ASPIRATIONAL students had the opportunity to engage with business leaders and talk about their hopes for the future.

More than 200 pupils from Theale Green took part in the fourth edition of the Meet the Professionals event on Thursday.

Children from Year 7 all the way to Sixth Form age spoke with representatives from the emergency services, as well as accountants, beauticians and journalists.

Julie Turner, head teacher of Theale, said: “It was wonderful to see so many students engaging positively, recognising they can and should aim high for their futures.

“They really are a credit to the school. It was amazing to see the support we had from so many professionals and companies involved. It was a great night for the school.”

While many of the older students were considering their options over applying for university, others from Key Stage 3 were already thinking about their future.

The evening was supported by a number of former pupils, as well as local businesses from Theale and the surrounding areas.

One student said: “This was a great opportunity to explore different career ideas you maybe would not have thought of and the different routes into industry.

“It was a really successful evening giving us the chance to look at businesses and to network.”