IntoUniversity graduates from Impetus’ portfolio after 17 years of partnership
IntoUniversity will now enter the Impetus Alumni Network, as we begin a new stage in our relationship.
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IntoUniversity
IntoUniversity & Impetus
IntoUniversity supports young people facing disadvantage to get into university through an early intervention, long-term programme of holistic support including tutoring, mentoring and aspiration-raising programmes – alongside practical guidance on the university application process.
Their mission is closely aligned with Impetus’ vision for a society where all young people – regardless of background – can thrive in school, secure crucial qualifications, and take their first steps into work for a fulfilling life.
The importance of higher education is clear. Our research shows that every step up the qualifications ladder halves young people’s chances of being not in education, employment or training (NEET). Evidence shows that at age 30, state-educated women from the poorest 20% of families, who went to university experienced a 31% increase in earnings.
As well as increased earning potential, higher education qualifications also lead to lower unemployment rates, increased life satisfaction, and better outcomes for future generations.
We are proud to have partnered with IntoUniversity to help them shape and deliver their programme, which is transforming young people’s lives, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
When the two organisations first partnered, almost 18 years ago now, there was an immediate alignment there, both in terms of mission and strategy, but also in shared values.Dr Rachel Carr, CEO, IntoUniversity
Over the 17 years of our partnership, IntoUniversity have scaled nationally, expanding their reach from supporting 850 young people to a network of 44 centres serving more than 60,000 young people each year. Their growth has been transformational with their income increasing from £200k to £14.3m since entering our portfolio in late 2007.
Through this growth, IntoUniversity has retained its impact, with 58% of their students progressing into higher education, compared with 29% from similar backgrounds nationally. As a result, they are graduating from our portfolio this year after delivering a strong track record of meaningful impact across England and Scotland.
Our work together in numbers
Since 2007, Impetus has provided IntoUniversity with a total of £2.7m in direct grants and over £750k in pro bono support.
Through the expertise of our dedicated Investment team, we have supported IntoUniversity with strategic planning, capacity building, and with the implementation and scaling of their impact-led programmes.
| Upon entry in 2007 | 2024/25 | Percentage growth | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income | £200k | £14.3m | 72% |
| Reach | 850 | 60,970 | 81% |
There’s clear value that IntoUniversity are bringing to thousands of young people every year… It’s difficult to replicate a small-scale programme to different communities in more than one place but IntoUniversity have managed to grow and achieve the same standard of quality on a higher scale. This is really remarkable and worth celebrating.
Bea Theakston, Investment Director, Impetus
Donor and pro bono partnerships
Our work is made possible by our committed donors, whose partnerships with Impetus and our portfolio partners enable meaningful, long-term impact. Their generous support allows us to provide our portfolio organisations with core, unrestricted funding and strategic guidance through our pro bono network.
During our partnership with IntoUniversity, we’ve worked with organisations including CVC Capital Partners and OC&C to provide pro bono support on areas such as:
- HR
- Legal
- Strategy
- Impact
Supporting young people together
Lisa may still be in primary school, but she is clear about what she wants to be when she grows up: a doctor. Lisa enjoys “learning about animals and living things” and her favourite subject is science. Aspirations and development play a key role in influencing young people’s outcomes. IntoUniversity provides exactly the kind of support that helps young people grow in confidence and pursue their ambitions.
I think IntoUniversity will help me become a doctor with their mentoring sessions.
IntoUniversity provides young people aged 7-18 with a blend of academic support, mentoring and aspirational activities: early intervention is crucial for encouraging young people to think about their educational ambitions and future dreams.
Lisa attends IntoUniversity’s after school sessions every Thursday at their centre in Northwest London. IntoUniversity’s mentors and staff help young people like Lisa finish their schoolwork before exploring the wider curriculum – giving them academic support to raise attainment and enjoy learning.
The sessions at IntoUniversity are fun and always help me finish off my homework.
IntoUniversity’s mentoring sessions offer a safe and supportive space for young people to explore their aspirations with trusted adults who can provide guidance on getting into university and reaching their career goals.
Our partnership with IntoUniversity has helped young people like Lisa to enjoy learning, broaden their horizons, and gain the skills and qualifications needed to pursue their ambitions in later life.
