At the celebration event in Crawley (L-R: Sarah Chick; Emily Tucker; Mia Mcqueenie; Georgia Green; Chrissy Baker)
The scholars gave short speeches to explain how taking part in the scholars programme has made a difference to their lives. (Pictured: Georgia Green)
Over 100 students from Crawley celebrated their academic achievements at a special event organised by social mobility charity Villiers Park Educational Trust and the University of Sussex.
The students are part of the Villiers Park Educational Trust Scholars Programme, a four-year programme that helps highly able young people from backgrounds traditionally less likely to enter higher education. Through mentoring and academic support sessions, it encourages young people to raise their ambitions, overcome the barriers they face, and develop essential skills for their futures.
During the celebration event at Holy Trinity C of E School on Friday 13 July, a number of the students gave short speeches to their family, friends and teachers to explain how taking part in the scholars programme has made a difference to their lives.
Emily, a pupil at Holy Trinity C of E School and a scholar on the programme, was one of five students selected for a week’s work experience at the House of Commons.
Emily commented: “The work experience at the House of Commons was amazing – I’ll never forget it. I’ve had all sorts of amazing opportunities while on the programme. It’s taught me to make the most of every single opportunity and I’ve learnt to take risks and try out new things.”
Many of the students are now looking towards further study and their future careers. A number of them hold offers from leading universities, including the University of Sussex, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Exeter.
Zoe Dawson, Manager of the Crawley Scholars Programme, commented: “The event was a fantastic celebration of the scholars' achivements and a chance for them to share their successes with parents, carers, teachers and headteachers.”
The schools represented at the event were Ifield Community College, Oriel High School, St Wilfrid’s Catholic School, The Holy Trinity CE Secondary School, and Thomas Bennett Community College.