Homerton for Homerton: Cambridge University college to support Hackney ward where it was founded 257 years ago

Brandon Asenso-Boateng grew up in Homerton and is now studying at Cambridge. Photograph: courtesy Black Ink Photography

Brandon Asenso-Boateng never thought Cambridge was for him.

Having grown up in Hackney, going to one of the world’s most prestigious universities felt out of reach.

Then members of Homerton College, named after the area in Hackney where it was founded more than 250 years ago, visited his school.

“Learning that the college was founded in the same community I grew up in made Cambridge feel far more connected to my own story”, he said.

“That shared history helped me see the university as a place I could belong to and gave me the confidence to apply”.

Brandon is now a proud first-year student at Homerton College, reading human, social and political sciences.

After graduation, he plans to set up a school in Ghana, where his family are from.

Homerton College Principal, Lord Woolley, at the launch of ‘Homerton for Homerton’. Photograph: Black Ink Photography

Brandon’s story is one that Homerton College hopes to repeat many times over with the launch of a groundbreaking project to inspire young people in the community where it was born.

The ‘Homerton for Homerton’ programme was launched this morning at The Urswick School, Brandon’s alma mater, with support from the council.

It will see the College’s immersive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Escape Adventure play host to more than 3,000 secondary school students across Hackney.

Homerton pupils will also be offered places at local charities delivering Easter youth programmes, and up to 250 youngsters will be shown around the College’s Cambridge premises through fully-funded visits.

The College’s Principal, Lord Simon Woolley, said: “Unlike traditional university recruitment activities, ‘Homerton for Homerton’ creates a virtuous circle: current Homerton students from Hackney volunteer with local charities supporting Hackney’s young people, while Hackney pupils of all ages experience firsthand one of the most diverse colleges in Oxford or Cambridge”.

Over the last six years, the College has accepted more students from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds that any of its Cambridge counterparts.

The College began life in Hackney in 1768 and spent its first 127 years in the borough before moving to its current home in Cambridge.

Mayor of Hackney Caroline Woodley and Deputy Mayor Anntoinette Bramble said: “Hackney’s young people have immense talent and resilience, and we know that there’s no limit to what they can achieve if they set their minds to it.

“We’re proud to support the ‘Homerton for Homerton’ initiative, which builds on the inspiring history that Hackney and Homerton College share, bringing our communities together to empower and encourage our young people to think big about their future.”

Both politicians were in attendance for today’s launch at Urswick, where they addressed Year 10 pupils.

Also there was Luke Billingham, youth worker at charity Hackney Quest and a Homerton College alumnus.

Mayor Woodley (right) and Deputy Mayor Bramble speak to Urswick students. Photograph: Black Ink Photography

Mayor Woodley revealed that her mother met her father when she attended Homerton College to do teacher training.

“That love story is a real connection to what we’re doing here”, she told the students.

In his speech, Lord Woolley encouraged the young listeners to nurture their curiosity and passion.

“I need you to know that 270 years ago, Homerton College started here, so you are part of history”.

He said the College wanted to create a “pathway like [that followed by] one of our young, dynamic students at Cambridge University – one of your own, I might add – Brandon”.

“Hopefully some of you will come to Cambridge”, he added. “Others may go to Oxford. Others may go to other universities. But wherever you go, you will achieve”.