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Access & outreach

Home / Study here / Outreach with schools and colleges / Our outreach programmes / School access programme

School access programme

We support a large number of state schools across our link regions and beyond every year, from inbound and outbound visits to more personalised programmes.

Inbound school visits

We regularly welcome school groups to discover what studying and living in an Oxford college is like. Our free events are open to state schools in our link regions of Essex, Southend-on-Sea, Thurrock, Peterborough, Medway and Camden and must be booked by a teacher or member of staff. Please check the University website to find which college your local authority is linked to. We can accommodate groups of up to 25 and work mostly with more-able students in Key Stages 3-5. We’re happy to tailor the visit to suit your students – just get in touch with us at outreach@hertford.ox.ac.uk.

  • KS3 Learning Days

    We work with Balliol College to run KS3 Learning Days in specific subjects to stretch and challenge students in Years 7 and 8. These days are designed to introduce younger learners to the Oxplore website which encourages students to debate some of our ‘Big Questions’ with the aim of developing thinking and discussion skills.

    Please get in touch if you’re interested in finding out more: outreach@hertford.ox.ac.uk

  • KS4 Aspiration Days

    KS4 Aspiration Days introduce students to the idea of a research-intensive university like Oxford through information sessions, academic tasters, and the opportunity to meet our students and researchers.

    Visits are tailored to the age and interests of the group, but we generally offer an introductory presentation, academic taster workshop, undergraduate Q&A, college tour and free hot lunch in the college dining hall. Depending on your schedule, we can also arrange visits to other colleges, departments and museums within the University. These events are offered free of charge and all we ask is that you arrange your own transport – please get in touch if you have any difficulties with this.

    We can work together to find a date that suits you, but we recommend visiting during University term time to get the fullest experience. To book and find out more please email us: outreach@hertford.ox.ac.uk.

  • KS5 Taster Days

    KS5 Taster Days are an opportunity to experience Oxford for the day and discover what it might be like to study here. Aimed at your most-able Year 12s, we’ll discuss Oxford’s distinctive features and talk through the different stages of our application process, including how to make a competitive application.

    Visits are tailored to the age and interests of the group, but we generally offer an introductory presentation, academic taster workshop, undergraduate Q&A, college tour and free hot lunch in the college dining hall. Depending on your schedule, we can also arrange visits to other colleges, departments and museums within the University. These events are offered free of charge and all we ask is that you arrange your own transport – please get in touch if you have any difficulties with this.

    We can work together to find a date that suits you, but we recommend visiting during University term time to get the fullest experience. To book and find out more please email us: outreach@hertford.ox.ac.uk.

Outbound school visits

We regularly visit state schools and colleges in our link regions to help raise aspirations and de-mystify the Oxford admissions process. Our outreach team are experienced in delivering talks and workshops in schools and can cover a range of topics for a range of year groups; whether it’s raising aspirations with KS4 students, introducing research-intensive universities, breaking down the admissions process or giving an insight into personal statements or interviews.

Please do get in touch with us at outreach@hertford.ox.ac.uk to discuss your requirements and we’ll do our best to help. If you only have a small number of students with the academic potential to study at Oxford, why not collaborate with local schools to organise a wider event for the local area?

We’re pleased to be able to offer a wide range of presentations and workshops, which can include the following:

  • Introduction to higher education (KS3)
  • Oxplore and critical thinking workshops (KS3-4)
  • Introduction to Oxford (KS4-5)
  • Exploring beyond the curriculum
  • Personal statements workshop (KS5)
  • Oxford interviews workshop (KS5)
  • Introduction to Oxford for parents and carers

We are not usually able to attend individual school careers fairs but will be happy to discuss other ways in which we can support your students.

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