Appetite & Ambition
Home College (13-18) Upper College (Sixth Form) Oxbridge Preparation
Oxbridge Preparation
Cheltonians regularly gain places at Oxford and Cambridge Universities (collectively termed Oxbridge). Successful applicants have recently read for degrees in Mathematics, Modern Languages, Classics and Natural Sciences.
A pupil’s pathway to Oxbridge begins well in advance of their entrance to the Sixth Form, when they are able attend a range of subject specific societies targeted at academic enrichment. In the Lower Sixth, each pupil is paired with an experienced academic mentor (usually the Head of Department in their chosen area of study) who will help them prepare for entrance tests and expand their understanding beyond the confines of the curriculum.
We encourage pupils to read widely around their chosen area of study and will take part in competitions of national and international significance, both as markers of their academic excellence and in support of their application.
A dedicated Oxbridge Coordinator is on hand to guide pupils through the application process and will meet regularly with pupils both as a group and in bespoke, targeted, one to one sessions.
Oxbridge Timeline
Fifth Form
- Oxbridge preparation begins in Fifth Form. Pupils with particularly strong academic credentials are identified and encouraged to attend Lower College Society to broaden their academic profile, develop their curiosity and inspire them to consider high ranking institutions at Higher Education level.
Lower Sixth Form - Autumn Term
- In Autumn term of Lower Sixth, we offer two external talks from Old Cheltonians at Oxbridge for those pupils who have achieved the requisite GCSE grades (predominantly G9, and G8) and fulfil the necessary academic profile.
- We also attend a Q&A insight session with Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford’s undergraduates, and admission tutors.
Lower Sixth Form – Spring Term
- From January at the start of the Spring Term of Lower Sixth, pupils are invited to join the Oxbridge programme for that year.
- Weekly group sessions to determine which pathway is better for the pupil, and which courses they are interested in.
- Pupils will be encouraged to extend themselves beyond the A Level curriculum in their chosen field of interest by attending external enrichment events, entering national competitions, and independently researching and presenting papers to College societies.
- Pupils are given a grounding in critical thinking skills, which are needed to pave the way to Oxbridge success, particularly at interview.
Lower Sixth Form - Summer Term
- Applicants are paired with a subject specific mentor (a HoD or trained member of department) who will encourage further reading, discussion and work beyond the A Level syllabus – helping to prepare for pre-admissions tests and for writing their application.
- Pupils are invited to attend Open Days at both Oxford and Cambridge during the term and subject masterclasses if on offer.
Lower Sixth Form - Futures Week
- Following a talk from a former admissions tutor, pupils are expected to write the first draft of their personal statement before the summer holidays. Subject mentors will provide detailed feedback on this before the end of term.
- Additional external speakers are invited to College to provide further insight into the admissions process.
- Academic departments offer department days which provide pupils with the opportunity to see their chosen subject applied to careers or academic research.
Lower Sixth Form - Summer Holidays
- Pupils leave for the summer holiday armed with an extensive reading list, extension materials, and practice admissions tests for their chosen subject.
- Applicants are encouraged to attend Open Days (in June and July) and narrow down their selection of colleges.
- Pupils must register for pre-admissions tests between 15 August – 4 October.
Upper Sixth Form – Autumn Term
- Pupils prepare to sit pre-admissions assessments with their mentor.
- Weekly group Oxbridge sessions help prepare applications for the early Oxbridge UCAS deadline and interviews.
- Twice weekly UCAS clinics offer help and advice on applications from the HE team.