Dan Aldridge MP visited IntoUniversity Weston-super-Mare on Friday 23 October to meet local young learners and understand more about the impact the centre is having across the community.
Supported by the University of Bath, IntoUniversity Weston-super-Mare works with local schools and colleges to help young people build aspirations, build confidence and achieve their goals.
Through academic support, mentoring and enrichment activities, the Centre works with children and young people in local primary and secondary schools, particularly those who may face barriers to higher education.
Driving local impact
Since opening in 2018, it has supported more than 4,400 young people, with more than 1,300 students taking part in its programmes in 2024/25 alone.
During the visit, Dan joined local students for a session exploring 'What would I do if I were MP for Weston-super-Mare for a day?' at which students pitched their ideas for the town and discussed the issues that matter most to them.
He also took part in a roundtable discussion with representatives from IntoUniversity, the University of Bath, Broadoak Academy and Winterstoke Hundred Academy, and Weston College, focusing on how partners can work together to support young people into education, training and employment, strengthen local skills provision, and contribute to the region's future growth and prosperity.
Community led
Commenting after the visit, Dan Aldridge MP said: “My favourite thing is speaking to people in our community, and that’s exactly what the University of Bath - IntoUniversity event in Bournville gave us the opportunity to do.
"By bringing together young people and local leaders, we could listen to their ideas, understand their priorities and explore how their voices can help shape local funding decisions.
"These events are what politics should be about: not telling communities what they need, but listening to their voices, understanding their priorities and working together to deliver the changes they want to see. Young people deserve to be heard, and their views should help shape the future of their communities.”
Reaching thousands
Rosy Smith, Director of Programme Delivery and Operations at IntoUniversity, said: "Our partnership with the University of Bath is key to reaching thousands of young people across Weston-super-Mare, ensuring they are fully informed about all their post-18 options, including higher education, a proven driver of social mobility.
"The Centre serves as a vital resource for seven local schools, with 73% of Secondary Academic Support students in 2024/25 felt their grades had improved thanks to their involvement with us."
Professor Cassie Wilson, Bath's Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience), who chaired the discussion, said: "Ensuring talented young people can access the opportunities they deserve is something we care deeply about at Bath.
"We're proud to support IntoUniversity's work in Weston-super-Mare and to work alongside schools, colleges and other partners to help more young people achieve their ambitions. By working together, we can create stronger pathways into education, skills and employment.
"Initiatives like this, alongside wider collaborations through Universities and Colleges West, show the difference that partnership can make for young people, our communities and the region as a whole."
Power of partnership
Universities West and its sister organisation Colleges West are new initiatives designed to strengthen collaboration between universities, colleges, employers and policymakers, helping create clearer pathways into learning and work while supporting regional growth and prosperity.
IntoUniversity Weston-super-Mare forms part of the University of Bath's wider commitment to widening participation, helping more young people from underrepresented backgrounds access higher education and fulfil their potential.
The University also supports the IntoUniversity Centre in Bristol South, in collaboration with the universities of Bristol and Exeter.