Students preparing for university have been given an insight into Ivy League education with a visit from Harvard.

Students from Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School’s newly opened Sixth Form, TB6, received a historic visit from a representative of what is regarded as one of the world's most prestigious universities.

It is thought to be the first time the world-renowned institution has visited Blackburn in an official capacity and demonstrates the academic alignment between Harvard and TB6.

Harvard University is part of an elite group of eight American universities, known as Ivy League colleges, which are widely considered to be amongst the most prestigious academic institutions in the world.

Harvard is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts and its alumni include eight US presidents, 10 Academy Award winners, 48 Pulitzer Prize winners and 110 Olympic medallists.

During the visit, students from TIBHS, along with those from The Valley Leadership Academy in Bacup, also part of Star Academies, learnt about the exciting possibilities of studying at an Ivy League university

A selection of students from TIBHS will also be crossing the Atlantic in November to visit Harvard University.

Majid Ditta, Principal at TIBHS, said: “It was an honour to welcome such an elite university to our new TB6 sixth form and we’re very proud to be part of what is a historic visit for this area.

“We want to make sure our young people’s futures are not limited because of where they live, and to open up as many opportunities to them as possible. The advantages of an international education are numerous so we thank Harvard University for taking the time to explain the possibilities to our students.

“Giving our students aspirational goals to aim towards is a fundamental part of our mission and we hope this continued relationship with Harvard will be another step in helping our young people realise their potential while studying at TB6.”