Area Links Scheme

As part of the University of Cambridge Area Links Scheme, Downing works closely with maintained sector schools and colleges in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. Our Widening Participation Team organise a series of visits and events both online and in-person for students in Years 7-13.

Southwest school visits

Since September 2024, our School and College Liaison Officers (SCLOs) have visited approximately 46 Schools across Devon, Dorset and Cornwall, and met roughly 4,202 students from the area.

School visits offer important face to face interactions between our SCLOs and students, in order to get students thinking about their future destinations beyond school, including raising aspirations towards Higher Education. The overarching aim of such visits is for students to gain more confidence and understanding of the opportunities that university, and in particular Cambridge University, can offer. School visits also facilitate personable and active relationships with schools through teacher connections that we see as crucial to continue.

School and College Liaison Officer Ellen giving a presentation to students at Colfox School.
School and College Liaison Officer Rubie giving a talk to school pupils at Glenmoor & Winton School
School and College Liaison Officer Rubie at St. Edward's School.
School and College Liaison Officer Ellen giving a presentation to students at Colfox School .
School and College Liaison Officer Rubie at Poltair School.
School and College Liaison Officer Ellen giving a presentation at Mount Bay Academy.
School and College Liaison Officer Ellen trying one of Cornwall's famous pasties.

If you’re a prospective applicant or supporter (teacher, parent, or guardian), we encourage you to get in touch with our SCLOs. Our aim is to build strong relationships with students, teachers, and advisors in schools and colleges across the region, helping to support access to higher education and ensure everyone feels welcome and informed about their decisions.

UCAS

Our SCLOs attended the UCAS fair in Exeter on the 11 and 12 March along with the Director of Admissions and Deputy Director of Admissions, representing the University of Cambridge and engaging with prospective applicants from across the South West. 

downing representatives at the UCAS Fair in Exeter.

We also put on events in Cambridge open to students from across the UK. Past examples include our Subject Admissions Webinars and our Discover Downing Scholars Programme, aimed at supporting underrepresented students in higher education.  A full list of events being run across the Collegiate University can be found on the Cambridge University website.

If you would like to organise a visit, please register your interest or email access@dow.cam.ac.uk.

You can also follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.