University of Exeter to help Cornwall’s young people access higher education

The University will help establish and develop a new network that will focus on improving access to ongoing outreach activities, as well providing general advice about progression into higher education.

The new Combined Universities in Cornwall network also includes Falmouth University, Cornwall College, Plymouth University and Truro and Penwith College, as well as the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP, Cornwall Council, Cornwall Secondary Heads Group.

The initiative is part of the National Networks for Collaborative Outreach programme, funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and managed by HEFCE, which will see 200 universities work with 4,300 schools across 35 local networks.

University of Exeter Provost, Professor Janice Kay, welcomed the launch of the new network, saying: “I am delighted that Exeter is playing such a crucial part in this new scheme.

“It will allow us not only to build on the exceptional outreach already being carried out by the University not just in Cornwall but across the region, but also help young people to flourish and reach their full potential.

“By providing the right information, the right help and the right encouragement, we can help make this not just an ambition, but a reality.”

Greg Clark, Minister for Universities and Science, welcomed the national networks initiative. He said: “'Higher education is a transformational experience and the future of the UK economy depends on having highly-trained graduates so it is vital that young people have the right information about progressing into higher education.

“This programme will ensure that schools and colleges across England can help their students learn about higher education in the classroom, online and through local outreach activity.”