University of Portsmouth - Town to gown

Almost 100 junior school children "graduated" from a university following an event to enrich links between the local community and higher education. The ceremony, held by the University of Portsmouth, followed a full day of taster lectures, tours and workshops for the youngsters from Padnell Junior School in Waterlooville. Children dressed in academic gowns and hats for the event, part of a long-running programme for junior schools in the area. Past research by Portsmouth has shown that many children decide whether to attend university by the age of 11.