YOUNG people got a taste of college life when a sixth form opened its doors to prospective students.

Northallerton College is expecting more than 200 pupils to join its new Year 12 in September.

The annual taster day gives 15 and 16-year-olds from schools in Richmond, Thirsk and Bedale, as well as Northallerton and surrounding villages, the chance to experience a day in the life of the sixth form.

Staff in each department that offers A-level and BTEC courses put on special, hands-on lessons to give the young people an insight into the syllabus and a chance to meet teachers and students already on the courses.

They also got an opportunity to socialise with new friends in the college’s dedicated Sixth Form Centre and to hear about the privileges for older students, including not having to wear uniform and being given the freedom to go off-site during the school day.