Learning centre launches outreach work in Blackbird Leys

Hundreds of children in south and east Oxford will receive significant educational support thanks to a collaboration between Oxford University and children's educational charity IntoUniversity. Christ Church Oxford, the University of Oxford and education charity IntoUniversity have created a learning centre which will work with the local schools and teachers to offer 900 young people each year the academic and personal support required to achieve a university place or another education pathway. The new learning centre operated by IntoUniversity and supported by the University's outreach staff and student volunteers from Christ Church opened in November 2014 and was officially launched on Tuesday 3 February with a reception attended by local parents, students and teachers. The support from the learning centre will include after school academic support, mentoring and a focus programme designed to help young people to realise and fulfil their aspirations. The centre will also offer an annual programme of visits to university colleges. Staff will be supported by up to 80 student volunteers, from Christ Church and across the university, who will act as mentors, tutors and role models. The centre will work closely with local schools and community organisations to achieve the aims of the programme, working with participants from the age of seven over the long-term up to their post-school education and beyond.