New Bridlington education centre launched in partnership with University of York to provide opportunities for thousands of young people
Posted on 27 February 2025
The centre will provide academic support, mentoring, and aspiration-raising workshops for students aged 7-18.
The initiative seeks to address the educational inequalities in Bridlington, where nearly 29% of children live in poverty, and progression rates into higher education are behind the national average.
At the Centre’s launch event were around 20 students aged 7-18 who are set to benefit from the centre for the next academic year and beyond, with some of them delivering speeches. During the event students engaged in activities designed to mirror the academic enrichment they’ll receive throughout the year, while secondary school pupils had the opportunity to ask visiting professionals about higher education pathways and future careers.
Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, highlighted the York’s commitment to widening access to University education:
“At York, we are dedicated to being a University of Opportunity, ensuring there are no barriers to access, success, achievement, and progression for any student. This commitment begins early by providing children from the most disadvantaged communities with the resources and support they need to pursue a bright future.”
“The Centre will nurture the talents of young people who may have never considered higher education before or thought it was out of reach. We have a real opportunity to change lives, and we look forward to the future of this new Centre and all the young people who walk through its doors.”
The Bridlington centre is part of a broader network of 44 IntoUniversity centres across the UK, which have helped over 60% of participating students progress to university - more than double the national average for those from similar backgrounds.
Dr Rachel Carr, CEO and Co-Founder of IntoUniversity, praised the collaboration:
“Young people in Bridlington have so much talent, but often lack the opportunities to fulfil it. With the support of the Universities of York and Hull, this new centre will help unlock that potential.”
This partnership and launch of the Centre aligns with the University of York’s mission to become the University of Opportunity, ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.