A host of well-known personalities will take part in an innovative summer school at Clifton College in Bristol next week (7-12 July), which is aimed at encouraging young people from across the city to progress into post-16 education and training.

The Learning and Skills Council West of England has funded and helped plan the week long 'Summer Project' which has attracted evening speakers such as television vet Trude Mostue, historian Adam Hart-Davies, Valerie Davey, MP, co-founder of Aardman Animations David Sproxton and University of Bristol lecturer John Adams.

Sixty youngsters, aged between 14 and 15 years old and drawn from state schools across Bristol, will take part in residential project which is the result of a partnership between the Learning and Skills Council West of England, Clifton College, the University of Bristol and the Excellence in Cities programme, which is affiliated to Bristol LEA.

'The Summer Project' is aimed at students who might not normally choose to progress into post -16 education or training even though they have the ability to do so. The project will help students to build confidence, try out new activities and consider a wide range of future opportunities. It will also highlight how learning can be interesting and fun and about more than just passing exams.

The week will culminate with speeches and a prize-giving ceremony on Saturday morning with guest speaker Valerie Davey, MP.

The event is aimed at driving up standards by boosting collaboration between Bristol's independent and state schools. Year 10 students from state schools across the city will benefit from the experience, environment and facilities that Clifton College can provide as a well respected independent school.

Paul May, Executive Director of the Learning and Skills Council, West of England, said, "This project is exactly the sort of initiative Bristol needs to help improve standards and increase participation in post 16 education and training. It makes the best use of the city's facilities and is a great opportunity for these young people to try out new activities and examine the range of learning options that are available."

He added, "Many families in Bristol have no history or experience of post-16 education and training, and events such as this will help more young people realise their potential and consider all the options open to them."

The sixty students have been chosen from schools across the city and the event will be packed with cross curricular activities heavily involving the use of ICT, art and drama. Students from the University of Bristol will also help out during the week with projects about filmmaking, electronics, writing and performing and biological pathways.

Youngsters will also have the chance to take advantage of the Clifton College's excellent sporting facilities and try out new activities such as fives. Guest speakers will visit in the evenings to instigate discussion about future career options and motivate students about possibilities for their future. There will also be visits to Bristol Zoo and the University of Bristol.

Stephen Spurr, Headmaster at Clifton College said, "We are delighted to be hosting this exciting initiative which we hope will raise the ambitions of students and help them fulfil their potential. We are keen to help encourage more post-16 learning across the city and share our facilities and the whole Clifton College experience with as many young people as possible."