The Oxbridge Programme

■ Particular support from the Art Department for those applying for Art school and

Architecture

■ Visits to universities, particularly prioritising areas that require special preparation such as healthcare and Art school options

■ Working lunches from Careers Department on university and careers with speakers from varied areas ■ Additional interviews with students and parents are on a drop-in (availability depending) or appointment basis with the

Sixth Form Management Team, Tutors and the Careers Department

■ Drop-in advice and personal statement support from Tutors, Heads of Year, the

UCAS Coordinator and The Careers

Department.

In the last four years, where most independent schools have seen a dramatic downturn in their Oxbridge offers, ours have gone in the opposite direction, testament to the "Oxbridge value added" our support provides. Over the last four years, we have seen a total of 31 Oxbridge offers, equating to almost 10% of the year group.

The Oxbridge Programme is designed to promote:

■ Aspiration in our students

■ Development of thinking skills and the ability and confidence to articulate thought

■ The self-belief that Oxbridge is an attainable goal if you work hard and are academically curious

■ A realistic view of Oxbridge – yes, you will have to work but you should also have a great time

■ Other skills required for entry such as interview or test preparation.

These aims are achieved via a comprehensive and evolving programme that builds yearon-year.

It includes:

Across the Year Groups:

■ An Oxbridge Team (all Oxbridge graduates) who run the programme supported by a team of Oxbridge Mentors (many Oxbridge graduates) with subject specialisms

■ Use of a wide range of data including internal exams, psychometrics and teacher recommendations to spot talent and potential

■ Working with the Scholars Programme that provides 'stretch' activities designed to encourage and develop academic curiosity and skills.

Year Specific Activities:

■ Year 12 Oxbridge Evening

■ Year 12 Mentor for your proposed Oxbridge subject

■ Year 12 mock Oxbridge admission tests and analysis of results

■ Year 12 Oxbridge Focused Activity Week.

This provides an opportunity to explore subject interests in depth and develop discursive/academic skills

■ Year 13 review of personal statements and School references by the Oxbridge Team

■ Year 13 mock interviews including a mock interview exchange with Sir William

Perkins School. We want to encourage and empower all talented students to aim for these world-class universities. If you do well in your studies, and are likely to meet the entry requirements for Oxbridge (grades, entry tests etc.), then why not give it a go – what have you got to lose?

Mr Terence McDermott: Head of Oxbridge

(alumnus of Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge - Law)

Ms Claire Speers: Assistant Head of Oxbridge

(alumnus of Emmanuel College, Cambridge - Classics)

Ms Nicola Jackson: Assistant Head of Oxbridge

(alumnus of Durham University - BA History, MA)