The IntoUniversity centre located in the East Marsh is already changing lives and expanding opportunities for local young people.
IntoUniversity is a national education charity that works alongside universities to provide local learning centres, where young people are inspired and supported to achieve their ambitions. The organisation helps children and young people facing disadvantage to explore their goals – whether that’s university, further or higher education, employment or work‑based training.
As one of 46 centres nationwide, the Grimsby centre offers students aged seven to eighteen access to free after‑school academic support, mentoring from university students and professionals, and a wide programme of in-school workshops and activities.
Since officially opening on the East Marsh in September 2024, the Grimsby team has worked with over 1,600 students – more than three times its original target of 450.
According to IntoUniversity’s statistics, 60% of students nationwide who attend the centres go on to progress to university, compared to 28% of students from similar backgrounds nationally.
Young people have also benefited from collaboration with the University of Hull and the University of York, including a joint Group Mentoring event delivered alongside IntoUniversity Hull East and IntoUniversity Bridlington in May 2025.
Emma Norbury, Centre Leader for IntoUniversity Grimsby, praised the achievements of the centre and the progress she sees in students every day, saying: “Whilst the numbers speak for themselves in terms of our engagement with the children and young people of the East Marsh community, the true impact of the centre becomes more tangible for those lucky enough to be involved with what we do on a daily basis, because it can be seen, heard and deeply felt.
“The confidence, resilience, academic capability and future aspirations of our young people are consistently nurtured via our long-term engagement with them as they progress through free primary FOCUS workshops and FOCUS weeks, our Secondary FOCUS workshops, our after school Academic Support sessions, our Mentoring schemes, and university campus trips and extended opportunities – all of which would be impossible to deliver without the dedicated fundraising and logistical support provided by our two partner Universities, the University of Hull and the University of York.”
Photos of Grimsby launch event, provided by IntoUniversity.
As part of the IntoUniversity Buddy Programme, Year 8 students from Havelock Academy visited the University of Hull, while students from Oasis Academy Wintringham explored the University of York.
Following the visit, Havelock Academy Sixth Form Coordinator said: “Previously, some of our students had little aspiration to attend university, but IntoUniversity helps them see the benefits of a degree and breaking down misconceptions. Some students have never left Grimsby, so hearing about different universities and seeing some for themselves has been amazing. You can see their confidence growing after every session.”
Michael Searle, a University of Hull graduate from Grimsby, is now working locally at Bridge McFarland and praised the centre’s impact: “I am Grimsby born and bred and I know how much access to opportunity matters. IntoUniversity is giving local young people the support and confidence to aim higher and that is something I am proud to back. Young people’s prospects should be shaped by their potential and not their postcode.”
Councillor Phillip Jackson, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills, spoke about the impact this will have on skills in North East Lincolnshire: “It’s fantastic to see so many students engaging with the centre in its first year, and to know that these experiences are helping to break down barriers for those who might not otherwise have access.
“As a Council, we’re committed to supporting pathways into education, training and employment for all our residents. Working alongside partners like IntoUniversity means we can open doors for everyone.”
The IntoUniversity Grimsby centre is a partnership between the University of Hull, the University of York and the education charity IntoUniversity. It has been supported by North East Lincolnshire Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), as well as businesses and university donations. If any individuals or companies would like to support the centre please contact Nicky Wright, IntoUniversity’s Development Manager, at [email protected].
To find out more, visit https://IntoUniversity.org/ or email the Grimsby centre at [email protected].
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