This time of the year involves an anxious wait for many students nationwide as they, their families and the national press, await Oxford and Cambridge application decisions.
Here at The Grange is no different as increasing numbers of our students make Oxbridge one of their five university choices.
The last four years have seen an overhaul of our Oxbridge programme, which now includes an expanded offering of mentoring, admissions tests mocks and practice with external interviewers. Mrs Chaplain emphasises that students who are in the position to make a competitive application should look into the process and the opportunities on offer.
“There is a lot of media speculation and criticism of the Universities, especially at this time of year. For me, it is about letting our students know what is potentially open to them. If a student has carefully considered the courses, teaching styles and institution, and decides against Oxbridge, then that is a good rationale for an important decision. Part of my role is to ensure that students evaluate their university choices to work out what is best for them, and then to support students’ applications wherever they apply. We want to get the right fit for all our students.”
As well as a world-class reputation, it is the high-intensity tutor and student contact time which stands out in Oxbridge courses. We caught up with some former students who are currently enjoying the Oxford or Cambridge experience...
"Oxford offers a great student experience - they’ve been doing it for 800 years. The course is intense, but with support from tutors you learn very quickly how to manage the work. There’s so much to get involved with, like sports, journalism, and visits from world-class speakers. Every day you feel incredibly lucky. The city is beautiful. The night-life is heaving. I’d encourage anyone to apply - just give it a try."
Tony Wilkes – English – Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford
"I think above all the most important thing The Grange gave me was the confidence to simply just ‘give it a go’ and apply in the first place! My busy extra-curricular filled time at The Grange also put me in good stead for busy Cambridge life itself, as one term in and I’m juggling rowing, the JCR and my workload!"
Bree Livesey – Geography – Queen’s College, Cambridge
As members of the Grange community, we strongly believe that every students’ success should be celebrated and each year, students go to a host of excellent universities. There is life beyond an unsuccessful Oxbridge application.
Mrs Chaplain comments, “We are very sensitive to the fact that applying to Oxbridge presents a series of different challenges. For many students, it is the first time they have taken a step to publically put themselves in the running for something which cannot be guaranteed. Supporting all students through that process, whatever the outcome, is vital. My message to those who are in a position to apply is this: you have to give yourself that chance. Want it, but don’t be defined by it – there’s a whole world out there. It’s about taking that risk.”
Former student Jack Martell supports this – he is now studying English at Edinburgh. Jack says, “I didn’t get into King’s College, Cambridge after having an interview. It didn’t feel great at the time but I just got on with it. I ended up at the University of Edinburgh and that has turned out to be the perfect kind of place for me. I was able to get into a Year Abroad program to study in Santa Barbara, California for a year, which is a truly amazing experience.
So students, whatever you want to do, and wherever you wish to continue your studies, talk to staff about how to achieve this.
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