BRIGHT, young things experienced a taste of what it would be like to studying at one of the world’s best universities.

Pupils from six of Bolton schools visited the historic St John’s College in Cambridge to learn more about life as a student there and how to apply.

Gifted and talented pupils at Rivington and Blackrod High School, Turton, Thornleigh Salesian College, Ladybridge School, St Joseph’s RC High School, Horwich, and Westhoughton High School enjoyed tours of the city and talks by world-leading academics as well as punting trips of the River Cam.

The pupils stayed overnight in the student accommodation and spoke to current undergraduate students about their lives.

Thornleigh Salesian College sixth former Josie Cleary said: “Cambridge is famous for being a very high-achieving university and I thought it would be really intimidating.

“Everyone I’ve met on my visit to St John’s has actually been incredibly friendly.”

The group also learned about the “supervision” system of one-to-one teaching with leading academics, something which is said to be unique to Cambridge, as well as the financial and personal support that the university can offer.

Westhoughton High School pupil Ben Holmes, said: “Learning about the support the university offers, whether in terms of bursaries and financial help or being able to talk to your tutor about anything on your mind, has made Cambridge seem much less stressful.”

Rivington and Blackrod High School pupil Chloe Roberts, from Rivington and Blackrod High School, added: “Everyone was surprisingly relaxed and laid-back. There are lots of clubs.”