As a result of the continued success of our XL Academy Programme and increased number of students progressing to Oxbridge universities, we are launching our new Oxbridge Scholars Programme.

Congratulations to Matthew Perris, our new Oxbridge Scholars Co-ordinator, and Andrew Gilday, Helen Norton and Sarah Brown for their new roles as Oxbridge Scholar mentors.

All Oxbridge Scholar staff have a rich educational background and collectively will support our very best students and prepare them in every way for the rigorous application and interview process at Oxbridge. This will include a tailored reading programme and subsequent tutorials, mirroring the system at Oxbridge, and also a deep immersion in the social and cultural aspects of Oxbridge.

Meet the team:

Matthew Perris, Oxbridge Scholar Co-ordinator

“I'm a graduate of the Universities of Oxford, Edinburgh, McGill (Montreal) and The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. After completing my Master's Degree I served as an Officer in the British Army with the 1st Queen's Dragoon Guards and 16 Air Assault Brigade on multiple Operational Tours around the world. Subsequently I became a teacher and have worked in many schools around the world including South Africa (Park Town Boys' High), Argentina (Belgrano Boys) and France (Private Tutoring). In the UK I have taught at a wide range of schools across the country including Lord Wandsworth, Cheney High School, Abingdon School, Stowe, King's Macclesfield, West Hill and now ASFC where I am the Oxbridge Coordinator. Over my 18 years of teaching, I have been a Head of Department, Head of Faculty and an Examiner with AQA. 

Currently I teach geography at ASFC and am extremely proud of the eight Ashton Students that I have sent to Oxford and Cambridge in the last six years to read geography. I am now determined to widen my sights and create a pipeline of students from this fantastic College to the hallowed portals of Oxbridge in each and every subject. We enjoy a rich seam of academic talent here at ASFC and I intend to ensure that the finest universities in the world are a regular destination for our leavers.”

Andrew Gilday, Oxbridge Scholars Mentor

“I hold a Masters degree in Physics with Astrophysics for the University of Manchester (which is also where I studied for my PGCE). Developing graduate Astrophysics and Particle Physics experiments is where my programming and love of Computer Science developed.

In my previous posts I have run KS4 Science in a large high school and run PGCE teacher training at a whole school level, as well as developing deep research links with the University of Manchester's Education Department as part of the EU wide PRIMAS and Compass projects on enquiry based learning. I also co-founded Rethink Education - a company offering free online CPD to teachers. I am currently a Computer Science teacher at ASFC.

I feel this role allows me to share my love of the subjects that I had the privilege of studying at a great institution, and to enable others to maximise their potential and belief, by getting them to the institutions that will give them the best possible education and experience."

 

Helen Norton, Oxbridge Scholars Mentor

“My academic journey began with a strong interest in the sciences, leading me to pursue A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. An inspiring Chemistry teacher played a pivotal role in shaping my path, encouraging me to delve deeper into the subject. This influence guided me to Newcastle University, where I completed a Master’s degree in Medicinal Chemistry. During my studies, I found myself particularly drawn to organic chemistry modules and lab sessions, which motivated me to pursue further research.

I then undertook a PhD in Organic Synthetic Chemistry at Sheffield University, focusing on designing catalysts for asymmetric reduction reactions. This research allowed me to contribute to advancements in chemical processes and deepen my understanding of organic synthesis.

After completing my PhD, I transitioned into education, sharing my passion for chemistry with students in schools and colleges across South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. Teaching has given me the opportunity to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientists, just as I was once inspired.

I maintain a keen interest in medicinal chemistry and the latest advancements in medicine. I am also keen to learn about green technologies and innovative solutions to combat climate change. I strive to integrate these interests into my teaching and professional development.”

Sarah Brown, Oxbridge Scholars Mentor

“I have been working in education for over ten years now supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds into higher education. I am a passionate believer in social mobility and opportunity for young people. I went to school locally before undertaking my graduate degree at Durham University. Since then, I have been fortunate to return to higher education to complete a law conversion and pursue a career in the legal advice sector before training to teach with Teach First. I am really excited to join the Oxbridge Scholars scheme as a mentor and help our next generation of students to reach their potential.”

 

Dr Damian Windle, Head of The XL Academy said:

"The Oxbridge Scholars Program takes our Oxbridge provision to a whole new level and demonstrates the first class support and guidance we have here at The XL Academy at Ashton Sixth Form College. Through having specific experts in subjects such as Computer Science, Chemistry, Politics and Geography we aim to offer even more bespoke support to our Oxbridge applicants in areas such as entrance exams and interview preparation, as well as giving our 1^st years students a regular experience of what an Oxford or Cambridge tutorial is actually like. I am really excited about this next evolution in The XL Academy provision and can't wait to see how our applicants get on."

The Oxbridge Scholars team will join Dr Damian Windle and the fellow XL tutors, in supporting our highest achieving throughout their time at Ashton Sixth Form College and preparing them for their next steps.