Salford celebrates three years of transforming lives with IntoUniversity charity

The University funds and supports the IntoUniverity Salford Central centre which has a transformative community impact, giving thousands of young people the vital tools they need to forge successful futures and make informed choices about their pathway beyond school.

This academic year alone we have:

• Worked with 1,405 students (763 Primary and 642 Secondary)
• Supported 144 students to go through Academic Support
• Placed 101 students on the Buddy and Mentoring programme
• Most notably of all, we have watched 58% go on to Higher Education, compared to a 20% local average.

In partnership with the University of Manchester, the centre offers after-school academic support, mentoring with local university students and professionals, in-school aspiration-raising workshops and work experience opportunities.

“It’s been three years since we opened the centre in Salford and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved so far. This latest report shows yet again how we’re raising aspirations for young people right here on our doorstep. The partnership perfectly aligns with our commitment to improving opportunities and access to higher education for students from all backgrounds,” says Sophie Thorp, Head of Philanthropy, Alumni & Supporter Engagement.

“Of course, none of this would be possible without our valued donors, amazing volunteers and brilliant Access and Widening Participation teams that do an amazing job at inspiring, encouraging and supporting, every step of the way.”

Our Widening Participation team has been instrumental to its success, regularly arranging curriculum workshops at the centre to encourage a passion for higher education and hosting subject-focused campus visits and celebratory graduations for primary school students. Clearly some left with a good impression, in fact 82 students have started studying at the University of Salford since the partnership began in 2022.

Our student testimonials reveal first-hand the impact the centre is having, with one Year 7 Academic Support pupil saying: “I love coming to IntoUniversity because it’s a place where I can focus, get my work done, and feel supported. The staff are really helpful, and I know I can always ask for help if I’m stuck. It’s great having a safe space where I can do my homework independently, as I struggle to get my work done at home. Being a part of IntoUniversity has given me confidence in speaking to adults and making new friends.”

This year also marks a special milestone for the IntoUniversity charity, which now has 46 learning centres across the UK. Back in 2002 when they first began, they supported 75 students; in 2025, their 250,000th student walked through their doors. That’s 250,000 ambitions sparked, 250,000 talents unlocked, and 250,000 futures shaped. We are proud to be part of that story at Salford.

You can find out more about IntoUniversity here: IntoUniversity Salford Central - IntoUniversity