Year 10 pupils from Birches Head Academy took part in an educational visit to Keele University as part of a Higher Horizons+ initiative focused on Veterinary Medicine.

The students were given a guided tour of the Keele University campus, where they were introduced to university life and the facilities available to veterinary students. The visit aimed to broaden their understanding of higher education pathways and careers in animal care and veterinary science.

As part of the programme, pupils participated in a series of practical workshops designed to simulate real veterinary skills. These included learning how to carry out a dog wellness check, applying basic dog bandaging techniques, and practising CPR on canine models. The hands-on sessions allowed students to develop a clearer understanding of the practical demands of veterinary work.

Throughout the day, students engaged actively with staff and student ambassadors, asking a wide range of questions about the Veterinary Medicine course. Topics included entry requirements, course structure, and the academic and practical challenges involved in studying veterinary science at degree level.

The experience provided valuable insight into the realities of veterinary training and helped many of the pupils consider future careers in animal healthcare.