New IntoUniversity learning centre to open in Bridlington

A new learning centre for young people in Bridlington facing disadvantage is due to open this autumn, and has been boosted by local funding from the Lords Feoffees, who have committed £50,000 to the project.

The learning centre is run by education charity IntoUniversity alongside the University of Hull and the University of York, and aims to eventually work with over 1000 young people in Bridlington each year.

IntoUniversity centres are based in the heart of the communities they serve, providing a range of services to young people between the ages of 7-18 facing disadvantage, who are typically underrepresented in higher education.

Through a range of after school academic support, workshops, mentoring and other activities, staff at the centres help these young people raise their academic attainment, develop and nurture their talents, build a love of learning and gain knowledge about potential careers and education pathways, all with a view to enabling them to reach their full potential.

The Bridlington centre will be based in the Key Centre, Christ Church Bridlington, within the East Yorkshire parliamentary constituency. The centre will work closely with local schools and with the Universities of Hull and York to improve educational outcomes for young people in the area. The centre is in a position to open thanks to funding from each of the partners, as well as generous donations from several philanthropists, foundations and corporate donors, including the Lords Feoffees.

The Lords Feoffees have a long tradition of supporting Bridlington and its townspeople, by providing funding for schools, groups, teams, clubs and other charitable and non-profit organisations.

Jonathan Greenwood, Trusts and Foundations Manager, at the University of Hull, said: “The University of Hull is delighted to be working with the charity, IntoUniversity, and York University to set up a Learning Centre in Bridlington, working with the town’s schools, to offer an innovative programme that supports young people aged seven and up to realise their ambitions, achieve their academic potential, develop vital skills and gain experience of the world of work.

“IntoUniversity Centres have an outstanding record of success across the country where they have successfully encouraged children to aspire to go on to further education. We are very grateful to the Lords Feoffees for their incredibly generous support; helping to make a significant impact on the future prospects for young people in Bridlington from disadvantaged backgrounds. Improving educational attainment will equip the town with a skilled workforce, attracting businesses considering relocating to Bridlington, and boosting the local economy.”

Lizzie Boyce, Assistant Director of Development, IntoUniversity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Lords Feoffees for their generous support of this new centre, which we’re delighted to be opening in Bridlington, in collaboration with the Universities of Hull and York.

“We have a long track record of delivering impactful work through our centres across England and Scotland, but our work simply isn’t possible without the financial support of funders like the Lords Feoffees. Having support from a funder with such strong local heritage really helps when we’re entering into a new community. We thank the Lords Feoffees, as well as our partners the University of Hull and the University of York, and can’t wait to get started working with the amazing young people in Bridlington.”

Cheryl Newby, Charity Manager at the Lords Feoffees, said: “The Lords Feoffees are delighted to award a significant donation to support IntoUniversity as they open a brand-new centre within Bridlington.

“The Lords Feoffees have long been committed to supporting the improvement of educational opportunities and outcomes for residents of Bridlington by funding schools, sponsoring apprenticeships, and providing university scholarships. The IntoUniversity centre perfectly compliments the Lords Feoffees’ aim to support every child in Bridlington and is a welcome addition to the town.”

Registration is now open for IntoUniversity Bridlington's Primary (Years 3-6) and Secondary (Years 7-13) Academic Support after school club starting in September 2024.

If you are interested in finding out more about what’s on offer at the centre, or if a young person you know is eligible to attend, you can call the centre at 01262 410809 or email bridlington@intouniversity.org.