High-flying school pupils with the potential of going to Oxford and Cambridge Universities attended a special course at Coleg Gwent on Tuesday designed to boost their confidence.
Crosskeys Campus hosted 35 year 10 pupils from schools in Blackwood, Risca, Oakdale, Cwmcarn and Newbridge who have been identified as potential high academic achievers.
College graduates, who have gone on to study at university, including Oxford, returned to share their own experiences with the pupils.
The GCSE students also took part in a tea dance, led by double world junior dancing champions who study A-levels at Coleg Gwent, and enjoyed a Glyndebourne-style picnic prepared by catering students.
The event on Tuesday at Crosskeys Campus forms part of a yearlong programme of activities that intend to develop their skills, build their confidence and raise their aspirations.