YOUNGSTERS who might never have considered university are now getting the chance after a commitment by Oxford University and education charity IntoUniversity.

By 2019-20, it is hoped that 55 per cent of students using the new IntoUniversity centre in Blackbird Leys will progress to university or apprenticeship programmes.

More than 670 young people have so far attended activities at the jointly-run service, based in the Jubilee Centre, Sorrell Road.

Manager Adam Jackson said: “We provide academic support for kids in the area, from primary students getting help with their homework to secondary students we talk to about their future.

“Some come in with questions about university or might think they can do without. Some have never even heard of it.

“It can be really powerful to speak to students aged seven or eight and talk to them about how they can achieve whatever they want, just by working hard.”

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Four staff members and student volunteers from Oxford University have been on hand throughout term time to give sixth-formers advice and practical support, ranging from financial help to writing their personal statements. About 50 youngsters attend sessions on any given day.

Nationally, 79 per cent of those helped by IntoUniversity go into higher education.

But James Slattery, head of widening participation at Oxford University, said the 55 per cent figure was chosen as anything higher in the first year would be “unreasonable”.

He added: “I have spent time with the young people at the centre and many are being more ambitious with their goals. We are supporting them to aim higher, and shoot for the moon.”

IntoUniversity is a partnership between Christ Church, the IntoUniversity charity and Oxford University’s Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach office.

Late next month, about 30 Year 10 students from deprived areas in Oxford and London will be invited to stay in Oxford’s colleges, in a pilot scheme to widen participation.

Mr Slattery added: “We will spend some time helping with their academic work, and showing them Oxford is not just posh buildings and people rowing, but a diverse and interesting community that most people could find attractive.”

Blackbird Leys student Ellise Watson, 11, will start at St Gregory the Great Catholic School this September.

With IntoUniversity’s support she attained Level 5 in her SATs exams, the highest possible grade.

She said: “IntoUniversity has been really good. They helped with my learning and my education.

“I think about my future a lot. I’ve been to Christ Church with IntoUniversity before, with my mentor. I could see myself going.”