Young people celebrated at University’s Excellence in Exeter awards

Leo, who is an honorary graduate of the University of Exeter and director of CarbonBrief.org, a website which reports and analyses the science and policy choices of climate change, was special guest at the event, which was launched to forge links between the University and local schools and colleges as a means of encouraging young people into Higher Education.

The awards were presented by Leo in three distinct categories for Academic Achievement, Sporting & Artistic Endeavour and Service in the Community in front of parents, staff and fellow students in a ceremony in the university’s Great Hall.

"It was a genuine privilege for me to visit Exeter and witness up close just how much talent and compassion the city's schools have to offer,” said Leo. “I came away from the evening filled with overwhelming positivity about the skills, drive and creativity that this generation of pupils will now carry into the wider world as they stride with confidence towards adulthood."

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Tim Quine hosted the ceremony and introduced a programme that included music, gymnastic and dance performances. In recognition of the tenth anniversary of the awards alumni from the schools were invited to share their achievements since receiving their awards.

Natalie Archer, Outreach Officer and coordinator of the Excellence in Exeter Award Ceremony said: “We are delighted to have hosted the Excellence in Exeter Awards for the tenth year running. The achievements and accomplishments of students and alumni are commendable and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”

West Exe School won this year’s Community Award for school based projects that have a direct benefit to the local community for their Bridging the Generations project, a curriculum led volunteering project which sees the whole of Year 7, approximately 200 students, getting involved in one of five community-focused projects.

Award winners this year included students from the following schools:
• Southbrook School – A specialist centre for cognition & learning
• West Exe School
• St Luke’s Science and Sports College
• Isca Academy
• St Peter’s Church of England Aided School
• St James
• Exeter College