THOUSANDS of students from across Swindon descended on Dorcan Academy yesterday to take part in their annual higher education fair.

More than 1,600 youngsters visited the school in St Paul’s Drive to meet representatives from 24 higher education institutions including local colleges and training providers and some of the UK’s top universities.

The event, organised by Leanne Hunnex and Barbara Koza, was the latest instalment in the annual event.

Leanne, careers education information and guidance advisor at Dorcan, said: “The day gives our local young people the chance to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the opportunities that higher education provides and aims to raise their aspirations for the future.

“All Dorcan students were off-timetable on the day, participating in a wide range of activities linked to personal, social, health and economic education, careers, the importance of education and life after school, as well as visiting the higher education fair.

“We had a variety of employers come into school to run enterprise activities, talk to students about careers and run workshops, and the school’s students themselves played a key role in the design and organisation of the day.

“Dorcan was delighted to organise the event and involve the other Swindon schools and academies.”