On Thursday 3^rd and Friday 4^th March, nine aspirational L6^th Form pupils travelled to Oxford and Cambridge to explore both the universities and the cities within which they sit.

The pupils were fortunate enough to meet the Principal of Lady Margaret Hall, Professor Christine Gerrard. She gave an enlightening talk about the college itself, its rich history and the application process to Oxford and Cambridge. It was particularly interesting to understand how each college is an individual educational institution within the wider university. Following lunch in Lady Margaret Hall’s dining room and a tour of the college, pupils made the short walk through the University Parks into Oxford city centre to explore the city and all that it has to offer.

The group then travelled to the Fens and, after checking into a nearby hotel, enjoyed an evening in Cambridge. On Friday, an early start allowed for a walking tour of the city centre, exploring the central college locations and a number of academic faculties. Pupils were then guided around Queens’ College by a current undergraduate, giving them a student view of this central college and its famous Mathematical Bridge! We were lucky enough to be able to see the beautiful historic parts of the college and get a feel for the accommodation and teaching spaces it has to offer.

It was wonderful to be able to once again be able to take the pupils away on a trip to inform, inspire and motivate them ahead of possible applications to these prestigious universities next year.

Dr Emily Corrigan - Deputy Head (Teaching & Learning)