More students from state schools and colleges are applying to higher education as a result of a University of Exeter aspiration initiative.
The Pathways to Law programme was set up by the Sutton Trust and the Legal Education Foundation. The Sutton Trust charity works to improve social mobility through education, working to improve access to higher education. It works with 12 partner universities to help academically able, disadvantaged students across the country pursue legal careers.
The most recent cohort from the programme, at the Univeristy of Exeter graduated on the Streatham campus at the beginning of last week.
The scheme is open to sixth form students who are the first in their family to apply to university. They are offered expert support, mentoring, work experience, meetings with academics and legal organisations, as well as advice on how to apply to university, over the course of two years.
On visits to campus, the students are taught modules on the constitution, negotiation, human rights and justice by Exeter law academics. They also have the opportunity to attend a national four-day residential conference and Russell Group university open days.
Many graduates from the programme go on to attend the best universities in the country. At Exeter, Pathways to Law students are eligible to apply for various scholarships to help fund their studies.
Professor Tim Quine, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education), said this year’s students from Exeter “will encourage many more students to undertake the programme and continue supporting aspirational young people into higher education.”
Kathryn Davies, Senior Programmes Manager at The Sutton Trust, has also commented on the programme’s success. She said: “Exeter has done a fantastic job, since joining the programme in 2013, of creating an engaging and challenging programme of support. I have the privilege of meeting the students at the Pathways to Law conference, and have always been impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm the Exeter students have shown.”
