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 the last year, fifteen Year 10 students and two Sixth Formers enjoyed a two day trip to Edinburgh, where they were able to take a tour of the Edinburgh University campus and imagine the possibilities as a resident.

The group also explored the city and visited the interactive visitor attraction, Camera Obscura.

30 students from Years 8, 9, 10 visited Northumbria University overnight, touring the campuses and taking part in especially adapted lectures.

A group of Year 12 students stayed at Leeds Beckett University to learn more about different aspects of student-life, in preparation for their UCAS applications.

We took a group of Year 11 students to LIPA (Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts) and the surrounding area 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.