Mini mortarboard hats were flung in the air in jubilation as the Children’s University Class of 26 celebrated their graduation day.
Around 180 pupils from 3 schools in Worcestershire dressed up for the occasion at the University of Worcester, which works alongside a nationwide initiative to raise aspirations and confidence in children while encouraging participation in extra-curricular activities in and out of the classroom.
The programme is designed to get children into universities and show them how higher education is accessible for them.
It culminates in a graduation day where they wear specially made gowns and hats.
Layla, a pupil at St John’s Middle School in Bromsgrove, who clocked up a remarkable 1,000 hours of activities was one of the days’ graduates.
“I’ve been doing extra tuition, swimming galas, netball training and matches, learning Arabic, Quran lessons, karate courses and camping,” she said. “It feels good to be here today! I’m proud of myself.”
Layla continued: “I feel like it’s a really good experience. I know what I should be doing with myself in the future, I feel like I’ve learned more about myself.”
When asked if she might like to go to university herself, Layla said: “Yes! 100 percent! I’m going to study Medicine.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk