Reach for Excellence
The Reach for Excellence programme supports young people who demonstrate the potential to study at a top university. Throughout the two year programme students are given a taste of university life and gain the necessary skills and experience for a successful transition into Higher Education. From the fifth cohort onwards the programme will be funded by the Liz and Terry Bramall Charitable Trust.
In addition to academic taster sessions, study skills sessions and workshops preparing them for Higher Education, students also have the opportunity to enjoy a full social programme through the summer school. Past students and their teachers have commented on their increased confidence and motivation.
“When I first arrived … I had my doubts and fears about being thrown into an unfamiliar situation with people I barely knew, but it didn’t take long at all for me to get comfortable. (It) has boosted my confidence massively. Thanks for everything everyone!!!”
The evaluation of the first cohort of students who took part in the programme has reported excellent results:
- Students on the Reach for Excellence (RfE) programme were twice as likely as similar students in the control (comparison) group to enter a research intensive university, with just under half (45%) of RfE students entering these universities, compared with one-fifth (21%) of those from the comparison group.
- RfE students were also more likely to enter higher education generally: 87% of RfE students gained a place at university compared with 65% of similar students in the control group
- RfE students are significantly happier than their control group peers about the amount of information and guidance they have received to help them to make decisions about university.
- At the end of the programme, 44% of RfE students were concerned about ending up in debt as a result of attending university compared with 58% of similar students in the control group.
- Just under three quarters (72%) of A-level grades achieved by RfE students were As or Bs compared with just over half (55%) for students in the comparison group. 61% of RfE students achieved at least one A grade, compared with 38% of the control group.
The programme was independently evaluated by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER). To view a summary of their findings from the evaluation of the first cohort of students please visit http://www.suttontrust.com/research/rfesummary2010/
“The summer school itself has been an amazing and valuable experience …I would recommend it to anyone eligible.”
Recruitment for the fifth cohort will close 11th November.
For more information, see Reach for Excellence Information or contact Liz Hurley. An application form and guidelines are available to download.
“Learned new skills, gained confidence, made new friends.”