Cash fillip for gifted pupils

Talented schoolchildren who might drop out are to be paid to attend a further education college under a pilot scheme at Exeter University.

The university has joined forces with Exeter College to fund ten students from five local high schools in the hope of setting them on the path to higher education.

Exeter is perceived by many to be a prosperous city, but progression rates in education are disappointing.

Emma Stephenson, the university's widening participation officer, said: "Doing well and going to university is not universally valued. There are a lot of jobs you can get at 16 or 18 in the South West. So we are putting our money where our mouth is.

"These awards will help these students achieve their full potential and encourage them to have high educational aims. This is a trailblazing scheme."

The progression awards, which were announced last week, are worth £1,000 each over two years.

Students were chosen for their predicted academic results in the context of the personal or financial barriers they have had to overcome.

The award winners have been asked to work with their schools during the course of their studies to act as role models to younger pupils.

Exeter is only the second university to support further education students in this way. It follows in the footsteps of Leeds University, which offers Ogden Scholarships.