More than 400 sixth-formers from schools and colleges in Essex, Suffolk and Surrey visited the University of Essex this week to gain an insight into university.

The Year 12 students had the chance to attend introductory sessions for 15 of the most popular degree subjects including the sciences, arts, social sciences, business and law, provided by speakers from a number of different universities.

The day also included sessions about student finance, student life and writing a good personal statement, and provided the opportunity to tour the Colchester Campus and student accommodation.

The programme ended with a chance to ask questions of a panel of current university students.

Essex Sixth forms represented included John Bramston, St Peter's High, Greensward, Plume, Chalvedon, Thurstable, Braintree College and Colbayns, while Suffolk students came from Stowupland and Felixstowe.