Bristol South learning centre supporting more than 6,785 young people to achieve ambitions

A learning centre in Bristol South has supported more than 6,785 young people to achieve their ambitions.

The IntoUniversity Bristol South centre, run by the national education charity IntoUniversity in partnership with the University of Bath, University of Bristol and University of Exeter, has celebrated its 10 year anniversary.

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 South Bristol, 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 Bath, University of Bristol and University of Exeter campuses.

Since opening, the centre has had a measurable impact on young people in the area. More than 6,785 students have taken part in its programmes, and in the most recent academic year 47% of IntoUniversity Bristol South students progressed into Higher Education, compared with a local average of 10%.

Students, families, staff, volunteers and community partners came together to celebrate the centre’s 10th anniversary. The event highlighted the centre’s achievements over the past ten 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 ten-year anniversary of our Bristol South centre and our partnership with the University of Bath, University of Bristol and University of Exeter. Together, we have worked with thousands of talented young people in Withywood, supporting them to realise their ambitions and achieve their educational potential. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership in the years to come.” 

Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said, “We are very proud of our long-standing collaboration with IntoUniversity and the universities of Bath and Bristol to provide additional educational opportunities and support to learners and their families through the Bristol South Centre. This  relationship demonstrates our enduring commitment to support social mobility in the South West through strong community partnerships and providing support for those young people most in need. By working together, we have helped many young people take their next steps in education, training or employment. I would like to congratulate IntoUniversity Bristol South on a decade of great work and I wish everyone involved every success for the future.”

Lucy Collins, Director of Student Success at the University of Bristol, said: “While we are proud of the role IntoUniversity is playing in helping more young people progress into university, that is only part of the story. It is about helping young people recognise their strengths, build confidence and understand their options. We know that not every young person gets the same opportunities. We know that some young people face barriers in education that others do not. That is why centres like this matter so much. Through IntoUniversity, local support is provided that can help break cycles of inequity and open up opportunities for young people. The impact of this centre over the last ten years has been incredible. In the most recent year, 47% of IntoUniversity Bristol South students progressed into higher education, compared with a local average of 10%. That is something everyone involved should be very proud of.”

Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, said: “IntoUniversity Bristol South plays a vital role in providing opportunities to everyone in our community to realise their educational ambitions and potential. We are proud to work with IntoUniversity and send our warmest congratulations to them on a decade of improving access to university for all learners in our region.”

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