Excellence in Exeter gets the Dragons' Den treatment

The celebrations are organised by the University of Exeter, in an awards evening designed to help forge closer links between the University of Exeter and local schools and colleges as a way of encouraging young people to engage with higher education.  Pupils achievements whether academically in sports, the arts and community efforts will be recognised and heralded by the parents, staff and fellow students at the event.

Over 180 young people have been nominated from all five Exeter secondary schools, special schools and Exeter College. Pupils in years 7, 10, 12 and 13 have been nominated by their schools, tying in with each key stage.  A community award is also being presented for wider school based projects that have a direct benefit to the local community.

Emma Stephenson, Outreach Manager at the University of Exeter said, “We are delighted to be hosting the annual awards ceremony in recognition that education is a good thing and that excellence is something which we should be proud of. By working in partnership the University hopes to contribute to this message and encourage young people to keep on learning.”

Exeter Cathedral will be the venue for this special event, where the audience of teachers, community representatives and proud families will celebrate the pupils achievements and be entertained by drama, music and dance created by the young people from all the schools.  Each young person will receive a certificate and an ‘Excellence in Exeter’ pin to wear on their uniform in the graduation style ceremony.

The 'Excellence in Exeter' awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 18 November in the Exeter Cathedral from 7pm to 9pm.

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