Express amd Echo – Friday, June 05, 2009, 23:00

GIFTED students at Exeter College are being helped to obtain university places in a pioneering new programme.

The Reach Academy is one of the first of its kind in the country offering students the chance to hone their speaking and debating skills with some of the nation’s top experts in their fields.

Sponsored by the Met Office in Exeter it gives students access to a year-long speaker programme, master classes, residential trips and study skills workshops.
A college spokeswoman said the activities were aimed at ensuring the students are challenged to reach their full potential and succeed in progressing to some of the country’s best universities.

Speakers taking part in the scheme include Spencer Dale, chief economist of the Bank of England; BBC presenter George Alagiah and Derrick Ryall from the Met Office.