Young people were told they "can make a contribution" at a free careers summer school.

City, University of London, with the Lord Mayor and Liveries, opened its doors to secondary school pupils across north London in July for the Future Professionals Summer School.

The programme, aimed at children aged 12 to 14, ran classes for three groups of around 40 pupils each, giving them insights into various professions and academic schools over weekly sessions.

They visited court rooms, held a mock bail hearing and learned about climate change.

City’s student ambassador, Mia Ghir, said: "I think planting the seed earlier for young people is so valuable.

"Some pupils might be the first in their families to go to university and they have no idea what that’s like, so I think it’s a crucial event for them."

Young people took part in group work as well as visited courts during a careers 'summer school' Young people took part in group work as well as visited courts during a careers 'summer school' (Image: City, University of London)

Catherine McGuinness, chair of the City of London Academies Trust and also a past chair of the policy & resources committee at the City of London Corporation, told pupils at the graduation ceremony on July 12: "Don't ever let anyone make you feel like you're not in the right place if you're sure you can make a contribution."

Supervising the event, Ben Copsey, widening participation manager, added: "We want to help young people make the choices that are right for them, at the right time and for the right reasons."