Teenagers graduate from innovative and exciting programme to give them Pathways to Law
Teenagers have graduated from an innovative and exciting programme designed to give them fantastic opportunities to begin a law career.
Pathways to Law gives young people a chance to take part in activities to extend their knowledge and experience in the world of law, and to prepare them for higher education, training or work.
The programme, jointly managed and funded by the Sutton Trust, is offered at seven UK universities, including the University of Exeter.
This month 38 students from 28 schools and colleges from across the South West graduated from the 2024-26 programme and celebrated with their proud families and other guests at Reed Hall, Streatham Campus.
The celebrations were led by Caroline Fournet, Head of the University of Exeter Law School and Isobel Downie, Employability Programmes Assistant, The Sutton Trust; Victoria Howard, Senior Social Mobility Inclusion Manager, Browne Jacobson LLP; Ellena Baker, Trainee Solicitor, Ashfords LLP; Amelia Homan-Berry, LLB Law, Pathways to Law Alumna and Natasha Bellinger, Barrister and Joint Head of Magdalen Chambers and Senior Law Lecturer.
The graduating teenagers have taken part in academic activities, skills and networking sessions, a work experience component and other opportunities to get an insight into the legal profession. They were supported throughout the programme by the University of Exeter undergraduate law ambassadors.
As well as academic sessions at the University of Exeter participants visit law courts in Devon or Cornwall, a summer residential at the University of Warwick and visit the Inner Temple in London. They also receive support by the University of Exeter and the Sutton Trust with their university application.
Pupils will also graduate as an Exeter Senior Scholar, which brings with it not only the prestigious title but also a wide range of transitionary benefits and scholarship opportunities at Exeter.
Kate Blackmore, University of Exeter Pathways to Law and Outreach Officer, said: “We are so very proud of the students who have engaged with the programme, and hugely grateful to all those who have supported the participants over the past two years, including teaching staff and law firms, who have either provided work experience opportunities or delivered skills or other insight sessions.
“We are also extremely grateful to those who have made financial donations to Pathways to Law, who are pivotal in ensuring that we can continue to offer the best possible student experience.”
Those who have supported the programme include major firms of solicitors, the Bank of England, local courts, Environment Agency, Barristers’ Chambers, Santander and The Inner Temple.
Lloyd Poole, from Exeter College, who wants to study history before training to be a lawyer, said: “Pathways to Law has helped me understand the pathways to law and get my foot in the door too.”
Carmen Hansen, from Newton Abbot College, who hopes to study for a law degree, said: “I gained lots of experience and memories and a network I am excited to stay in contact with.”
Seth Hellmund, from Exeter College, said: “Pathways to Law has given me so much support in applying to university, including with massively helping with my personal statement.”
Ben Cross, from Truro and Penwith College, said: “Pathways to Law has taught me valuable skills for the future such as networking and introduced me to a range of different people”
Those graduating this year were:
Bournemouth School – Theo Lau
Brixham College – Summer Brooks
Callywith College – Marlie-Mae Harris and Michelle Drapich
Camborne Science and International Academy – Alfie Goss-Wilby
Colyton Grammar School – Cameron Kerr, Franklin Tuckley and Rosie Russell
Coombe Dean School – Narayan Kharel
Devonport High School for Girls – Mara Coman
Exeter College – Emily Davies, Lloyd Poole, Scarlett Milton, Seth Hellmund, Sofie van der Hoek and Theo Veliyeth
Launceston College – Marina Pritchard
Lipson Co-operative Academy – Saria Dube-Sampson
Liskeard School & Community College – Lily Ackland and Paige Udy
Newton Abbot College – Carmen Hanson
North Devon College – Tia Lofthouse
Parkstone Grammar School – Julia Winson
Plymouth High School for Girls – Evie Adams
Poole Grammar School – Ben Fleming-Duffy
Scott Medical and Healthcare College – Eva Langman
Sidmouth College – Milly Traylor
Sir John Hunt Community Sports College – Abi Garbarczyk
St Bede’s Catholic College – Sophie Manning
The Blandford School – Nell Vanden Dool
The City Academy Bristol – Elizabeth Muingilu
The Spires College – Lydia Walsh
The Thomas Hardye School – Daniel Hill
Tor Bridge High – Ashley Hopper
Torquay Girls Grammar School – Brina Presu and Julia Szczecina
Treviglas Academy – Katie Disney
Truro and Penwith College – Benjamin Cross
