IntoUniversity Leeds Annual Report 2022/23

I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your support towards the University which has allowed its ongoing collaboration with IntoUniversity.

The 2022/23 academic year represented IntoUniversity's 20th as an organisation. It was a chance for us to reflect on how far we’ve come and to celebrate the achievements of the many thousands of young people who have been with us on the IntoUniversity journey over the last twenty years. It was also a reminder of how much we’ve benefitted from the crucial support of dedicated and engaged donors such as yourselves, without which none of our work would be possible.

As part of the IntoUniversity network, you are impacting the lives of tens of thousands of young people across the UK. We are exceptionally grateful for the generous support of the University of Leeds, and we look forward in the years ahead to continuing our partnership with you to expand young people’s horizons. Together we are making a real difference in helping to create a fair and more socially-mobile society in the UK.

On behalf of the children and young people in Leeds who benefit from our partnership, thank you.

Rachel Carr
Chief Executive Officer
IntoUniversity

Executive Summary

IntoUniversity Leeds East, Leeds South and Leeds Extension have all had another successful year, improving young people’s attainment and raising aspirations. A total of 3,696 students have been worked with across both centres in Leeds. This split between 2,190 in our primary programme and 1,506 in our secondary programme.

Leeds East higher education progression rate

56% vs 23% local area average

Leeds South higher education progression rate

62% vs 12% local area average

This year 996 IntoUniversity students visited the University of Leeds across 40 different campus tours. 18 IntoUniversity students started at the University of Leeds in Autumn 2023, bringing the total number of IntoUniversity students starting at the University of Leeds since partnership began to 139.

Student Feedback

IntoUniversity has developed comprehensive systems for gathering and analysing self-reports from students. The charity aims to survey all students we work with using Optical Mark Reading (OMR) forms. These forms provide a detailed picture of young people’s perceptions of the impact of various parts of the programme. Two of the key questions asked are:

As a result of attending IntoUniversity, are you more likely to go to university?

As a result of attending IntoUniversity, have your school marks or grades improved?

This year we received 1,404 responses from IntoUniversity Leeds South and Leeds South Extension students and 1,785 responses from IntoUniversity Leeds East and Leeds East Extension students. From Leeds South we can see that 68% of students on all programmes reported that they were more likely to go to university as a result of attending IntoUniversity. From Leeds East 68% of students on all programmes reported that they were more likely to go to university as a result of attending IntoUniversity.

Case Study: A student's perspective

Yusuf– Year 11, IntoUniversity Leeds South and Leeds Extension

Yusuf first began attending Academic Support at IntoUniversity Leeds South in 2016 when he was in Year 4; his older brother already attended the centre and his two younger brothers also now attend. As well as being a dedicated attendee of Academic Support, Yusuf has enjoyed various other IntoUniversity programmes, including Holiday FOCUS programmes, Secondary FOCUS workshops at school, a Careers in FOCUS workshop, and he has received one-to-one support from University of Leeds student mentors.

How has IntoUniversity helped you?

I first started coming to IntoUniversity when I was in Year 4; I wasn’t interested in academic work then and I only joined because my brother came to Academic Support. The more I went, the more I became interested in my school subjects. In Primary Academic Support they give you lessons that help with things you’re learning about in school. I remember clearly doing an ‘elephant toothpaste’ experiment and it was a big spark for my interest in Chemistry.

What is your best memory of IntoUniversity?

One of my favourites was building towers out of marshmallows and spaghetti with Mott Macdonald. It brought everyone together and there was a lot of rivalry between the groups. They also showed us flood defence mechanisms which was memorable because Mott Macdonald is not a company I would’ve usually come into contact with.

I have been on many trips with IntoUniversity, including one where I stayed over and had a tour of a university campus. This gave me a sense of independence; it was my first time staying somewhere without my family and we did great activities like bowling.

What do you most enjoy about IntoUniversity?

The social and academic aspects and the support you receive from the adults is what I enjoy the most. Academically, IntoUniversity can provide exam papers which is really helpful because I can’t get those at home. When I’m here and I’m struggling with a question, I can also get someone to help me go through it.

How has IntoUniversity supported you to think about your future?

IntoUniversity has shaped me into what I am today. I now know that I want to be part of the medical industry. I wouldn't have done that without IntoUniversity; I think I would have been stuck to this day. Additionally, without IntoUniversity I wouldn't have had the opportunity to go to boarding school. When I think about going to boarding school for my A-Levels, I can't believe it! After that I want to go to university to study Medicine, Neuroscience or Pharmacy.

Case Study: A parent's perspective

I registered my son at IntoUniversity because I wanted him to have more structure after school and have access to Academic Support. He has something to keep him busy when school finishes and he gets exposure to a variety of topics. I also think it’s great that he gets to mix with children from different schools and age groups. It gives him more people to look up to, coach him, and give him life experience. It’s so great that you’re local and in the community – I can walk here in just 20 minutes!

I love when IntoUniversity invites the families to join - I really love those days. I really enjoyed visiting a university with my son; I thought it was amazing for both me and him to understand what to expect if he does go onto Higher Education. The fact that you do this all for free is amazing – I wouldn’t be able to do these things myself.

I would most definitely recommend IntoUniversity to other families. I would tell them that it’s great for kids to try something new and that IntoUniversity gives them so much support. The sessions are really interesting and there’s such a range of activities. My son wants to be a civil engineer. He loves building things and when he visited a university with IntoUniversity, he loved seeing all the engineering facilities. IntoUniversity gives him the confidence that he can achieve lots and stretch himself, and he can go to university.

Thank you

Your donation towards the University of Leeds' partnership with IntoUniversity allows these centres to thrive and transform the lives of hundreds of young people. You help these children to learn and discover in a safe environment which will be key for them having a brighter future. On behalf of the University of Leeds and IntoUniversity thank you for you ongoing support.