A group of wannabe vets have become the first youngsters to take part in a Vet Summer School at the University of Central Lancashire*.
Twenty 16 and 17-year-olds from across the country travelled to Preston to take part in a week of innovative sessions run by the University’s School of Veterinary Medicine.
The residential programme, funded by leading veterinary service provider Medivet, was aimed at strengthening the aspirations of young people from underrepresented backgrounds who want to study veterinary medicine and supporting them to progress into a veterinary career.
Practical activities, clinical skills’ tasters and animal handling experiences were delivered by experienced academics and inspiring industry leaders while professional coaches assisted with small group coaching and interview support.
Team-based sessions were also designed to deepen the students’ understanding º£½ÇÊÓÆµ veterinary industry and the opportunities available.
The practical animal handling has been a big highlight and seeing the amazing facilities at the University– Cardinal Newman College student Tom Corner
Most º£½ÇÊÓÆµ teenagers, who attended the popular event, came from across the North West but some travelled from as far away as London, Brighton, Ipswich and Middlesbrough.
One of those enjoying the animal handling experience on a farm was Miranda Wilding, from Greenhead College, in Halifax. The 17-year-old said: “It has been an absolutely amazing experience and has rubber stamped my feelings on wanting to become a vet.
“The hands-on experiences have been excellent as I’ve had the opportunity to handle a snake, calves and lambs. The personal coaching element º£½ÇÊÓÆµ week has also been really valuable.”
Cardinal Newman College student Tom Corner was one º£½ÇÊÓÆµ lucky few who got a place on the first event of its kind held at the University. The 17-year-old, from Freckleton, commented: “This event has really shown me the range of career options that are available when you qualify as a vet, with options even including working for the Royal Army Vet Corps.
“The practical animal handling has been a big highlight and seeing the amazing facilities at the University. The caring and supportive nature º£½ÇÊÓÆµ University is well-known to local students so it’s great to have witnessed that first-hand during this week.”
I hope our work has made a real difference and I look forward to seeing our Summer School students achieve their vet ambitions– Morven Webster, Lecturer in Veterinary Education,
Katie Hull, 17, from Longton, praised the range of activities the students have completed. The cardinal Newman College student, who would be the first in her family to go to university, added: “I’ve been brought up with having pets and I have two horses but this week has shown me the ranges of animals you could be working with and I have loved the practical sessions on the farms.”
Students who completed the Summer School and apply to study at the University are now guaranteed an interview for the 2026 Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degree course. In addition, Medivet will also arrange a work experience placement at local Medivet branch partner practices.
Morven Webster, Lecturer in Veterinary Education, said: “I’m extremely proud we were able to deliver this programme so early on in our journey as a School of Veterinary Medicine and it’s been an absolutely fantastic week.
“Young people who wish to study veterinary medicine face a whole range of barriers, from access to work experience, to a lack of support from family and educators. Sadly, factors they have no control over, such as their ethnicity or socioeconomic circumstances, can also impact their chances of progressing to veterinary education.
I am so proud to see Medivet colleagues from around the country travel to Lancashire to help provide an amazing experience for these young people– Medivet’s Clinical Governance Director Dr Rhian Littlehales
“With the generous support of our delivery partners Medivet, our superb week-long residential programme was packed with learning and fun social opportunities for a bright and diverse cohort of students. The classes and activities were aimed at understanding the roles within veterinary teams, the range of career options and the skills necessary to thrive as a vet in practice.
“I hope our work has made a real difference and I look forward to seeing our Summer School students achieve their vet ambitions.”
Along with financial support, Medivet provided a host of veterinary colleagues who took time away from clinical practice to support teaching.
Medivet’s Clinical Governance Director Dr Rhian Littlehales (BSc (Hons) BVSc Cert AVP PgCert (VBM) MRCVS), added: “We are determined to inspire the next generation of vets and break down barriers to this great profession. I am so proud to see Medivet colleagues from around the country travel to Lancashire to help provide an amazing experience for these young people. We cannot wait to welcome them to our Medivet branches as we continue to support their journey to becoming veterinary professionals.”