The rigour of Oxbridge interviews is well known and is rarely far from the headlines so to give applicants the best chance of success, it is important that they are well prepared and feel confident for before they go into the interview process.

Today 13 of our Oxbridge applicants were put through their pace in tough, but supportive(!), mock interviews.

The interviews were arranged by Karen Kennedy, our Ashton XL Coordinator and offered to all students awaiting interviews at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge. They took place in our unique Pembroke Suite, a wood-panelled Oxford-esque room designed to mirror a Don's study. 

Our Raising Aspirations Officer Nikki Zywina gave support to students aiming to study subjects in Humanities and Arts at university. Nikki herself studied at the University of Oxford, reading History at Pembroke College, Oxford for her undergraduate degree.

Aspiring scientists were grilled by Rob Murray, our Head of Chemistry and Ben Hogg, Maths teacher. Ben, also an Oxford graduate, got fully into the spirit of the process by wearing his graduation gown from his alma mater, Wadham College, Oxford.

Staff were impressed with the subject knowledge, passion and confidence in opinions shown by the students.

This experience of being in the hot seat, alongside the individualised feedback and coaching received by the students, will undoubtedly help the students when they are called for their real interview.