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Project Background In 2013 Paul Murphy, former Secretary of State for Wales appointed as Welsh Government Oxbridge Ambassador His task - Improve the decline in Welsh learner admissions to Oxford, Cambridge and other top UK universities Report commissioned with recommendations to Education Minister Huw Lewis, and his call for a “national network of partnership hubs” to support talented students approved by the Welsh government.

Aims of the project Increase A level performance A/A Aims of the project Increase A level performance A/A* Increase the number of young people receiving offers from Oxford and Cambridge Increase the number of young people receiving offers from the Sutton Trust 30 Universities

Sutton Trust 30 Universities University of Bath London School of Economics University of Birmingham University of Manchester University of Bristol Newcastle University University of Cambridge University of Nottingham Cardiff University University of Oxford Durham University University of Reading University of Edinburgh Royal Holloway University of London University of Exeter University of Sheffield University of Glasgow University of Southampton Imperial College London University of St Andrews King’s College London University of Strathclyde Lancaster University University of Surrey University of Leeds University College London University of Leicester University of Warwick University of Liverpool University of York

Progress to-date in South East Wales EAS commissioned to run project – summer 2015 250 year 12 learners identified from twenty-five 6th forms and 2 Coleg Gwent campuses Seren Board and Working Group created School and College staff Identified members and host sites Bassaleg School, Newport Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone, Ebbw Vale Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, Caerphilly

EAS Seren region

The Programme Seren launch on 21st October in BGLZ Masterclasses programme of activity Nov 2015 to July 2016 – ongoing Wide range of Activities – subject specific and generic. Work in advance and follow up, designed to ‘Stretch and Challenge’. Evening events Visits to Universities and specialist centres

Parent and Guardian support for Seren learners Support to get to the master class events Ensuring Seren learner full participation in the master classes and trips to raise ambition and opportunity Personal interest in the programme to further support raising ambition and confidence. A team effort!

A team effort! Communication https://www.facebook.com/EAS-Seren-Network-Parents-1625106014421708/ EAS Seren Network Email: serenproject@sewaleseas.org.uk