Today Peterhouse runs its second annual aspiration day, showing bright pre-GCSE students what they can gain from higher education at top universities.

Forty 15-year-old school pupils will get a real feel for student life in the oldest College in Cambridge (founded in 1284). The day also aims to build confidence by showing students the benefits of higher study within a small supportive environment.

“It's no good suddenly suggesting that students should apply to Cambridge halfway through Year 12 if they've never even considered higher education before then,” said Mr Scott Mandelbrote, Admissions Tutor for Peterhouse.

“We want to make sure young people are aware of their potential far earlier than that.”

The event will focus upon subjects you can’t study at school with sessions led by undergraduate and graduate students.

Dr Chris Lester will explain pendulum motion with a unicycle, undergraduate Mark Stringer will demonstrate ‘engineering by instinct’ looking at King's Chapel roof, and students will get a taste for history of art at the Fitzwilliam Museum.

Last year, 15 students attended the first Peterhouse event. This year’s 40 pupils, who have come from schools in Nottinghamshire, demonstrate the potential for future aspiration days.

“We want even more students to take part next year,” said Mr Mandelbrote. “The response from students and staff has been amazing.”

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