IVYBRIDGE Community College pupils are benefiting from teaching by experts in their field, thanks to a scheme bringing PhD graduates into schools.

Launched in 2014, the Researchers in Schools programme aims to use the knowledge and expertise of PhD graduates to help young people across Devon realise their full potential, and inspire them to go on to university.

According to figures from the Child Poverty and Mobility Commission quoted by the programme, only 13 per cent of poor children in the South West progress to higher education, compared to 37 per cent in London.

Only one per cent of children eligible for free school meals in the region go on to Russell Group universities, compared with three times as many in London.

Trainee teachers on the two year on-the-job programme are given time and support to work towards widening participation, with some delivering courses of university-style tutorials to pupils in other local schools.

Two astrophysicist trainees at Ivybridge and Kingsbridge are setting up an inter-school space club as a joint venture, to encourage pupils to get into science.

Dr Chris Wilson, director of Researchers in Schools, said: ‘According to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, 18 year olds in ‘advantaged’ areas are up to eight times more likely to go to top universities than 18 year olds in disadvantaged areas. This is an incredible waste of talent.

‘It is clear that a number of schools in Devon agree and are signing up to the Researchers In Schools programme. Our trainees inspire pupils to think about the opportunities that university offers and give them the tools they need to succeed.

‘We are excited that our programme is expanding year on year and look forward to expanding the programme across the South West.’

Recruitment is now open for researchers who will start their training in September 2016. Current trainees on the programme include an astrophysicist working on a space mission, a Harvard postdoctoral researcher and a published author.