Standing ovation for Exeter’s talented young people

Developed by the University of Exeter, the Excellence in Exeter awards recognise the academic, arts, sporting and community efforts of young people from across the city. EDF Energy is continuing its support through sponsoring the awards evening and building on the success of last years special EDF Energy Community Award, which recognises the achievements of environmental community projects.

Pupils from Exeter’s five secondary schools, four special schools and Exeter College in years 7, 10, 12 and 13 are eligible for the awards and will be nominated by their individual school or college. The awards help to forge closer links between the University and local schools and colleges as a way of encouraging young people to consider higher education.

Emma Stephenson, Outreach Manager at the University explains: “By working in partnership the University hopes to contribute to the message that education is a good thing and that excellence is something to be proud of. Together with the schools in Exeter we want to encourage young people to keep on learning.”

EDF Energy’s Community Award, introduced for the first time last year was won by Ellen Tinkham School. They set up and now run a successful market garden project, managed by the pupils. This year’s coveted award of £500 plus on-going support from EDF Energy to help develop and implement the environmental project is awaiting entries. The judging panel who will present the gold medal style award is to be announced in the coming weeks.

Mike Davy, EDF Energy’s Director of Customer Service for Major Business in Exeter, said, “At a time when young people can feel increasingly in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons because of the behaviour of a tiny minority, it’s more vital than ever that we celebrate their many achievements. From our own experience as a company with key offices in the city and working with a range of schools, we know that young people in Exeter have incredible talent and that’s why we’re delighted to be working with the University of Exeter and sponsoring these awards.”

Last year, the achievements of 180 students were recognised in front of an audience of 600 guests at a ceremony in the Great Hall. The awards’ evening also featured stunning live performances, music and multi-media presentations from the schools. This year’s Excellence in Exeter awards ceremony will take place on Monday 17 November in the Great Hall at the University with an invited audience of 500 teachers and proud families who will celebrate the achievements of young people in Exeter.

The schools involved are:

• Southbrook College – A specialist centre for cognition & learning
• West Exe Technology College, St Thomas
• St Luke’s Science and Sports College
• Isca College of Media Arts, Topsham Road
• St Peter’s Church of England Aided School
• St James School, Beacon Heath
• Exeter College
• The West of England School and College for young people with little or no sight
• Ellen Tinkham School
• Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education