Exeter Scholars

Residential pathway

National

All students in Year 12, based outside of the south west of England (Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Bristol, and Dorset).

Applications for the National Residential Pathway are now closed. They will open again in April 2025.

If you live OUTSIDE the South West (Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset & Bristol), you can apply.

You can register your interest here

You can find further information about the Year 12 National Residential 2024, including the subject strands, dates, location, and what to bring. 

Subject Strands: We aim to place participants on their first choice of residential and subject strand, but due to demand and availability we are not always able to do so. In this case, we will place participants on their second or third choice of residential and subject strand. Please do try to choose a residential and subject strand (see lists below) for your second or your third choice that you would be just as happy to study as part of the Exeter Scholars programme. Also, when choosing first, second, and third choices for subject strands, do not select the same subject strand multiple times - this will not increase your chances of getting your first choice.

Code of Conduct: As part of the application, you will need to read and agree to the Residential Code of Conduct, which can be found below‌. Please ensure that you read and agree to this before submitting your application, as you will be asked to indicate your agreement as part of the application form.

IMPORTANT: The residential event is a compulsory component of this programme pathway, and without attending the residential, a student will not be able to take part in the programme. 

Please find the Code of Conduct and programme eligibility below:

Programme eligibility:

In order to apply, you must meet the following general eligibility criteria:

You do not live in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Bristol, or Dorset

You are studying at a non-fee-paying school (state school) or are home-educated
If you are studying at a fee-paying school on a full scholarship or bursary, you are able to apply on this basis. Please note that we may ask for evidence of your full scholarship or bursary.  If you are home educated you are able to apply, but must meet at least one of the ten programme eligibility criteria

You are in year 12

You have achieved a minimum of 8 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), to include GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) and above

You are a Home/EU registered student, or you expect to be so by the time you apply for higher education
(If you are not a Home student for tuition fee purposes but meet the eligibility criteria for our Sanctuary Scholarship (for refugees / asylum seekers / people with limited leave to remain), then we would welcome an application from you

PLUS

You must meet at least one of the following ten additional programme eligibility criteria:

1. You live in a neighbourhood where a low percentage of young people progress to higher education as defined by your home postcode
If you are not sure then you can use our postcode eligibility checker to find out if your postcode qualifies. This will also be checked by the University of Exeter once you have submitted your application.

2. You live in a low-income neighbourhood as defined by home postcode
If you are not sure then you can use our postcode eligibility checker to find out if your postcode qualifies. This will also be checked by the University of Exeter once you have submitted your application.

3. You are in receipt of free school meals
This statement will be verified with your school or college.

4. You are eligible for school bursaries
This statement will be verified with your school or college.

5. Your parents have not studied at university

6. You are or have been living in care
Anyone who has been or is currently in care or from a looked-after background at any stage of their life, no matter how short. This care may have been provided in one of many different settings, such as in residential care, foster care, kinship care, or looked after at home with a supervision requirement.

7. You have caring responsibilities
Anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem, or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.

8. You have a disability

9. You are an estranged student
We define an estranged student as someone who does not have the support and approval of their family, and who often has no contact with their family at all.

10. You are a refugee or asylum seeker
Defined as a student who has submitted a claim for asylum within the UK and is awaiting a response, who has Limited Leave to Remain in the UK, who has been awarded Humanitarian Protection or Refugee status in the UK, or who is the dependent family member of someone with one of these immigration statuses.

NB: If you do not fulfil one of these ten additional eligibility criteria but you have experienced difficult family or individual circumstances that have affected your performance in exams and possibly the likelihood of you going to university, then we invite you to apply, and each case will be considered on an individual basis.

Code of conduct

This should be read and understood by the student and parent / carer. Students will NOT be allowed to attend the residential part of the Exeter Scholars programme unless the relevant part of the application form has been ticked to indicate that you understand the rules and regulations.

Expected Behaviour

Participating in a University of Exeter residential will be very different from your experience at school. We want all students to benefit from and enjoy this new experience. In order to do this, you will be expected to show responsible behaviour, and respect the rights of other students and staff.

Rules and Regulations

For health and safety reasons, and for all students to have the opportunity to benefit and enjoy the Exeter Scholars residential, the following rules and regulations will be in operation:

  • Alcohol must not be brought onto the university site or consumed during the programme.
  • The purchase or use of any illegal substances is strictly forbidden.
  • Smoking / vaping is not permitted.
  • Students are expected to attend all timetabled activities (unless there is a valid reason for absence, such as illness).
  • Students are not allowed to leave the university site without permission; in the event of unauthorised absences, the university is not liable for any situations which may occur off-site involving the student. For any authorised trips off-site, students will be accompanied by a member of staff. 
  • Students must not take photos or film other participants on the programme or staff members without their explicit consent.
  • Students are expected to follow any emergency procedure, such as a fire drill, as directed by University staff.
  • Students are not permitted to enter any other participant’s bedroom; there are social spaces such as shared kitchens to socialise in. You must not change from the bedroom that has been allocated to you. If you have a problem with your room, please inform a member of staff.
  • You are responsible for the keys / swipe cards issued to you on arrival. If you lose them, you must report this immediately to a member of staff. You may have to pay for a replacement.
  • Students are expected to be in their rooms at specified times (which will be indicated on the first day).
  • Students must wear their name badge at all times on the lanyards provided. 
  • Neither abusive and anti-social behaviour nor homophobic, sexist, or racist language will be tolerated in any circumstances. 

Serious Incidents of Misbehaviour

In the event of serious incidents of misbehaviour, such as fighting, racial abuse, the use of illegal substances, or leaving the university site without permission, the student(s) concerned will not be allowed to continue on the residential and arrangements will be made for the student(s) to be taken home. In some cases this may involve a cost to the parents / carers of the student.

First Day of the Residential

On the first day of the residential, staff will explain some additional rules and regulations that will apply to activities currently being planned. As such, it is expected that you will adhere to them for your own health and safety, and that of other students and staff. 

If you have any concerns or questions about the code of conduct then please contact us via exeterscholars@exeter.ac.uk