It is essential to ensure equity and consistency of clinical learning for student nurses who will inevitably work in a variety of practice settings. This article describes the development of a learning pathway in response to the need to improve the quality of learning outcomes in the clinical environment. The North Devon and Exeter model uses a three-step approach, with particular emphasis on the preparation for clinical placements. The model gives equal responsibility to students and clinical staff, promoting a partnership, which takes the student through a quality learning experience. The philosophy that clinical learning should be enjoyable, stimulating and inspirational underpins the structure of the pathway.