New Term

Congratulations to Ben Lieu and Jo Milton who have been offered places at Oxford to study History and Medicine. The school joined me in congratulating them in the Cathedral on Friday and the warmth of the applause was obvious. A number of other students are awaiting a decision from Cambridge, due this week. Good luck all! 

Mr Steward reminded me that current year thirteen went to visit Oxford in year ten. The aim, to remind our students that they can, if they want to and work hard, gain places. This weekend the press has picked up on the Oxbridge place offer dates.

"Secondary schools should start preparing bright pupils for Oxford from the age of 11, instead of leaving it until the sixth form, according to the university’s head of admissions. In an interview with the Times Educational Supplement, Dr Samina Khan also admitted that pupils applying to Oxford from low-performing schools or disadvantaged homes were ‘more likely to be looked at and shortlisted for an interview’ than their more advantaged peers. She also advised schools to set up ‘super curricular clubs’ based around different subjects".

"Oxford is enjoying a resurgence in popularity among state school pupils - thanks to Harry Potter. University chiefs say that teenagers steeped in Harry's adventures at Hogwarts are no longer deterred by Oxford's traditions - because they echo scenes in J.K. Rowling's bestselling books. Instead, Oxford's head of admissions Samina Khan says the 'Hogwarts generation' is excited by the prospect of grand dining halls, flowing robes and ancient ceremony".

The Mail on Sunday, Page: 9

 

Oxbridge is not right for everyone and we will be celebrating the success of other students who have applications pending from outstanding universities and conservatories as the term progresses. Our sixth form continues to progress and I was very pleased to hear that we have received nearly 300 applications for year 12 next September. We look forward to meeting all our applicants individually this term!