Students on the XL programme at Ashton Sixth Form College recently had the opportunity to meet with visitors from Oxford University. The session on 'Applying to Oxford or Cambridge' allowed students to learn more about the application process to both Oxford and Cambridge University, working to make the process more approachable and accessible. The college formed a partnership with Pembroke College, Oxford in 2013 as the North West Theology and Religious Studies Centre.

Through the XL programme, high achieving students are assigned an XL tutor group and receive specialist support from the XL Co-ordinator. XL students have access to a range of support throughout their time at the college at with application processes, interview stages, preparation and careers advice.

XL students are given access to unique targeted opportunities through tutorials, trips and guest speakers. In 2016-17, students experienced an entire range of events including summer schools, hospital placements, residential, subject specific Open Days, Medical Taster Days, master classes, Law conferences, Physics days and much more.

Six students from Ashton Sixth Form College progressed on to Cambridge University and Oxford University last year, ranked first and second respectively in the Top UK University League Tables 2018, according to The Complete University Guide.