Chaired by the University of Exeter’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Business Engagement and Innovation, Stuart Brocklehurst, the Alliance brings together leads from local councils, (school) academy trusts, plus further and higher education institutions across the Devon, Plymouth and Torbay region.

The initial focus is on developing proposals to expand innovative student-led tutoring and mentoring programmes for school years 6, 7  and 8 (ages 10-13), and to support educators with the increasing complexities resulting from young peoples’ social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and neurodiversity.

The new Alliance sits within the overall framework of the Devon County Civic University Agreement which was formally signed off by Devon County Council and the University of Exeter at the end of 2023. Mission One under the Agreement is ‘Thriving Futures for Young People’.

The new collaboration builds on the successful Exeter Education Alliance model. Its primary objectives are to explore novel approaches to supporting schools’ and colleges’ provision for SEND (children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and SEMH (children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs); and to expand university-led student tutoring and mentoring models.  

The Alliance’s work draws on the findings of the South West Social Mobility Commission, particularly in highlighting evidence of lower than average levels of academic attainment and progression. A key priority will be to identify those areas where additional support is needed the most.