Exeter takes part in project to support underrepresented students

Over 180 students have attended a week long virtual residential organised by the Elephant Group with partners including the University of Exeter, The University of Sheffield, Newton Europe, the Sutton Trust and The Brilliant Club.

The aims of the project were to support underrepresented students build confidence and a sense of belonging whilst continuing their engagement in preparedness for their return to school in September.

Initially scheduled to run as an on-campus activity, the project swiftly transformed to a fully digital experience delivered from inception to event in under 3 months.

Year 12 students from the 16 participating Elephant Group schools experienced a wide variety of informative sessions throughout the week aimed at supporting students with their forthcoming decision-making process.

Sessions delivered by PhD tutors from the Brilliant Club included furthering their understanding of topics such as Healthcare, Life Sciences and the Humanities amongst others. Newton Europe delivered multiple sessions on career pathways exposing them to professionals from a wide and varied sector.

The Universities of Exeter and Sheffield collaborated on joint delivery of information, advice and guidance sessions including the application process, benefits of attending a research-led university and student finance. Students had the opportunity to engage with current university students who shared their experiences of studying at higher education. Students also had opportunities to attend social events hosted on Zoom in the evenings. 

69% of students attending were female, 80 students declared that they were from first generation families considering higher education, 5 had experience of care and 45 students were from black (African, Caribbean or Black British) backgrounds.

Dr Karl Devincenzi, Schools Relationship Manager, University of Exeter: “The residential is the result of a fantastic collaboration between a multitude of stakeholders whom have jointly delivered a great experience for underrepresented students based across the UK. We realise that some students may have experienced a gap as a result of current circumstances and are proud to continue our work with The Elephant Group supporting current year 12 students make informed decisions about their future educational pathways.”

Laura Compton, Managing Director of The Elephant Group: “The success of this week was down to an innovative and truly collaborative approach across partners, particularly the two universities involved. We’re all learning how to deliver in a digital environment, but the outcomes for our students have been fantastic – providing information on admissions, finance, student life and choosing a university, plus building their confidence though small team interactions with ambassadors and young professionals. We’ve delivered an independent school-experience for some of the UK’s most underrepresented, but most able state school students and we have high hopes for their progression to top universities.”

Alison McKenzie, Student Recruitment Manager (Widening Participation), The University of Sheffield: “The Summer School has been an uplifting experience for all of us. In a time where there have been many challenges, particularly for this group of young people, it has been truly impressive to see their engagement with learning, with the online environment and the tasks they have been given. Even as I write this, in record temperatures pupils are working with Newton employees on their mini internships- committed right to the last day!

The University of Sheffield particularly values these qualities: an enquiring mind, commitment and perseverance and we recognise these as key to thriving in our world class learning environment and indeed for all our futures. We are proud to support this initiative, to work with an amazing range of partners and will continue to keep in touch with all the participating pupils and schools.”