Appetite & Ambition
Home College (13-18) Upper College (Sixth Form) Oxbridge Preparation
Oxbridge Preparation
Cheltonians regularly secure places at Oxford and Cambridge, reading subjects including Mathematics, Modern Languages, Classics and Natural Sciences.
Preparation begins well before Sixth Form, with pupils engaging in subject societies and enrichment opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. Pupils are encouraged to read widely, pursue independent interests and deepen their academic curiosity.
In the Lower Sixth, each applicant is paired with an experienced academic mentor, usually a Head of Department, who supports super-curricular study, admissions test preparation and application development.
A dedicated Oxbridge Coordinator provides structured guidance throughout, combining group sessions with tailored one-to-one support to ensure pupils are fully prepared at every stage of the process.
Oxbridge Timeline
Early Identification & Academic Enrichment
Fifth Form
• Oxbridge preparation begins
• Academically strong pupils identified
• Invitation to join Lower College Society
• Broaden academic profile beyond GCSE
• Encourage ambitious university aspirations
Eligibility & Early Insight
Lower Sixth – Autumn Term
• Talks from Old Cheltonians at Oxford and Cambridge
• GCSE eligibility (predominantly Grades 9–8)
• Q&A with Lady Margaret Hall undergraduates and tutors
• Introduction to Oxbridge expectations
Course Exploration & Academic Stretch
Lower Sixth – Spring Term
• Invitation to join Oxbridge Programme
• Weekly pathway guidance sessions
• Course selection support
• Super-curricular extension
• Enrichment events and competitions
• Independent research and presentations
• Critical thinking development
Mentorship & Application Planning
Lower Sixth – Summer Term
• Subject mentor assigned
• Wider reading and discussion
• Pre-admissions test preparation
• Application guidance
• Oxford and Cambridge Open Days
• Subject masterclasses
Personal Statement & Admissions Preparation
Lower Sixth – Futures Week
• Talk from former admissions tutor
• First draft of personal statement
• Detailed mentor feedback
• External admissions speakers
• Subject-focused department days
Independent Preparation
Lower Sixth – Summer Holidays
• Reading lists and extension work
• Practice admissions tests
• Open Day attendance
• College choice refinement
• Pre-admissions test registration (15 Aug – 4 Oct)
Final Application & Interview Preparation
Upper Sixth – Autumn Term
• Pre-admissions assessment preparation
• Weekly Oxbridge sessions
• Early UCAS submission support
• Interview preparation
• Twice-weekly UCAS clinics