The University of Nottingham

A second centre has been opened by the University as part of the Nottingham Potential programme to help less advantaged young people in the area to reach university.

The IntoUniversity Nottingham East Centre was opened in St Ann’s in April and is the second of three learning centres planned for the city. IntoUniversity Nottingham West in Broxtowe was opened in February last year.

The centres provide a base within the community for long-term, tailored support for young people. The Nottingham Potential programme is a key part of the University’s appeal, Impact: The Nottingham Campaign.

The programme represents a major investment in the future of primary and secondary-age school pupils and a multimillion-pound commitment to help break down the barriers to higher education.

Delivered by education charity IntoUniversity in partnership with the University, the new learning centres support pupils from the ages of seven to 18 years old, including one-to-one support with homework, literacy and numeracy, coursework, exams, GCSE options and A-levels, careers advice and help with applications to university.

Nottingham Potential has been made possible by a significant £2.1m donation from the David Ross Foundation, founded by David Ross, Nottingham law alumnus and co-founder of Carphone Warehouse.

The Foundation has a breadth of experience in working with schools and setting up initiatives that aim to increase young people’s aspirations. The Foundation’s donation enhances the University’s own substantial financial commitment.

It builds on the University’s successful work over the past decade within under-privileged communities, and aims to provide earlier, broader interventions for young people to raise attainment and encourage progression to university.

Mr Ross said: “Following the successful launch of the Nottingham West Centre last year, I am delighted to help mark the opening of this new centre in St Ann’s. These centres are providing children with a support network which they can use in order to fulfil any ambition they may have.

“These aims are central to the mission of my Foundation and we are glad to be working with the University on such an exciting project.”

IntoUniversity CEO Dr Rachel Carr OBE said: “This new centre reflects The University of Nottingham’s powerful commitment to the young people of the city and will offer exciting new opportunities to several hundred young people in St Ann’s.”

Olympic rowing hero Sir Steve Redgrave was one of the first visitors to the new centre. The five-time gold medallist and Nottingham honorary graduate inspired the youngsters attending when he popped in to talk to them before being the guest of honour at a black-tie dinner, hosted by consultancy firm Gleeds, for whom Sir Steve is an ambassador.

The fundraising dinner, held at the University’s King’s Meadow Campus, was arranged by Gleeds to raise money for the Nottingham Potential programme. At the end of a highly entertaining and fun evening, more than £25,000 had been raised.

www.nottingham.ac.uk/NottinghamPotential