The University of Exeter has been recognised for its work to widen access to universities.
Exeter recognised for widening access to higher education
A scheme to widen access to higher education, involving the University of Exeter, has received national recognition at an awards ceremony.
The Times Higher Awards recognises the achievements of the university sector across the country and this year’s winners were announced on Thursday night (24 November) at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.
The prize for ‘Widening Participation Initiative of the Year’ went to the Realising Opportunities programme, which was run by a partnership of UK universities.
Realising Opportunities is a collaboration of 12 leading universities promoting fair access to higher education and encouraging social mobility, for able students from under-represented groups.
Whilst considerable progress has been made within the higher education sector to widen participation, evidence showed that participation of disadvantaged young people accessing the most selective institutions remained low.
Over 500 year 12 and 13 students targeted from educationally and socially disadvantaged backgrounds have been supported so far through the Realising Opportunities programme.
Successful completion of the summer school results in students having their achievements recognised when applying through UCAS to any of the 12 universities involved. This recognition and the support that the programme offers sets Realising Opportunities apart from any other widening participation initiative.
Presenting the prize the judges at the Times Higher Awards said: “This is an innovative national partnership showing evidence of real impact and great potential. The use of e-mentoring by current students provides a real link with prospective students and has resulted in increased application rates to targeted courses. The obvious success of the project for all concerned indicates that the partnership will be developed in the future.”
University of Exeter Outreach Manager Emma Stephenson said: "We are delighted to be a partner in this innovative programme. We build a relationship with these students over an extended period so that we can provide the support and encouragement they need to make the best possible decisions about their futures. We are particularly delighted to have welcomed the first Realising Opportunities students on to our courses this year and look forward to seeing many more of them as the programme matures."
The project was led by Newcastle University.
Date: 25 November 2011
