WIREDGOV

Some of Wales’ brightest sixth formers and college students will now be able to access specialised support to help them gain entry into the UK’s top universities, thanks to a new Welsh Government initiative being launched yesterday.

The ‘Seren: Supporting Wales’ Brightest’ programme was developed following the Oxbridge review that was commissioned by Welsh Government in 2012 and led by Paul Murphy MP.

The review looked at why Welsh students were less successful than their English and Northern Irish counterparts at gaining entry into the UK’s most prestigious universities, and found that low self esteem and a lack of academic self confidence were part of the problem.

In line with recommendations of that review the Welsh Government is now establishing three different geographical pilot hubs that will allow some of the most talented and able local students in Wales to gather together to access high level support and mentoring.

One hub will cover the Flintshire and Wrexham areas, another will cover Swansea and the third will cater for learners in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf. In order to ensure national coverage of the scheme, a further 9 hubs will be identified and rolled out in 2015/16.

Education Minister, Huw Lewis said:

“Our recent  Oxbridge review confirmed that if our most talented and able  learners  are to fulfil their potential and gain entry into some of the UK’s most prestigious universities they must be able to access better advice, guidance and support.

“The review also told us that our learners need to increase their self confidence and develop their intellectual curiosity,  and that the best way of  helping them do this is by exposing them to a like-minded and  similarly talented peer group.

“Often learners who progress to top Universities have benefitted from things like work experience arranged by a family friend or the help of a teacher with experience of navigating a particular university admission process.  

“The idea of the hubs is that they remove this element of chance and allow our most academically talented pupils to develop their skills, confidence and intellectual thinking in a supported environment.”

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James, said:

“In Wales, we believe our young people hold the key to our future well-being and prosperity.  Their academic achievement, intellect and energy will help Wales grow and become more competitive.

“These hubs will provide an exciting opportunity to realise the aspirations of our young people. The practical support and guidance they’ll offer will be invaluable and is another example of our commitment to supporting young people.”

Leader of the Oxbridge Review, Paul Murphy MP, said:

"I am delighted to see the recommendations of the Oxbridge report being implemented by the Welsh Government. The team involved have worked incredibly hard to devise the final hub scheme and to set up the initial three pilot hubs and I would like to congratulate them on their achievement.

"Studying at Oxford University was a life-changing experience for me and I want more Welsh students to have the kind of opportunities I had. I hope that over time the hubs will ensure that all of our bright Welsh students can flourish and that they have the confidence and support to succeed in applications to Oxford, Cambridge and other top universities."

The Hubs will work to build clear and strong communication channels with the UK’s leading institutions and they in turn will benefit from access to groups of motivated and talented students. Oxford and Cambridge universities have already been working with first three hubs to develop these links.