Children from two primary schools in Swindon are to get a fun introduction to university life, in a scheme organised by the University of Bath.

The Year 6 school pupils from Lainesmead and Oliver Tomkins primary schools will get to explore the University's Bath campus on a fact-finding treasure hunt and enjoy games and quizzes planned to help them discover what university is all about.

After their visit the children will be asked to create a poster for a competition on the theme of how to get a great job-what I can do now!' and the winning design will be displayed around school.

Parents will be invited to school to hear their children make a presentation on what they have learnt.

Eight students who are studying at Bath will act as ambassadors' on the scheme, to spend time with the children, talk to them about student life, and help them prepare their presentations.

They will also be on hand to talk to parents about their experience of university.

The scheme starts on June 5 when the ambassadors visit the schools to meet the children before their campus visit, and finishes with the presentation to parents on June 11.

"Primary-aged children are still very enthusiastic and willing to consider new ideas," said Liz Andrews, outreach events coordinator at the University of Bath.

"They are generally not at the stage where they have become disaffected with school and education, so if we can inspire them at this age it can make a huge difference.

"Many parents are more involved in their child's education at this stage, so we can encourage them to think about the benefits of higher education for their children, and maybe even themselves.

"Parents are scared about the costs of higher education so the scheme gives us the chance to reassure them with the real facts on student money."

The scheme is part of the national Aimhigher programme which aims to widen participation in higher education.

Aimhigher is run by the Higher Education Funding Council for England with support from the Department for Education and Skills.

The University of Bath runs a series of Aimhigher events, including tutoring schemes, open days and summer schools for school students in the south west region.

For more information about the scheme email Liz Andrews at E.andrews@bath.ac.uk or call 01225 383507.