Eight hundred Loreto students packed 17 coaches to go to open days at the various institutions and many had already made appointments to go and see specialist departments such as medicine and dentistry.

 

It is part of a comprehensive programme at Loreto to help prepare students for their next step in life, which can be fairly daunting for most 16-17 year-olds.

 

Mrs Halkon heads the college programme to prepare the students and she said the college is doing all it can to maximise their chances of getting a place in higher education.

 

She said: “Getting a university place is very competitive and we ensure students are well prepared for their UCAS application. In addition for those students who are not going to apply we offer comprehensive careers advice about possible alternative routes.

 

“With the increase in fees it is even more important that we help our students to choose the university and course that will be right for them.”

In addition to seeing what facilities and courses are on offer at universities, students have started their university applications with the help of their tutors. Many are already preparing their personal statements to ensure an early UCAS application after the summer holidays.