The college hosted a display at Education UK's annual exhibition in Hong Kong in a bid to garner a fresh wave of students. It had some 7,200 people visit the stand over two days.

The overseas recruitment drive enlisted the help of ex-students of the college from Hong Kong. They came to speak about the opportunities and experiences available to prospective trainees at the college.

Among the most popular element for international students was the college's University Access Programme – a one-year course designed to help them secure places at UK universities following in the footsteps of each of Highbury's volunteer Hong Kong representatives.

Now seeking to recruit a new wave of young learners for its range of vocational courses, Highbury College was one of 80 UK institutions present at the weekend exhibition, offering advice on applications for the next academic year as well as immediate enrolment opportunities for the coming month.

Doug Powell, the College's international development manager, said: 'The best thing about the exhibition is meeting the students and being able to advise them about the future, their careers and studying in the UK.'

'Hong Kong, as a student body, is very important to us. There is always a lot of interest in course places here and we have just given out over 30 acceptances to students from Hong Kong and China.'

During the visit, Mr Powell and his wife Jean led orientation classes to advise learners about what to expect when arriving in Britain.

Working with the British Council and Hong Kong agents, the college's Portsmouth-based international office has recruited students from the territory for around 20 years.

It said this year's exhibition, which took place shortly after Hong Kong's school results were announced, was a great success and that it has already been invited to return for next year's show.