GIFTED and talented students from a Basingstoke school were recently treated to a visit from three Cambridge University students.

Former Brighton Hill Community School students, Joanna Mason, James Gyles and Rebecca Barrett who are currently in their first year at the prestigious university, came back to the school, in Brighton Way, to talk about life at Cambridge with the group of Year 10 and 11 students.

An important part of the session was an emphasis on studying hard and getting top GCSE and A level grades as students at the school in Brighton Way prepare to take to take their GCSE exams in the summer.

Students at the talk were told that Cambridge is one of the cheapest places to study across the country due to the number of financial incentives and support available.

Pupils at the school were also pleased to hear that students studying at the university are guaranteed accommodation for at least three years and that Cambridge has the highest number of graduates obtaining employment.

Jo Mason, who is studying French and German at the university, admitted to students that when she applied to Cambridge, she felt that going to a state secondary school would stop her from being offered a place to study.

She added: “I volunteered the to talk because I thought the students would really benefit from hearing from a Cambridge University undergraduate who also attended Brighton Hill.”

Headteacher of Brighton Hill, Mr Charles Currie said: “Inspiring particularly able students is high on the agenda at Brighton Hill. Our gifted and talented programme is designed to challenge and stretch intellect whilst encouraging and motivating students to aspire to higher levels of study.

“Meeting current Cambridge undergraduates was a fantastic opportunity for our students which they clearly enjoyed and from which they gained a great deal.”

He added: “As former Brighton Hill students, Jo, James and Becky understand exactly what the current students needed from the session as well as knowing how they are feeling about their forthcoming examinations. Equally, our current students could see how a place at Cambridge is within their reach.”