Involving school students in selecting candidates for children's nursing

This year-long project involved 26 academy school students aged 13-15 years taking an active role in selecting from candidates for children's nursing places at the University of the West of England. Meticulous planning, preparation, debriefing and awareness of safeguarding needs were all needed. Further aspects relating to increased pressures on academic time, recruitment and preparation of university student supporters, and project funding, also required attention. Some candidates reported the inclusion of school students to be challenging; others found it helpful in clarifying their career aspirations. The project has run for three years and further evaluations could measure the efficacy of this initiative to candidate selection. Other institutions may wish to consider adopting this or a similar approach.