Institutions across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset – led by the University of Plymouth – have been awarded two years’ funding in the first phase of the National Collaborative Outreach Programme (NCOP), being launched by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) in January 2017.

As Exeter College is part of the consortium, it will be working actively in support of the project’s aims and objectives and will benefit from a portion of the funding. As part of this initiative the college will be hosting an Outreach Officer whose role will be to raise aspirations and explain options in relation to Higher Education, both within local schools and within the college itself.

The programme will drive a step change in the progression into higher education of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including members of ethnic minority groups and young men.

Catherine Taylor, Head of Higher Education, People and Performance at Exeter College said:

“There are many routes into Higher Education and a diverse range of programmes, modes of study and qualifications available to meet all needs. Many potential students miss out on the benefits of developing higher level knowledge and skills because they do not have access to information about Higher Education or lack the confidence to apply. This project could make a real difference the lives of young people in Exeter, by helping them overcome some of these barriers to progression.”

To meet those goals, the consortium – under the name of Next Steps South West – will focus on Year 9 to 13 students in wards and schools identified as having presently low HE representation, using targeted interventions in an attempt to raise aspirations, achievement and awareness of HE.

HEFCE Director of Policy Chris Millward said:

“Our evidence has shown that there are young people in these areas who are achieving the qualifications they need to benefit from higher education, but are not currently doing so. The programme will ensure that they are better equipped to make the right choice for them by exposing the range of higher education options available and the careers they make possible.”

Professor Simon Payne, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, said:

“Increasing HE participation in the South West’s most disadvantaged areas is a major challenge. But it is one faced by all colleges and universities so this united approach, building on previous successful collaborations, is the right way to try and address it. By reaching out to schools and young people at an early stage, we can ensure that every student – regardless of their background – has the chance to reach their full potential.”