Transformative university partnership
A groundbreaking partnership between the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and educational charity IntoUniversity, has had a positive impact on pupils’ rates of progression to university.
Three IntoUniversity centres in the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh and Glasgow’s Maryhill and Govan have supported thousands of young people to improve their educational opportunities. Since the IntoUniversity centres opened, more than 70% of school leavers from the programme have progressed to university or college, compared with the national average of 24% of those from similar backgrounds.
The three centres have teams of specially trained staff who work closely with local schools in areas traditionally associated with social deprivation. Each centre provides a programme of after-school academic support, mentoring, workshops and work experience for young people aged between seven and 18 years old.
IntoUniversity and the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh formed their partnership in 2021 in a shared move to bridge education attainment gaps by creating hubs for young people to use within their communities. Through the collaboration, the universities provide funding support, campus visits, hands-on support with programmes, and student and staff volunteers for mentoring and buddying initiatives.
During the last academic year, 26 students from the University of Edinburgh and 41 from the University of Glasgow volunteered through IntoUniversity’s Mentoring Scheme, helping young mentees with academic skills and social and personal development.
Neil Croll is Head of Widening Participation at the University of Glasgow: “We are proud to be part of a partnership that is transforming the lives of young people. By working with IntoUniversity, we are helping to break down barriers to education, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of background. Our partnership is a vital step in making sure talented students within our local communities have the support they need to succeed, both academically and in life."