Nearly 60 further education students attended a summer school at the University of Cambridge last week to savour university life.

Aimed at students whose parents had not gone to university or from schools and colleges with little history of sending pupils to university, the summer school attracted aspiring students from across the country – from Wales to Sheffield to Portsmouth.

The students were given the chance to attend course programmes either in the arts and humanities or in science and technology. These included lectures, seminars, practicals and discussion groups.

Annie Clarke from Llandrillo College in Wales said, “The week has been fantastic. I am interested in studying languages and will definitely apply to Cambridge. The people here are not as up-tight as I imagined they would be – they are quite normal and I feel I would fit in.”

This view was echoed by other students. Darshan Zala of Havant College in Hampshire said, “I really thought I would not fit in, but there is such a variety of people here. I am interested in reading Economics and have definitely decided to apply.”

Reshma Begum of City and Islington College of Further Education in north London added, “This course has changed my whole view of University life and I am really keen to apply now. It has been wonderful as I have met people from all over the country and made new friends.”

Undergraduate helpers on the course noticed a change in participants during the week. Francis Appiagyei, a third year medical student at St Edmund's College who helped out on the course, said, “Coming here for a week gives these students something to work towards – it makes University real and helps them appreciate that it is worth putting the hours in,” he said.

Supported by the Sutton Trust, the week-long residential course is free to participants.

“The summer school is a wonderful opportunity for students to meet university teachers in a relaxed setting and to ask questions,” said Honor Ridout, Further Education Access Officer.

One of the people quizzed by students was local Liberal Democrat MP David Howarth, a fellow of Clare College, who attended the last day of the school to meet students and talk about their experiences. “These summer schools really do give students day-to-day experience of Cambridge life,” he said. “They are a valuable part of Cambridge's extensive outreach and aspiration-raising activities.”

For more information contact Honor Ridout, FE Education Access Officer, on 01223 765728.

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