HIGH-FLYING pupils from a Suffolk school have spent a day in Cambridge to get a taste of what life is like at a top university.Thirty-one year 11 pupils from Hadleigh High School attended two lectures given by academics, visited the University's Zoology Museum and explored the city.

HIGH-FLYING pupils from a Suffolk school have spent a day in Cambridge to get a taste of what life is like at a top university.

Thirty-one year 11 pupils from Hadleigh High School attended two lectures given by academics, visited the University's Zoology Museum and explored the city.

At lunchtime, they had a meal in the old library of Pembroke College, which works with schools in Suffolk to help raise pupils' aspirations.

The visit was the first university trip run by the high school as part of its “gifted and talented” programme, which strives to enhance the progress of academically-able pupils.

Co-ordinator Mike Quinn said: “There's a danger that some of our pupils might feel that Cambridge is “not for them”. That's why it's wonderful to be able to bring them here and show them that it's a friendly place, accessible to anyone with ability.”

Hadleigh pupil Bethany Everett, 15, said: “If you don't feel right in a place, you wouldn't be able to learn there. Cambridge feels relaxed, it's a beautiful place, and it has the kind of atmosphere that would encourage you to work hard.”

Katie Macleod, also 15, agreed: “The visit has shown us that getting a place at Cambridge is nothing to do with your background or what kind of school you went to. Anyone can get in if they are really bright and determined.”