Inspire2INVOLVE launched in Plymouth
On Thursday 9 November students, parents and teachers met to celebrate the launch of Inspire2INVOLVE - a new partnership between Downing College Cambridge and Villiers Park Educational Trust. The event saw speakers from both partners highlighting the exciting new programme designed to help improve social mobility in Plymouth.
Inspire2INVOLVE will work with a number of less advantaged students from eight local schools in Plymouth, helping them to develop key personal and academic skills such as confidence, resilience, teamwork and communication.
With over 50 years of experience, Villiers Park has seen great results in improving the aspirations and higher education destinations of young people. Alongside Downing College, who has been working with schools in Plymouth for some time, the new partnership will help to empower students and improve social mobility in the area.
Richard Gould, Chief Executive, Villiers Park Educational Trust, outlined the importance of this new partnership, “The UK has one of the lowest rates of social mobility of any advanced economy. The outcome is unfulfilled potential which is a tragedy for each individual, their family and their community, as well as a social and economic disaster for the nation. We are delighted to be in partnership with Downing College Cambridge, to work together to transform the life outcomes of young people in Plymouth.”
Dr Guy Williams, Senior Tutor at Downing College, says “Downing has been engaging with schools and colleges in the South West region since 1999, and our relationship with Villiers Park Educational Trust brings a welcome new dimension to our work in widening participation and access.”
More information on the Inspire2INVOLVE partnership.
Villiers Park Educational Trust website.
Published 10 November 2017.