A PIONEERING scheme which helps talented students from the North of England reach their full potential has been recognised by a national body. Professor Les Ebdon, director of Fair Access to Higher Education at the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) visited Durham University this week to find out more about its Supported Progression programme and see the University's Sutton Trust Summer School at close hand. Supported Progression aims to identify and assist sixth form students and secondary school pupils in the North East and Cumbria who have the potential to study at leading universities like Durham. There are two phases to the scheme: Pre-16 (Year 10 & 11) and Post-16 (Year 12 & 13). The scheme, now in its third year, includes the opportunity to take part in the residential Easter Academies and Summer Schools, to experience life as a Durham University student. Durham University's Sutton Trust Summer School is designed to give bright students from under-represented backgrounds the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a student at a leading university. The residential summer school is available for gifted and talented Year 12 students from UK state-maintained schools. Prof Ebdon said: "Your background should never be a barrier to higher education, and sustained, targeted programmes which help to raise aspirations and awareness of higher education are crucial to ensuring that all those with talent to benefit from higher education are able to do so." Prof Tom Ward, pro-vice-chancellor (education) at Durham University said: "We pride ourselves on a fair and transparent admissions policy which is designed to recruit the most able and most motivated students who can best benefit from a Durham University education." For further information visit dur.ac.uk/supported.progression/.