Our recent visit to the University of Derby was a fantastic opportunity for students to explore what life at university could look like and to begin thinking about the exciting opportunities that await them after secondary school.

The day started with a guided tour of the impressive campus, giving students the chance to experience a real university environment. They explored a range of facilities, including the state-of-the-art sports centre, the Students' Union, lecture theatres and the fascinating marine research laboratory. Seeing these spaces first-hand helped students appreciate the variety of experiences and support available to university students.

Students then took part in engaging workshops tailored to their interests, choosing from policing, education, business or sport. These hands-on sessions, delivered by university staff, provided a valuable insight into each subject area, allowing students to develop new knowledge while discovering the skills and qualifications needed for a range of future careers.

To round off the day, students researched degree courses linked to their interests and aspirations. They explored different career pathways, learned about university courses and considered the many opportunities available to them after completing their GCSEs and further education.

The visit was not only informative but also incredibly inspiring. It encouraged students to think positively about their futures, ask ambitious questions and recognise that higher education is an achievable goal with dedication and hard work.

We are extremely proud of how our students represented the school throughout the visit. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and excellent behaviour were praised by the university staff, making them wonderful ambassadors for our school.

A huge thank you to the University of Derby for hosting such an engaging and memorable day. We look forward to providing more opportunities like this to help our students dream big, aim high and realise their full potential.