Energy and inspiration

A long-running partnership is helping inner city children to learn, achieve and thrive.

“I’m surrounded by young people who have such high aspirations. I feed off that energy and it motivates me even more to help them.” 

As Centre Leader at IntoUniversity Leeds South, Ellen Griffiths supports young people in one of the most disadvantaged areas of the country. Established in 2015 as a partnership between the University and national charity IntoUniversity, the centre works with children, teenagers and young adults in Beeston and Holbeck. A second Leeds centre in Harehills is now in its ninth year. 

The work of both centres has been made possible by the support of alumni and other donors. 

Young people from Britain’s poorest backgrounds face a considerable educational disadvantage. In Leeds, only 20% of children who are entitled to free school meals progress to university, compared to 37% of all children on free school meals nationally. In some parts of Leeds, such as Beeston, the figure is as low as 12%. 

To address this inequality, the two centres work with over 2,500 young people each year providing a programme of academic support, motivation and encouragement. Through after-school sessions, themed study weeks, and mentoring by Leeds students, their innovative programme enables young people to develop vital skills, achieve their academic potential and realise their ambitions. 

“We’re developing their passion for learning – and ultimately getting them really excited for the future,” says Ellen. 

Below, young people talk about their experiences of IntoUniversity