Year 10 pupils take part in 4 day residential at the University of St Andrews

Year 10 pupils from Excelsior Academy recently took part in a four-day residential at the University of St Andrews through Laidlaw Schools Trust's Futures Programme.

Delivered in partnership with the London Academy of Excellence (LAE), the programme aims to broaden pupils' understanding of the opportunities available to them and support them in making informed decisions about their future education and careers.

Laidlaw Schools Trust works in partnership with the London Academy of Excellence because of a shared commitment to delivering high-quality opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. The Futures Programme brings together the strengths of both organisations to give pupils access to university experiences, expert-led sessions and practical guidance as they begin to consider their future education and career choices.

Throughout the year, pupils have engaged in a series of sessions featuring guest speakers from a range of professional sectors, including Computing, Finance, Law, Engineering, Medicine and the Public Sector. By hearing directly from professionals and industry experts, pupils have gained valuable insight into different career pathways and the qualifications required to access them.

The residential offered pupils the opportunity to experience university life first-hand through campus tours, subject taster sessions and interactive workshops. They explored topics such as choosing A Levels, researching university courses, writing personal statements and understanding graduate careers.

Pupils also met current university students and learned more about life in higher education, helping them to develop a greater understanding of the options available to them after school.

"Providing pupils with opportunities beyond the classroom is an important part of what we do at Excelsior Academy. It was fantastic to see our Year 10 pupils fully embrace the residential, engage with the programme and make the most of every experience on offer."

- Kerry Swindon, Careers Lead at Excelsior Academy

The visit formed an important part of the Futures Programme, helping pupils to raise their aspirations, build confidence and consider the many pathways available to them in the future.