Over 1,500 students and parents/carers from QE have taken the first steps in preparing for university by attending the College’s hugely popular higher education evening. Over 24 institutions from across the United Kingdom travelled to QE to provide detailed advice on courses, entry requirements and unique features about their campuses. Teesside University were also present to answer student finance queries and bust any myths about loans and repayments.
Lily Wearden, from Aberystwyth University, comments: ‘All of the students came prepared with questions and had a really good idea of the purpose of the event which made for very positive conversations. It was great to meet so many students with such open minds who took an interest in all options, regardless of distance and requirements. It was an excellent exhibition!’ Beth Bradbury, who represented the University of Sheffield, adds: ‘Thank you to the College, and particularly Liz Bryan, for organising such a wonderful evening. It was fantastic to be able to have so many brilliant conversations with both students and parents/carers to support progression to higher education. We’d love to visit the College again and look forward to hopefully seeing many of QE’s students at our upcoming open days.’
First year student, Luke Sawyer, who studies A Level Graphics, History and Maths at QE, found the exhibition incredibly useful. The 17-year-old, from Sedgefield, says: ‘It helped me to consider what type of university I want to apply to and the courses that are available. I have definitely obtained some ideas of what I would like to do following my A Levels.’ Anika Henry, who is also in her first year and a student of A Level English Language, Photography and Creative Media Practice was similarly impressed. The 17-year-old, from Ingleby Barwick, explains: ‘Despite being really busy, the university representatives still took time to discover what I am interested in and tailor their advice. Their support has allowed me to look further into Creative Media courses.’
Liz Bryan, Higher Education and Careers Adviser at QE, concludes: ‘The event was a huge success and extremely busy, showing the amount of interest from both students and parents/carers and demonstrating what higher education means to them. The universities dealt with a broad range of enquiries and commented on how engaged our students were.’
