Exeter College, Oxford and Cambridge Universities celebrate 10 years of working together for South West students

Exeter College hosted its tenth annual Oxford and Cambridge Information Day this week, bringing admissions tutors and undergraduates from both universities to Devon so that local students can hear direct from the experts.

Downing College, Cambridge and Exeter College, Oxford have been working with the further education college in Exeter to organise this event every year since 2003.

Free to attend, the Information Day offered up-to-date information, advice and encouragement to local students about aiming high in their HE choices. The day is part of both collegiate Universities' commitment to being as open and accessible as possible to talented young people in all parts of the UK.

John Laramy, Deputy Principal of Exeter College, Exeter, said: "We are delighted to host the valuable Information Day for the tenth year at Exeter College. "The day is an important part of the comprehensive progression programme that we offer all of our students in order for them to make informed and appropriate choices for their future – whether that be higher education or employment."

"This Information Day offers students the chance to gain up to date information from the experts. We are pleased to welcome interested Oxford and Cambridge applicants from across the county to join our own students at this event."

Former Clyst Vale Community College student Tom Chudley attended the Information Day when he was in Year 12. Tom now volunteers as Access Officer at Downing College and was looking forward to coming back to the event to share his experiences of Cambridge: "The Information Day was the first opportunity I had to see that applying to Cambridge was a viable option for someone in my position. "It really helped to strip away misconceptions about what the University is like - misconceptions that would have otherwise stopped me from attending open days at Oxford and Cambridge."

"For this reason, it's essential that Oxford and Cambridge come to Devon rather than the other way around. "I'm returning as Access Officer to show that these events really work, and that everybody attending the Information Day has a reason to give applying to Cambridge or Oxford a chance."

Frances Cairncross, Rector of Exeter College, Oxford, said "Exeter College, Oxford  has been welcoming students from the West Country for nearly 700 years. We look forward to welcoming many more as we head into our eighth century."

Dr Guy Williams, Admissions Tutor at Downing College Cambridge, who led sessions at the event, said: "Too many bright students from the South West are put off applying to Oxbridge because they feel somehow that it isn't for them. These events are crucial to our recruitment process both in explaining our applications procedure and demonstrating that Oxbridge is open to the academically able, wherever they come from."


The Exeter College Oxford and Cambridge Information Day is one of a series of similar events taking place across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. Each Information Day is hosted by a state school or college and open to Year 12 and Year 11 students. During the days, Admissions Tutors, School Liaison Officers and current undergraduates hold talks, discussions and workshops covering admissions, student life, personal statements, interviews, and finances. The goal is to inform students about the opportunities available to them at both universities, and to encourage those who may not have previously considered Oxford and Cambridge to think about applying. 

Share this