TEENAGERS have been sampling life at Staffordshire University as part of a programme to set them on the path to higher education.

Almost 100 young people took part in the two 'experience' days, where they were given an insight into lectures, had the chance to quiz current university students, and found out about subjects such as geography and psychology. They also received advice about finances, accommodation and the social side of being a degree student, and took tours of the university's Stoke campus.

Among those attending were students from Biddulph High, Burslem Sixth Form Centre, Stafford Sports College, and King Edward VI High, in Stafford. The event was set up by Aimhigher Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, an organisation which targets young people from families with little experience of higher education.

It also formed part of a new HE CARD (Choose A Real Deal) scheme, where teenagers do a series of activities alongside their main school or college studies, such as summer schools and work-related projects.

If they complete it, and meet other requirements, they can get an offer of a place at one of 11 participating universities. Keele, Staffordshire, and MMU Cheshire all recognise the HE CARD.