Partnership programme creates pathway to the dreaming spires

16 Feb 2023

Published in: Member News

---

Wolverhampton Grammar School Head of Careers, Asha Kailey, has created a partnership programme with a local school to prepare students for Oxbridge applications.

---

On Wednesday 15th February, eighteen Wolverhampton Grammar School students were joined by fifteen students from Beacon Hill Academy in Sedgley for a day immersed in Oxbridge preparation as part of a ‘Pathway to Oxbridge’ partnership programme created by WGS Head of Careers, Asha Kailey.

The programme is designed to support students who wish to pursue Oxbridge applications, from Year 10 through to the end of the process in Year 13. Wednesday’s event, held in WGS' bespoke Sixth Form Centre, was the first of two events that form the programme. It was attended by numerous presenters who provided advice and guidance to the students; all guest speakers had either graduated from Oxbridge, experienced the application process, or had been offered a place in the next academic year.

Amongst the presenters were Head of Wolverhampton Grammar School, Alex Frazer; Deputy Head, Toby Hughes; and Teacher of Business and Economics, Roberta Keys, who all attended Cambridge University. Tuning in virtually was Katie Naylor (Old Wulfrunian 2018) who graduated from the Oxford University in 2021 with a Degree in Neuroscience. Upper Sixth students Vishwas and Tom who have just been through the Oxbridge application process also came along to speak of their experiences. Vishwas has recently accepted an offer to study Engineering at Oxford University in the next academic year and Tom was placed in the ‘Winter Pool’ at Cambridge University but after much thought and consideration, decided to accept an offer for Veterinary science at Nottingham University. Tom reflects that his experience in preparing for Oxbridge enabled him to be accepted at another highly regarded university.

Asha Kailey said: “Oxford and Cambridge Universities are renowned worldwide and all students should have the opportunity to apply. Exposing students to these institutions early on in their secondary school education gives them sufficient time to prepare a strong application. Today, students have learnt that not only do they need to attain top grades in their GCSEs and A Levels, but they now understand the importance of participating in extra-curricular activities to develop their soft skills, as well as gaining work experience and ensuring that they read around the subject they wish to study. In addition, they have a greater understanding of the interview process. At WGS we take pride in preparing students thoroughly for their applications to university, apprenticeships and the workplace. By starting this process early in Year 10, we can provide the very best opportunity of making a successful application.”

For the second event of the programme, the group shall be visiting Oxford University next month with Asha Kailey for a campus tour.

For more information about this programme, or other Careers Education opportunities at WGS, please contact Miss Asha Kailey, Head of Careers via email: ak@wgs-sch.net.