The group of eight Year-12 pupils was hosted by King's College, one of the 29 undergraduate colleges that make up the University of Cambridge. The pupils had tours of King's and other Cambridge colleges, learnt more about university applications, and met current students.

The aim of the trip was to dispel myths about Cambridge being out of reach for pupils from state schools and "ordinary" backgrounds. None of the pupils had visited the University before.

Pupil Lydia Hill, 17, who lives in Morpeth, said: "I knew Cambridge was a distinguished university but the visit has made it real. I plan to apply to Cambridge to study English as the lectures would be really interesting."

"With all the old buildings, Cambridge has real gravitas and a special atmosphere," said Leo Hunt, 17, who lives in Rothbury and also hopes to study English.

Both pupils were surprised to learn that 57 percent of Cambridge students come from state schools. "I had the impression from all the media talk that only 30 percent came from state schools, so I'm really pleased," said Lydia.

Social sciences teacher, Adam Ironside, who accompanied the pupils, said: "A trip like this is really inspirational and will show our students what Cambridge is really like — rather than how it comes across in the media."

In moves to attract more applicants from state schools, Cambridge University has scrapped the separate Cambridge application form, dropped its application fee, and is likely to waive the requirement for applicants for all courses to have a GCSE in a foreign language. The early application date of October 15 remains.

It has also increased the bursaries available to students, making it cheaper to study at Cambridge than many other universities.

For more information on studying at the University of Cambridge go to www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/