We offer a comprehensive programme for those students who are considering an application to either Oxford or Cambridge.
We have an extensive personal development offer for our most able students before they join our sixth form, such as the Brilliant Club’s Scholars’ Programme, conferences and other opportunities which challenge them to think beyond the confines of individual subjects.
Once in Sixth Form, aspiring Oxbridge applicants are invited to take part in a range of activities to support their Oxbridge journey. These include workshops, talks from Oxbridge alumni, visits to Oxford Colleges and one-to-one guidance, application and interview preparation. Through these measures we ensure students who apply are able to submit the strongest application possible.
Sixth form students considering an application to either Oxford or Cambridge must begin to prepare as early as possible. Wider reading is essential and a palpable thirst for the subject the student wishes to read. Above all, this is personal preparation: Oxbridge really is looking for an incredible level of independence and self-motivation in potential candidates.
Our Oxbridge Programme
We have built an enviable and longstanding relationship with Dr Butler - Emeritus Fellow of St Edmund's College, University of Cambridge. Dr Buter facilitates Oxbridge Interview Support. Students have the great privilege to take part in three sessions, where Dr Butler conducts practice interviews after which he gives immediate advice and feedback. In the final session, some of Dr Butler’s current students from St Edmund's College conduct 1:1 interviews with our Year 13 students and provide individual feedback.
The Oxbridge Interview Support programme has grown over the years and we are proud to host students for other schools in the county which benefit from our provision.
Students can find much more information to help them to prepare their Oxbridge application on Firefly: https://bishopstopford.fireflycloud.net/sixth-form/considering-oxbridge
Interview support is just one aspect of the support we provide to Oxbridge students; activities below are indicative of our on-going provision.
| January |
Students register interest in applying to Oxbridge |
| February |
Oxbridge programme launched: Oxbridge mentors assigned (for the whole of the process); students develop their Oxbridge action and activity plan |
| March |
Visit to Lincoln College, Oxford and attend Oxbridge Conference in Birmingham |
| April |
Subject extension sessions |
| May |
Students can participate in virtual tours, Oxbridge webinars and a range of other activities |
| June |
School Oxbridge Conference with input from Oxbridge alumni |
| July |
Summer preparation guidance |
| September |
Submit Personal Statement Mock admissions tests Registration for pre-interview admissions tests |
| October |
UCAS application deadline (15 October) Supplementary Application Questionnaire deadline (Cambridge only) |
| November |
Oxbridge Interview Support sessions - Dr Butler (Cambridge) Mock interviews |
| December |
Interviews |
|
January |
Offers made |