Year 10 students on an Exeter Scholars residential

Supporting widening participation pupils through residential courses

The University’s Student Recruitment and Widening Participation team has hosted almost 300 prospective students from underrepresented backgrounds on residentials this summer.

Exeter Scholars, the University’s flagship fair access programme, provided the opportunity for 140 Year 12 students from across the country to spend a week at both the Penryn and Streatham campuses.  They were able to stay in halls of residence and experience a week of life at university including subject lessons offered by 14 different disciplines and outside activities led by student ambassadors. 

In addition, the University was visited by 60 Next Steps students from across the South West over three days at Streatham.  Next Steps South West (NSSW) is a consortium of 13 higher education institutions based in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset and targets schools and students to encourage progression to university. 

As part of a partnership schemes with two charities we hosted a further 40 IntoUniversity students and 30 Social Mobility Foundation students from disadvantaged backgrounds for three day residential courses.

Some comments from students included: “The summer school experience was extraordinary and I really enjoyed my time here. Meeting new friends and having a built in approach to meeting new people gave me the confidence to know that I can make friends at university.” 

“It was amazing in terms of how quickly you feel at home. The student ambassadors were lovely and the subject sessions really helped me with my A Level studies. The experience really increased my confidence.”

“There was a lot of useful information given to me, giving me an understanding of options available to me. The accommodation was very good, it made me feel comfortable. I made lots of new friends.” 

Head of Student Recruitment and Widening Participation Nicola Sinclair said the University was proud to give so many potential students from underrepresented backgrounds a taste of university life.

She said: “It is important that we open our doors to as many high calibre pupils who come from more disadvantaged backgrounds as we can, as part of our drive to widen participation in Higher Education. Thanks to everyone who pulled together to make these residentials a success, including working many early mornings and late evenings.”   

Date: 21 August 2018