Our Aim Higher programme inspires students in Years 9-12 to begin thinking about higher education options by giving them a taste of university life in a variety of cities across the UK.

In recent years, Year 10 students and Sixth Formers enjoyed two day trips to Edinburgh, where they were able to take a tour of the Edinburgh University campus and imagine the possibilities as a resident. They also took time exploring the city and visiting the interactive visitor attraction, Camera Obscura.

Students from Years 9, 10 and 11 have visited Newcastle, Sunderland and Teesside Universities, touring the campuses and taking part in especially adapted lectures.

A group of Year 12 students visited Nottingham University to learn more about different aspects of student-life, while taking part in activities linked to their Sociology course.

We took a group of Year 11 students to The Northern School of Art to investigate the opportunities available to them. They took part in workshops and got a glimpse of life in that industry.

These trips often help young people to develop personal ambition and to focus on their future, but they also promote self-belief and allow them to experience a little independence, often for the first time.

Within school, we have been visited by representatives of the local universities during assemblies for KS4 and KS5 students to learn more about Higher Education.