As home educating families, we’re used to being the pioneers. We’re used to explaining, justifying, and creating pathways where none existed before. So, when I tell you that the University of Exeter has not only opened their prestigious Scholars programme to home educated students but is actively welcoming us into their community, I hope you’ll understand why this feels like such a momentous shift.
A Community Milestone
Four years ago, my research into home educators’ experiences of accessing higher education revealed systematic disadvantage and exclusion from accessible routes and outreach for home educators. This research was only possible thanks to the hundreds of parents and young people who came forward to share their experiences and give their time, their voices and stories were what shaped the findings and highlighted the need for change.
Two years ago, those research findings translated into something that had never been done before; the University of Exeter opening their prestigious Scholars programme to home educated young people. Working with the university to design this new pathway was an exciting opportunity to put research into practice and create genuine change for our community.
Last year, we celebrated as the first home-educated students took part in the Exeter Scholars programme. This year, applications have just opened again, including the new virtual pathway option, and I’m proud to see this initiative continuing to grow. This wasn’t just about creating access; it was about proving that when our community’s voices are heard and valued, meaningful institutional change can happen.
Why This Matters For All Of Us
What Exeter has done goes beyond creating access to one programme. They’ve demonstrated that universities can adapt their processes without compromising their standards. They’ve shown that our children’s education journeys have value, that their diverse experiences strengthen rather than weaken academic communities.
More importantly, they’ve proven that when institutions genuinely engage with our community, everyone benefits. The virtual pathway, developed partly with home educators in mind, now serves students who might never have been able to access campus-based provision.
The Ripple Effect
I’m sharing this not to promote one university, but because I believe in the power of example. When one institution takes this step successfully, others notice. When home-educated students thrive in these environments, it challenges assumptions and opens doors.
We’ve spent years advocating for recognition, for understanding, for pathways that work for our children. Seeing that advocacy translated into concrete action – and success – feels like a validation of everything our community has been saying.
Looking Forward
This is just the beginning. Every home educated student who succeeds in these programmes, every university that adapts its approach, every barrier that falls, it all contributes to a future where our children’s educational choices are truly respected and supported.
To the families wondering what educational options will be available after the Children’s School and Wellbeing Bill comes into legislation: keep advocating, keep believing, keep pushing for change. And to the young people reading this: you belong in these spaces. Your education journey is valid, valuable, and increasingly recognised.
Change happens slowly, then all at once. We are ever closer to that ‘all at once’ moment…
The Changes:
- Together with colleagues across Undergraduate Admissions, Widening Participation, Outreach and International, I co-created a research-informed admissions page specifically for home-educated applicants:
Applying as a Home Educated Student | Undergraduate Study | University of Exeter
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/accessexeter/applyingasahomeeducatedstudent/
What you’ll find there:
- How we assess diverse qualifications, including recognition of IGCSEs and American style transcripts
- Guidance on predicted grades for applicants without school-issued reports.
- Contextual offers and support where education has been disrupted.
- Equal consideration in admissions for home-educated applicants.
- Clear, practical answers to common questions about routes into degree programmes.
- Alongside the webpage, we’ve introduced bespoke 1-to-1 appointments with a dedicated member of the Undergraduate Admissions team so home educated young people can discuss their qualifications, relevant equivalencies, and the best steps to meet course entry requirements. We’ve also opened all outreach and participation activities, previously aimed at schooled/college students, to home educating communities. Email [email protected] FAO: Caspian/Home Education
- Exeter Scholars – the University of Exeter’s flagship outreach program – is back for the new year!
Our Year 12 South West and Virtual pathways are now open for applications, and we warmly welcome applications from the home educated community.
Both the South West and Virtual pathways provide the same benefits; a roster of subject-based activities led by staff and students from the University of Exeter, a chance to visit and/or learn more about our campuses, facilities, courses and ethos, and a bespoke benefits package that includes bursaries, contextual offers, and careers and employability support. A student who successfully completes either pathway is eligible for these benefits regardless of the pathway, or specific subject strand, they completed.
Learn more about benefits here: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/scholars/benefits/
The Exeter Scholars team are aware that home educated students cannot meet some of the specified eligibility criteria that are linked to school-based characteristics – this is acknowledged and adjusted for as part of our application triaging, so that a home educated applicant is not at a disadvantage compared to an applicant from a school.
Applications are competitive, with applicants who meet the highest number of eligibility criteria being prioritised for places. Certain subject strands will also have set academic requirements – usually particular subjects an applicant must be studying, or already hold grades in – which must also be met. These are all outlined on our webpages, under strand descriptions.
The application deadline for both pathways is: 27th October, 12pm (noon).
Due to competition for places, and program timelines, late applications are not possible.
1. YEAR 12 SOUTH WEST PATHWAY:
Open to: South West UK residents, aged 15-17, undertaking Level 3 (A level or equivalent) studies
South West Scholars will apply for subject strands of their choice, and travel regularly to attend themed, interactive, academic activity sessions on our campuses.
More information, and application form: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/scholars/apply/year12/southwest/
2. YEAR 12 VIRTUAL PATHWAY:
Open to: any UK resident, aged 15-17, undertaking Level 3 (A level or equivalent) studies
Virtual program participants will take part in a fortnight of online content on a themed subject strand, full of specially developed academic content. Containing a mixture of live sessions and independent work, the program also includes a roster of evening social activities, too!
More information, and application form: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/scholars/currentparticipants/year12/virtual/
For any questions or concerns, please reach out to Caspian the WP Admissions Officer, or to the Exeter Scholars team, at any time!
Email [email protected] FAO: Caspian/Home Education
