A group of our ambitious Sixth Form students recently took part in a two-day residential visit to Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, as part of the Higher Education Plus (HE+) Programme — a collaborative initiative between the University of Cambridge and groups of state schools across the UK.

 

This inspiring experience forms part of our school’s ongoing commitment to raising aspirations and supporting students on their journey to top universities. The programme is designed for academically able students from underrepresented backgrounds, aiming to increase access to highly selective higher education.

 

During the visit, students engaged in a variety of sessions that offered a realistic and motivating insight into life at Cambridge and what it takes to succeed there. These included:

 

  • Transitioning to University: A session on managing the leap from A Levels to higher education, offering practical strategies to reduce the stress and overwhelm that can come with this change.

  • Admissions Assessments: Guidance on how to approach Cambridge’s admissions tests, what to expect, how to prepare effectively, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

  • Q&A with Admissions Tutors: A valuable opportunity to speak directly with two Head Admissions Tutors from different Cambridge colleges, gaining inside knowledge on what they look for in applicants.

  • Oracy Workshop: A light-hearted but intellectually engaging session where students tackled the great Jaffa Cake debate, honing their public speaking and argumentation skills — essential qualities for Oxbridge interviews.

  • Personal Statement Workshop: Tips on how to craft a standout personal statement, including what’s essential and what students often waste valuable space on.

 

Students also enjoyed a guided tour of the campus and the city of Cambridge, soaking up the atmosphere of this historic university. In the evenings, they had the chance to socialise and network with current Cambridge students studying a wide range of subjects. This provided a relaxed environment to ask questions, share experiences, and imagine what their own university journey could look like.

 

The experience was nothing short of transformative. For many of our students, it was their first time visiting a university like Cambridge — and it proved that the sky truly is the limit.

 

The HE+ Programme, which has supported over 30,000 students in the past decade, continues to be a vital part of our enrichment offer. As the University of Cambridge explains, the programme “supports students who have the potential to progress to selective higher education but may be from underrepresented areas or backgrounds.” It combines super-curricular learning with practical advice and university access opportunities — including funded visits like this one — to make elite universities more accessible and inclusive.

 

We are incredibly proud of our students for representing the school so brilliantly and for taking every opportunity to broaden their horizons.