More than 120 gifted and talented pupils from around the Tendring district will get a taste of university life when they ‘graduate’ at a special ceremony at the University of Essex next week.

The year 6 youngsters, from 18 Tendring schools, have been taking part in various activities as part of the ‘University Challenge’ project, aimed at raising aspirations of students who come from a traditionally under represented area in higher education.

For the graduation ceremony, on Wednesday, 30 June at 2.30pm, the youngsters will come onto campus and graduate with gowns and caps. They will each receive a certificate marking their achievement from Professor Auley Mackenzie, the University’s dean of academic partnerships.

The project, organised by the University’s Widening Participation team and funded by Aimhigher and Coast-Ed in Tendring, involves the children taking part in a number of events including a treasure hunt around campus and taster sessions in art, drama, business and sports science.

Lucy Watson, Widening Participation Officer at the Universtiy of Essex, said: ‘We have really enjoyed working with the students this year and the graduation ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to congratulate them on completing the project.

‘The students have had the chance to see what their future could hold and are all really motivated now to do well when they progress to secondary school.’

Note to Editors

For more information or to arrange to come and take a photo of the pupils graduating please contact the University of Essex Communications Office on 01206 872400.

The schools taking part in ‘University Challenge’ are: All Saints C of E Primary, Alton Park Junior, Cann Hall Primary, Chase Lane Primary, Coppins Green, Frobisher Primary, Gt Clacton Junior, Harwich Community, Holland Haven Primary, Holland Park Primary, Mayflower Primary, Ravenscroft School, Spring Meadow Primary, St Clare’s RC Primary, St Joseph’s RC Primary, St Osyth C of E Primary, Two Village and Walton Primary.