This part of East Birmingham is an IMD (index of multiple deprivation) decile 1 area, meaning it’s among the 10% most deprived places nationally. The local progression rate into higher education is just 32%, compared to 44% of students nationally, making the area a prime location for an IntoUniversity centre.

The centre employs four full-time members of staff and will be used to offer after-school academic support, mentoring with local university students and professionals, in-school aspiration-raising workshops and enrichment and work experience opportunities.

Joining in with the activities on offer, Professor Helen Poole, Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor, University College Birmingham (pictured) was keen to stress the value of initiatives like this:

“At University College Birmingham, we are proud to partner with IntoUniversity and the University of Warwick on this vital initiative serving East Birmingham. Our institution has always been committed to making education accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance. This new centre represents our shared vision of a city where every young person can fulfil their potential through education.

“Birmingham's diverse communities are filled with talented, ambitious young people who simply need the right support and guidance to thrive. By providing academic mentoring and aspiration-building activities in the heart of East Birmingham, we're removing obstacles that too often prevent bright minds from progressing to higher education.

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to be an inclusive university that transforms lives through education. We look forward to seeing the centre become a beacon of opportunity that empowers local young people to create their own successful futures”.

IntoUniversity has a proven track record of improving attainment into higher education for students facing disadvantage, and currently supports over 56,000 young people each year at their 44 centres nationwide.

58% of students who attend IntoUniversity centres go on to progress to university, compared with 29% of students from similar backgrounds nationally.

The centre is a joint venture between IntoUniversity, the University of Warwick and University College Birmingham. The charity already runs a centre in Coventry in partnership with The University of Warwick, and previously ran a centre in North Birmingham.

We have a wide range of courses to suit your interests, aspirations and existing commitments, from short courses and apprenticeships, to access courses and postgraduate degrees.

Explore our courses.