WHILE many students across the town will be taking advantage of the long holiday this summer, some ambitious teens will be testing out university life.

Six students from Churchfields Academy have secured places at well-respected universities in the South West for a special summer school.

Year 11 students Laura Huynh and Shanthika Sakthivel are among the choice few to be selected to attend the University of Bath’s Summer School, where they will get a taste of university life over four days.

Sixteen-year-old Shanthika hopes to enter a career in computer engineering, and aims to study software during her time at the University of Bath.

She said: “When applying for the summer school I chose the University of Bath. The main four points I had to match with were grades exceeding a B, strong attendance and effort, one working parent and the fact that I would be the first in my family to go to university.

“This will be a great experience for me as for four days I will be able to live university life and study my favourite course.”

At the moment Laura and Shanthika are studying for their GCSEs with the aim of going to Swindon’s New College in September to further their education.

Laura will study Spanish and business at the summer school as she’s focussed on a business career in the future. She said: “When I applied for the summer school I filled out the required forms and handed them back.

“A few months later I received a package in the mail offering me a place. I had to fill out extra forms and send them back. I will receive more details nearer the time and this includes the opportunity to choose a few subjects that appeal to me.

“I am looking forward to staying and learning in an independent setting. I am very grateful for the chance to do this.”

Other students in Year 10 also have the opportunity to attend a summer school at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol.

Stephen Hewitson, Sam Hollis, Karolina Spalinska, Melisha Dias and Thomas Thompson are all looking forward to the opportunities it will afford them.