Donation creates opportunities for Gateshead youngsters

Northumbria University has received a donation from the Sir James Knott Trust.

It will support the new IntoUniversity centre in Gateshead – which will open this year to help young people facing disadvantage progress into higher education and other career pathways.

The Gateshead centre is a partnership between Northumbria and Newcastle universities and IntoUniversity – the UK’s largest university-access charity.

It builds upon the successful Newcastle East Centre, the first in the North East, which was opened by the partnership in 2021.

It has had a transformational impact upon the lives of more than 2000 young people, with 64 per cent of students in 2024 progressing to higher education compared to the local average of 12 per cent.

The new centre in Gateshead will enable seven to 18-year-olds to discover their passion for learning, develop essential academic capabilities and skills, and access information and advice to thrive through their educational journey.

The donation will support the salary of an educational worker for two years, ensuring students receive individualised tailored education and personalised feedback.

Professor Graham Wynn, pro vice-chancellor (education) at Northumbria University, said: "Many young people in Gateshead will benefit from this generous donation by the Sir James Knott Trust.

“It will open doors to under-represented groups, enable young people to engage with higher education and help deliver life-changing outcomes.”

Laura Allison, centre leader of IntoUniversity Gateshead, said: “This generous donation will help ensure the young people we support have the opportunity to achieve their future goals and aspirations.”

At the centre, students will engage in a progressive programme of activities, receiving help with homework, coursework, revision, transitioning to secondary school, job applications, interview techniques, career options and preparation for university life.

They will also experience enrichment opportunities, including employer visits, mentoring by university students and local businesses, work experience, paid internships and university summer schools.

Jo Curry, manager of the Sir James Knott Trust, said: “We are proud to support the Gateshead Centre over the next two years, in line with our aim to improve the conditions of people living and working in the North East.

“The centre will make a big difference to the lives of young people in Gateshead, providing them with a lifeline to succeed at school and in their future careers.”

IntoUniversity is one of the projects being delivered with money raised by Northumbria University’s Higher Education Without Barriers fundraising campaign.

Northumbria is partnering with alumni, businesses and charitable supporters to provide a range of financial initiatives, mental health and wellbeing services, and community-based projects to make participation and progression in higher education more achievable for academically talented students, regardless of their social or economic circumstances.

To find out more about the programme, contact the university’s trust and foundation manager at sue.vout@northumbria.ac.uk

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