Over the summer of 2010 fifty-five students from across the North West of England descended on Edge Hill University to participate in a four-day residential summer school. The event was organised under the auspices of the ‘Aimhigher’ initiative, which has been well established at Edge Hill for a number of years. For those unfamiliar with ‘Aimhigher’, it seeks to raise aspirations and motivation to enter Higher Education amongst young people from underrepresented groups. It is also intended to raise attainment of potential higher education students, strengthen progression routes via vocational courses and improve the aspirations and self-esteem of talented young people. This article highlights the achievements of those taking part and seeks to celebrate their successes.