SIXTH-FORM students at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton have paid a visit to Bristol as part of the school's “Aspire” programme.

The youngsters had the chance to see the SS Great Britain, which was designed by famous 19th-century engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and was once the biggest passenger ship in the world.

They also saw slave trader Edward Colston’s statue in the M Shed Museum, which was torn down and thrown into the harbour during protests following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

Later, the students took part in a “lively” treasure hunt around the city centre. The activity “encouraged teamwork and provided a fun way of learning more about the city’s history and architecture”, the school said.

In the evening, the sixth-formers went bowling and played shuffleboard.

QE’s Aspire programme aims to support students with competitive university applications – including medicine and courses at Oxford and Cambridge – by providing a range of super-curricular activities, including presentations, debates and trips.

Earlier this year, students visited the University of Oxford. They were given a tour of the grounds and had a chance to talk to current undergraduates. They also enjoyed punting on the River Cherwell.

“Our Aspire programme is all about opening doors and showing students what’s possible,” said Queen Elizabeth’s School Headteacher Paula Smith.

“We want every one of our students to leave QE not only with excellent results, but with the confidence and ambition to take the next step that’s right for them.”

This summer, 20 per cent of all A-level grades awarded at Queen Elizabeth’s School were A*s or As, and 75 per cent of applied grades were distinctions.

Open mornings for prospective sixth-form students are held on the first Friday of every month during term-time.

If you would like to attend, telephone 01363 778364 or email [email protected].