TV guru keen to lift aspirations of the less fortunate

Around 100 boys from Leeds schools will attend the launch of the “Aspire 2 Achieve” programme at the university’s Headingley campus next Thursday.

It will work with pupils, who have not considering going to university, from the age of 13 throughout their school life.

The programme will feature a series of workshops, motivational speakers and tours of Leeds Met’s campus.

Mr George, who was born in Leeds, is a self-made businessman who has starred in the Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire show.

He said: “Leaving school without any qualifications meant that I never had the opportunity to go to university. The programme is something I feel passionately about because it raises the aspirations of young people from similar backgrounds to mine and gives them the chance to make the right choices about their future.

“I am very proud of the programme and I’m looking forward to working with the participants.”

Bruntcliffe High School, Leeds West Academy, Morley Academy, Pudsey Grangefield Maths and Computing College and Swallow Hill Community College have all been invited to take part.

Chris Morley, the widening participation activities co-ordinator at Leeds Met said: “Aspire 2 Achieve offers young boys, from backgrounds not traditionally associated with higher education, the chance to investigate and experience some of the opportunities that a university education can offer.

“For those continuing onto post-16 study, the programme offers tailored advice, guidance and support to help the boys explore their options and successfully apply to university.”

Boys in their first year of sixth form can take part in the university’s progression module which allows students to explore all aspects of higher education and is worth an extra 30 UCAS points towards applications to Leeds Met, Huddersfield University, Leeds Trinity University College and Bradford College. In the final year of sixth form pupils can attend drop-in sessions at Leeds Met to help their university applications.

Throughout the programme, the boys will also work alongside student ambassadors from Leeds Met, who will share their own personal experiences of school and higher education.