Year 11 and year 12 students from across Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust attended an Oxbridge event at Shireland Collegiate Academy, designed to raise aspirations and encourage applications to the UK’s most competitive universities.
Bringing together students from West Bromwich Collegiate Academy, Shireland Biomedical UTC, Shireland CBSO Academy and the host school, the session featured representatives from the University of Cambridge as part of a national outreach programme. Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is recognised globally for its academic excellence and research, with its 31 colleges offering both academic guidance and pastoral support.
Representatives from Girton College, part of the University of Cambridge, led the session which formed part of a wider programme of activities focused on ambition, academic excellence and future progression routes.
Learners explored Oxbridge pathways and the realities of applying to highly selective universities. While younger students were introduced to the opportunities available, those in year 12 considered the level of academic commitment required to succeed.
The session also emphasised the importance of academic curiosity, creativity and the ability to question ideas, think independently and adapt to new ways of learning, qualities valued by universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
One year 12 student said the session had changed their perspective, adding: “It’s made me realise that top universities are achievable if you’re willing to work hard and push yourself. It’s given me real motivation to aim higher.”
George Faux, Executive Principal and Secondary Lead for Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust said: “Opportunities like this play an important role in demystifying the university application process, not only for Oxbridge but across higher education more widely. Our focus is on ensuring students understand what these routes involve in practice, so they are fully informed and empowered to make the right choices for their own futures. That clarity enables them to approach their next steps with confidence and consider a broader range of pathways they may not have previously explored.”
Oxbridge Pathways, delivered by Oxbridge Applications, supports students considering applications to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Aimed at learners aged 14 to 16, the programme focuses on building subject knowledge, independent thinking and academic confidence over time, rather than through short-term preparation.
Through structured guidance, students developed a clearer understanding of the expectations associated with highly selective university courses, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their future study pathways.
The visit formed part of the Trust’s wider efforts to demystify the Oxbridge and wider higher education application process and encourage more young people to apply to leading universities. It also followed a strong period of achievement, during which four sixth form students from the Trust secured interviews with the University of Oxford, with one going on to receive an offer.
