A recent Cambridge graduate visited Weston College last week to hold a series of seminars to inform and inspire people about the Oxbridge experience.

Trinity Hall’s School Liaison Officer Carrie Boyce talked to students and parents across North Somerset, to demystify the Oxbridge application and selection process.

The four seminars, which were held at Weston College’s University Campus on Loxton Road, provided information on what life at one of the world’s leading universities is like, tips on how to make a successful application and guidance for parents who think Oxbridge might be right for their child.

Organised by North Somerset Independent State School Partnership, Weston College and Trinity Hall, the aim of the seminars was to dispel misconceptions about Oxbridge and to encourage those with the academic potential and enthusiasm to apply.

The informing and inspiring seminars were attended by students, staff and parents from Backwell, Churchill, St Katherine’s, Wyvern, Worle and Priory School, as well as those from Weston College.

The first seminar was for Year 13 students who had already secured an interview at Oxbridge. Carrie calmed their nerves by talking them through what to expect. One Weston College student said: “Carrie really settled my mind and knowing more about it makes it less scary.”

The Year 12 seminar was attended by over 40 parents and students and focused on how Oxbridge was different from other universities and what to expect from the application process. Students found the talk informative and one said afterwards: “Carrie gave you a lot of facts and I learnt a lot about Oxbridge which I didn’t know before.”

Parents also found it useful: “It gave a really good insight into life at Oxbridge, explaining everything from the academic side to the social life. It covered things you hadn’t even considered which was really helpful.”

There was also a session for staff on how best to support applicants with information on the application process and selection procedure.

Over 150 people attended the last seminar which was aimed at GCSE students and focussed on the importance of GCSE grades and A Level choice in obtaining a place at Oxbridge.

Carrie’s most important message was that Oxbridge is for anyone who has the academic potential to succeed there, and not just those from independent schools. Carrie is proof of this; she attended a state secondary school and Sixth Form.

She said: “Academic potential and long-term interest in a subject is what counts for making a successful application.”