A different kind of Higher Education Fair has taken place to give prospective university students a chance to ask questions.

It comes as no surprise that Covid-19 led to the cancellation of having 65 UK-based university delegates visit the island to speak to students as part of the annual fair.

However, Manx university students stepped in to save the day by representing their institutions instead for the 35th event at Ballakermeen High School (BHS) to aid Year 12 students (ages 16 and 17) in their decision-making.

Organising the student delegates was Manx Uni-Verse, a group of Manx university students who began providing advice to sixth formers during lockdown via social media.

The group was formed by King William’s College alumnus Francesca Warren and Ramsey Grammar School’s Caitlin Allinson.

Francesca said the idea came to her following a question on the public Q&A sessions with the Ministers about Year 12s missing out on not being able to visit their prospective universities.

She teamed up with Caitlin to start the initiative and they have both found it an ’amazing’ experience to help with the fair.

’Ballakermeen High School has been fantastic in providing the space,’ said Francesca. ’It’s very much about building that sense of community and making sure Year 12s aren’t disadvantaged.’

Caitlin said: ’It’s been great hearing university students telling everybody about their experiences.

’There are different challenges facing Manx students with costs and getting home for the weekends. As students we can relate to them more, which I think is quite special.’

Director of BHS sixth form Richard Karran said the fair was a great testament to the island’s community spirit.

’It’s been important for Year 12 students to learn names and those conversations will carry on when they apply to universities,’ he said.

He hopes that the more informal event will catch on as a side fair for when the UK delegates can again visit the island.