Appetite & Ambition

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.

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.

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.

Oxbridge Timeline

Fifth Form

Lower Sixth Form - Autumn Term

Lower Sixth Form – Spring Term

Lower Sixth Form - Summer Term

Lower Sixth Form - Futures Week

Lower Sixth Form - Summer Holidays

Upper Sixth Form – Autumn Term

Subjects

Examinations

Higher Education