SIXTH formers from Arnold School, Blackpool, are set to benefit from an initiative that will help them prepare for university.

Classes will be suspended today (September 16) for the event, entitled First Impressions, which will involve a full day of mock interviews, discussions and debriefing to help the students on their way.

While university lecturers from around the country arrive to help out with mock interviews, Old Arnoldians will be giving the students a hand filling out their application forms.

And students are asked to come dressed for interviews to make the day as authentic as possible.

Old Arnoldian Joanna Stephenson, of Blackhurst Solicitors, and Professor Alan Gillies from the department of business information management at the University of Central Lancashire will be lending a hand.

Professor Gillies said: "Preparation is everything.

"It is important to follow all the instructions on the forms and dress is particularly important."

Spokesman for the school Ken Shenton said: "A simple slip when filling in the application form or attending an interview unprepared can mean students missing out on one of the most important opportunities in their lives.

"This event, a dummy run to their big day, is very important to give the students that bit of extra confidence."

The annual event is proving to be invaluable. Lise-Anne Boissiere, of St Annes, was accepted to read economics at Oxford this year after attending last year's event.

She said: "If I had gone for an interview with no experience it could have been overpowering.

"At least I'd had the preparation and could cope with quite a grilling."

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