Every year, Mr Weeks, Head of College VI and Cambridge alumnus, runs a programme to help those applying to Oxford and Cambridge. This guides students through each step of the long and often arduous application process, starting with building up super-curricular achievements and ending with extensive interview preparation.

Following the summer holidays, work on personal statements begins in earnest and enables students to have theirs frequently checked, not only by subject teachers but also by Mr Weeks.

The Google Classroom page is core to the success of the programme as the frequent updates on it make it far easier for students to find unique opportunities, such as residentials or essay writing competitions, that would otherwise require them to scour websites and newsletters of each college. Moreover, there are many previous candidates’ personal statements allowing students to use them for inspiration or as comparison to their own.

The unique interview aspect of the Oxbridge application can be very daunting, but the advice provided, and small group practices gets applicants comfortable discussing their subjects. Furthermore, common questions such as “Why Oxford/Cambridge?” or “Why History?” are drilled constantly which gets students to really consider why they have applied. This increases a candidate’s confidence and enthusiasm.

Practice interviews are also arranged by Mr Weeks, one with a Riddlesdown subject teacher, and one external. One of our successful applicants discussed how they “found them very useful for acclimatising to an interview, especially an online one”.

The advice and opportunities provided by this programme are a truly invaluable tool for a successful Oxbridge application, that I and many others have found profoundly helpful.