Reach Academy
The Reach Academy is an initiative at Exeter College aimed at encouraging our most academically gifted students to enhance their learning, holistically develop their intellectual and interpersonal faculties, and aspire to gain a place at one of the country’s top universities. The Academy is unique in being supported by organisations such as the Met Office offering students rare opportunities for high-impact, real-world experiences. As a member of the Reach Academy, you will commit to a flexible programme of roughly 60 hours a year for Reach extra-curricular (non-timetabled) activities which equates to approximately two hours a week. The Reach Academy constitutes a residential experience, a lecture series, and optional peer-mentoring schemes, work experience opportunities, clubs, and societies.
- What are the benefits of joining the Reach Academy?
– The information, skills and advice you need to access a top university, and to set you apart from other candidates in competitive fields
– The opportunity to cultivate an intellectually stimulating community and culture with other academically gifted students
– The encouragement and confidence to achieve to your highest potential
– Opportunities to improve your CV and personal statements through super-curricular and extra-curricular experiences
– The opportunity to broaden your horizons and maximise your time at College.
- What kind of activities are available?
The programme of events changes each year, but typically includes:
- Inspiring master classes and lectures from top professionals
- E-mentoring
- Conferences, scholarships, internships
- Educational and inspirational visits including a residential to London, visits to the Met Office, and trips to Russell Group Universities.
- Competitions, debates and discussions
You will receive regular help, advice and mentoring for your university and career choices; for example, the non-profit 80,000 hours works with us to show you how you could use your career to tackle the world’s most pressing problems, and promote human flourishing.
You will also have access to the Young Gifted and Talented Academy, including online resources and subject focus days.
You can join groups and societies such as Model United Nations, Law Society, Debating Society, Medical Society, Medical Ethics Club, and Modern Foreign Languages Club.
- How do I Join?
There are limited places on the Reach Academy. If you are predicted to achieve Grades 7-9 in your GCSEs and you have motivation to explore your subjects outside the classroom, then the Reach Academy would be interested in your application. You will be selected based on your academic qualifications and following an interview with the Reach Academy Coordinator.
As a member of the Reach Academy, you will commit to 60 hours a year for Reach activities in addition to your course studies. This is the equivalent to about two hours a week.
The cost of Reach Academy membership is £80 for the full two years, which contributes towards an exciting and extensive range of activities and visits. There will be further charges for some events and activities, including the residential visit to London at the start of the programme.
Financial support may be available through the College bursary fund.
You can apply for the Reach Academy after you have submitted your College application; your account page will automatically update to enable you to apply. There are limited Reach Academy membership places and applications are competitive. You will be selected for the Reach Academy based on your academic qualifications and performance at interview. Please note, the closing date for applications is the last day of March. You can click here to apply online.
- How do I find out more?
You can find out more about the Reach Academy by attending a College Open Event. You can also contact the Reach Academy Lead on reach@exe-coll.ac.uk if you have any questions.