Sixth form students from Shireland Collegiate Academy visited Trinity College, Cambridge, as part of a higher education outreach programme designed to raise aspirations and support progression to highly competitive universities.
The Academy’s year 12 Elephant Group cohort took part in metacognition sessions focused on developing reflective learning strategies and strengthening academic self-awareness. Students also received tailored support on personal statement writing, helping them to refine their applications for future university study.
Students engaged in a question-and-answer session with current undergraduates, gaining informed insight into course choices, admissions processes and student life at the University of Cambridge. The visit also included a guided tour of Trinity College, offering students the opportunity to experience the university’s historic academic environment first hand.
Ben Brogan, Head of Sixth Form at Shireland Collegiate Academy, said: “Outreach experiences of this kind are central to our Sixth Form provision because they connect academic ambition with lived experience. When students engage directly with a university environment such as Trinity College, they begin to understand what is required to succeed at that level and where they can see themselves within it. That shift in perspective is important because it turns aspiration into informed intent.
“Our responsibility as a Sixth Form is to ensure students leave us with both the strong qualifications and confidence to progress to the highest possible destinations. Partnerships like The Elephant Group enable us to extend learning beyond the classroom and ensure that opportunity is defined by potential and determination, not background.”
The visit followed a strong period of academic achievement of the Academy’s Sixth Form, during which four students secured Oxford interviews, and one received an offer.
It also formed part of Shireland Collegiate Academy’s partnership with The Elephant Group, a national, headteacher-led education charity committed to improving social mobility by supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds to access leading universities. The organisation works in partnership with schools, universities and employers to provide guidance, resources and networks that enable students to succeed in higher education and beyond, with a long-term aim of increasing representation from non-selective state schools at top universities and within influential professions.
Trinity College, Cambridge, founded in 1546, is the largest and one of the most academically competitive colleges within the University of Cambridge. It is internationally recognised for excellence in Mathematics, Physics and Engineering, and has produced 32 Nobel Prize winners. With an endowment exceeding £1.5 billion, the College provides extensive scholarships, advanced research facilities and specialist academic support.
Cambridge is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading academic centres, attracting students from across the globe to institutions such as the University of Cambridge. It is known for its research output, strong industry links and broad academic provision across STEM, humanities, business and the arts.
The visit reflected Shireland Collegiate Academy Sixth Form’s commitment to academic ambition, widening participation and informed progression for all students.
Applications for year 12 entry in September 2026 are now open via Applicaa, the Academy’s online admissions system. Further details about Shireland Sixth Form and how to apply are available on the Academy website.
