Bright students from around Norfolk and north Suffolk have been brushing up on how to land a spot at top universities at a summer workshop in Norwich.
Norwich School hosted 150 sixth formers from 15 schools with students travelling daily from as far away as King's Lynn, Great Yarmouth and Thetford.
The Norfolk University Access Summer School, now in its 16th year, is designed to give talented Year 12 students guidance about applying to top universities, many of which are more inclined to take students from non-state schools.
Funded by Norfolk County Council, Norwich School and two Norwich School Old Norvicensians, the week-long event was focused on intensive subject-based tutorials, designed to take the students beyond the constraints of their AS Levels, taught by Norwich School staff and helped by undergraduates and graduates from top UK universities.
Erin Ketteridge, aged 17 from Wymondham High Academy, said 'The opportunities this week have been fantastic. I've found the tutoring to be really valuable and the various sessions, particularly the interviews, to be very helpful and informative for the future.'
The week opened with an inspiring talk from the senior admissions officer at UEA, Professor Richard Harvey, who spoke about the benefits of higher education.
There were further visits from guest lecturers and every participant on the course received help on putting together their personal statement and had two individual practice interviews complete with written feedback.
There were further presentations on studying overseas, a science lecture, and a mock trial for the lawyers under the guided tutelage of a barrister and a solicitor.
The week ended with a visit from Broadland MP Keith Simpson, who took part in a wide-ranging Question Time-type debate.
And there was an address by Mark Schofield from PwC, a Norwich School governor and one of the sponsors of the event.
The students will get continued support throughout the autumn term to help with their UCAS university application process and, vitally, subject specific interview practice for those that need it.
The Norfolk Summer School has been attended by more than 100 participants annually for the last few years.
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