EXTRAORDINARY achievements from city youngsters will be celebrated at the annual Excellence in Exeter Awards.
Children will be put in the spotlight at the glitzy event which is now a firm date in Exeter’s education calendar.
Those nominated by their teachers for good work or service to their school will be presented with Excellence in Exeter pins and taken to the Great Hall at Exeter University to be congratulated by VIPs.
The awards ceremony was developed by university bosses three years ago as part of ongoing work with Exeter College and city headteachers to boost achievement in secondary schools and forge closer links between them all.
The awards evening is being sponsored by EDF Energy. The EDF Energy Community Award will recognise the achievements of environmental community projects.

Pupils from Exeter’s five secondary schools, four special schools and Exeter College in Years 7, 10, 12 and 13 are eligible for the awards.
University outreach manager Emma Stephenson said: “By working in partnership, the university hopes to contribute to the message that education is a good thing and that excellence is something to be proud of. Together with the schools in Exeter we want to encourage young people to keep on learning.”
The award was introduced last year and won by Ellen Tinkham School. The school set up, and now runs, a successful market garden project managed by the pupils.
This year’s award of £500, plus on-going support from EDF Energy to help develop and implement the environmental project, is awaiting entries. The judging panel which will present the gold medal style award will be announced in the coming weeks.
Mike Davy, EDF Energy’s director of customer service for major business in Exeter, said: “At a time when young people can feel increasingly in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons because of the behaviour of a tiny minority, it’s more vital than ever that we celebrate their many achievements.”
Last year, the achievements of 180 students were recognised in front of an audience of 600 guests at the Great Hall.
The awards evening also featured live performances, music and multi-media presentations from the schools. This year’s awards are on Monday, November 17.
Other schools and colleges involved include Southbrook College, The West of England School and College for young people with little or no sight, Ellen Tinkham School and Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education.