PRIESTLEY College is working with two of the world’s leading universities to raise the aspirations of young people.

Over the coming months, the college is holding events with academics from Oxford and Cambridge and some of the college’s former students who are now studying at Russell Group universities.

It is hoped these events will inspire young people who might not have planned to attend university.

Former Lymm High School pupil, Greg Horne, joined Priestley’s graduate programme and is now in his second year at Christ Church, Oxford.

He said: “The graduate programme was fantastic because it connected me with intellectually challenging people and made Oxford seem like a real possibility.

“The activities such as debates boosted my confidence and prepared me for the rigorous interview process.

Mark Salmon, a senior tutor at Priestley, said: “There are still fewer young people from the north west applying for places at the UK’s top universities than there are from other parts of the country.

“We are determined to ensure that our students will see every university place as achievable and to raise their aspirations.”

Priestley is also hosting an event aimed at giving year 12 pupils the skills they need to secure places at Britain’s best universities.

Academics and members of the two universities’ admissions teams will advise students on how stand out from the crowd and submit a competitive application.

Students will hear from Dr Catherine Sumnall from Cambridge and Dr Peter Claus from Oxford.