TEENAGERS from across the region have been taking part in summer camps to help them get into a top university.

The supported progression summer school is run by Durham University and is aimed at assisting young people from the North-East, Yorkshire and Cumbria who have the potential to study at a leading institution.

More than 300 young people who are just about to start their final year at school have already taken part in the programme, which involves university-style teaching and learning and living at a Durham University college, with a further 300 taking part in Sutton Trust summer camps in the next two weeks.

Pro-vice chancellor professor Alan Houston said: “The Durham University supported progression scheme is one of a number of programmes designed to ensure that Durham is welcoming and accessible to students from all backgrounds.

“This year’s summer schools have been a great success. We wish all the young people well with their university applications, wherever they choose to apply to.”

The supported progression scheme is a programme which school pupils undertake over the two years prior to starting university and includes a series of day and residential schools, skills-based workshops and a chance to sample social activities like sports, societies and formal dinner.

Teenagers who complete the scheme receive extra Ucas points and are guaranteed a conditional offer if they apply to Durham.

Since the scheme started, more than 1,500 young people have participated, of which over 500 have progressed to undergraduate study at Durham.

Adam Charlton, 16, of Stanley, County Durham, who is a pupil at St Bede’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Lanchester, was one of the young people taking part in the scheme.

Adam, who wants to study engineering, said; “I’ve always wanted to go to university and Durham’s the best choice for me.”

Former participant Martin Screen, who went to Wolsingham School, in Weardale, and is now studying chemistry at Durham, said: “Supported progression gave me an invaluable opportunity not only to receive a guaranteed offer for Durham University, but to grow in confidence within the chemistry teaching laboratories before even beginning my degree, which allowed me to excel in skill and confidence during the practical courses in a familiar environment.”