight. She was a quiet and shy child, unsure of what lay ahead. Today, at 16, she’s not only a confident student at the prestigious Canford School in Dorset, but also a recipient of the Rank Foundation School Leadership Award - a testament to her remarkable journey.
This interview highlights the journey of just one of the nearly 250,000 students who have been supported by IntoUniversity since 2002, from early academic support to university and beyond.
Leena and her mother, Wahida, first discovered IntoUniversity North Kensington through local parents. “We only lived five minutes away,” recalls Wahida. “I’d heard about it as part of the Clement James Centre, offering support for both adults and children. I wanted something more for my kids and I found it.”
Leena’s early experiences at IntoUniversity were filled with support, learning, and fun. “Even when I didn’t have homework, they’d find things to teach me, give me tasks, or play educational games,” she says. From holiday programmes to student council, and particularly the mentoring scheme, Leena seized every opportunity. Her mentor, a UCL Psychology student, helped set goals in academics, confidence and future aspirations, which eventually led her to discover a passion for architecture.
Wahida witnessed a transformation: “Leena was extremely shy. But she became more open, confident, and empowered. I really believe IntoUniversity discovered her potential.”
That potential was soon recognised through a nomination for a Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation bursary. Though the process initially paused when she was younger, by Year 9, Leena was ready and secured a place at Canford School. The journey wasn’t always smooth, but the IntoUniversity team supported her throughout, finding a school that aligned with her academic and personal interests.
At Canford, Leena has thrived beyond the classroom. She’s taken up hockey, rowing, drama, and even cross-country skiing in Norway through the Combined Cadet Force. “It’s a really well-rounded school,” she says. “I’ve been encouraged to try new things constantly.”
Most recently, Leena was awarded the Rank Foundation School Leadership Award, recognising her leadership and contribution to school life. “I had to show how I’ve led initiatives, like captaining the hockey team and co-directing a play,” she explains. “It’s exciting. I’ll now be part of a leadership network and get support for university.”
For Wahida, the award was a proud moment: “I was over the moon when I found out. [The school has] put forward deserving candidates before, but Leena is the first to win. That’s very special.”
Reflecting on her journey, Leena says: “My eight-year-old self would be shocked. But I hope she’d see me as a role model. I’d tell her, and other students, take every opportunity and never stop working hard.”
