A COLLEGE in North Yorkshire has hosted a number of successful Discovery Days with primary schools - giving pupils the chance to explore further education.

Year 5 and 6 pupils from Barwic Parade CP School, Selby Abbey C of E Primary School and Selby CP School took part in the events at Selby College, where they enjoyed a range of taster sessions in art and design, computing, construction, hair and beauty, hospitality and catering and sport.

Allison Thomson, a teacher at Selby Abbey Primary School, said: "The pupils were inspired by the different course choices and the doors they can open for them in the future. Some of the students didn’t even know the college was there until the discovery day and now they can’t wait to go back.

"They’ve been nothing but positive about their experience and left feeling encouraged they can achieve anything they put their imaginations too, which is fantastic."

Hosted in partnership with NYBEP, the events aimed to enable young people to understand the range of academic opportunities available locally.

Following funding from the Selby Big Local Project in 2017, NYBEP established a programme to help raise aspirations of the Year 5 and Year 6 students at the different schools.

Claire Healy, programme adviser at NYBEP, said: “We are delighted to be working with Selby College as part of our raising aspirations programme. The college organised two fantastic events for the students, where they were able to explore a number of the many courses that it offers.

"The majority of the students arrived not knowing what college was, where it is or that it was a future option for them. The hands-on workshops really opened their minds to different careers paths, inspired them to make choices about their futures and most importantly helped to embed the message that they are capable of achieving their ambitions.”

This comes as Selby College, which is now a part of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, also welcomed Year 10 students from high schools across the district to the college, as part of its taster days in July.

James Pennington, head of school partnerships at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “We are committed to working in partnership with local schools and our partners like NYBEP to transform learning, raise attainment and achievement and encourage progression for learners of all ages.

"The Discovery Days are a great way to provide young pupils with an insight into what further education is and their potential progression routes. It’s fantastic to hear such positive feedback from the schools and pupils, and we look forward to welcoming them back in the future.”

Further details on the college can be found on the website.