HIGH-FLYING students from University Academy Keighley had been given a taste of life at Cambridge University.

The Year 11 students were invited to visit the university after taking part of a two-year outreach programme with Queen’s College, Cambridge.

They have been regularly attending sessions held by Queens’ College at the Science and Media Museum in Bradford through the university’s Area Links Scheme.

Activities have included lectures by visiting Cambridge academic staff, video-link tutorials, and question-and-answer sessions with current students.

Finally came the journey to Cambridge to learn more about what the university is like, and see at first hand the college building and its facilities.

The teenagers toured the college, took part in Job Spotter activities, and were presented with certificates following completion of their Summer Research Projects.

Schools liaison officer Maria McElroy said Queens’ College was aware that many students were hesitant to apply for Cambridge University due to stereotypes about the its culture and perceived barriers to entry.

But she said the college believed factors such as socio-economic background, school ranking and financial pressures should never prevent a student from realising their potential at any higher education institution.

Maria added: “We encourage applications from students whose schools have less experience of sending students to Cambridge, or students who may be the first in their family to progress to higher education”.

University Academy Keighley will continue to work with Queens’ College to provide guidance and advice for prospective applicants, as well as working to remove misconceptions.