The Year 10 visit to Loughborough University was arranged as part of our careers education and guidance programme, giving students an opportunity to explore future pathways and develop a clearer understanding of higher education. Loughborough is a particularly strong example of what a top university can offer. It is currently ranked number one in the world for sports-related subjects and has held this position for nine consecutive years — a record that makes it effectively unrivalled in global university rankings for sport. Nationally, it is securely placed among the top universities in the UK, including a top-ten position in the 2025 Complete University Guide. Beyond sport, Loughborough also performs strongly in engineering, design, creative arts, business, media and STEM fields, with many of its subjects ranked in the global top 100. The university is known for its excellent campus experience and consistently high student satisfaction. Its alumni community includes well-known figures from a range of backgrounds, including Lord Sebastian Coe, former Olympic gold medallist and world-record holder, as well as other leading athletes such as Paula Radcliffe.
After a long journey, students were welcomed to the campus with an introduction to the university’s courses, learning environment and student life. The campus tour that followed allowed them to see many of its most notable facilities, including the world-class sports complex that underpins Loughborough’s global reputation. Students were able to view Olympic-standard training areas, cutting-edge fitness centres and the wide range of spaces used by both elite athletes and regular students.
The visit also included time in the STEMLab, where students were able to see modern engineering and science teaching spaces equipped with specialist technology. This helped them understand how practical, hands-on learning takes place at university level. They also visited the university’s newly developed Law School and heard about the types of careers and skills associated with the subject.
Throughout the day, student ambassadors shared their own experiences of university life. They spoke about entry requirements, choosing courses, managing academic workload, accommodation, and the variety of extracurricular activities available, from sports clubs to student societies. Their advice and honest reflections helped students form a realistic picture of life at university.
Although the journey was long, the visit proved extremely worthwhile. Many students left with a much clearer sense of what university study involves and how their current subjects connect to future opportunities. One student summed up the value of the experience by saying, “It’s far, but now I know what it’s like — I’d definitely consider Loughborough as one of my top choices.” The trip made an important contribution to helping students begin thinking about their next steps and the pathways available to them beyond DNB.
