SIXTH form students from Carlton le Willows got a taste of life in the top flight during a visit to the prestigious University of Cambridge this term – part of a national programme to boost applications from under-represented students.

During their visit the 10 Year 12 students were divided into subject streams to attend live lectures by Cambridge academics and took part in a range of other activities designed to boost their capability to produce a successful application.

The trip was the second meeting of the annual HE+ programme, which is run by Cambridge University to increase the number of applicants from disadvantaged or under-represented groups in the community.

Carlton le Willows has been part of the North Nottinghamshire Consortium, coordinated by The Redhill Trust  since 2018 and is linked to Peterhouse College, Cambridge, who co-ordinate the programme with Redhill.

During the course of the programme students have access to online webinars, covering aspects of the application process, including the production of strong personal statements. Students can also access online webinars by Cambridge Academics, to build their portfolios of super-curricular activities that are used in their personal statements – and to increase their enthusiasm for research. Webinars also broaden their experiences of academia and the kinds of subject areas that are taught at university.

Students will also take part in a final graduation ceremony in May.