Future Steps - Into Universities

Our well established university preparation programme leaves nothing to chance. The majority of Outwood Grange Academy students progress to higher education, and 25%  progress to one of the Top 3rd universities. If you are considering university as an option you may want to start researching your options now – it is never too early to start.

The following sites are designed to help you with making an appropriate and successful application to University:

UCAS – the organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK. They provide valuable advice and information on all aspects of university and course selection.

The Complete University Guide (Contains University League Tables) – A website that contains lots of useful information and advice. It also provides a ranking list of universities.

Which? University – Designed to help students make more informed decisions about their higher education choices. It’s free, independent and takes no advertising – and it’s brought to you by the people at Which?

Comparetheuni.com – This website enables you to compare universities and subjects side by side for rankings (including the Times and Guardian league tables) student satisfaction, employment rates etc.

Be mindful that some degree courses have entry requirements that go beyond grades and subject choices, and include elements of work experience as well. By looking at your career options, researching how you get there and what courses you would need to do, alongside looking at the entry requirements for those courses, will really help to inform your choice of course and university.

Are you considering going to Oxford or Cambridge? Please see the information below (bottom of page 2) to view how we can support you.

Student Finance

Financing your way through university can be a daunting experience for many, but you’re never on your own to make such decisions.

 

There are some courses in universities that require students to sit an admissions test as part of the application process.

 

 

Oxbridge

We have developed an extensive programme of support for our Oxford and Cambridge applicants. The Oxbridge preparation programme works with students across all departments who aspire to study at Oxford or Cambridge. Specialist support is also made available for students applying for medicine and veterinary sciences.    

Nationally, only a small proportion of total applicants to Oxbridge are successful. In addition the application process must be completed earlier than for other universities and students may be asked to submit evidence of written work, complete additional aptitude tests and be asked to attend an interview before final decisions are made. The Oxbridge programme at Outwood Grange Academy supports students from the very start of their journey, as they begin to research the options available to them, right through to the final rounds of interviews.

Over recent years we have had 8 students per year applying to Oxbridge. In their first year, students are invited to participate in a range of activities that will support their research into university and course selection. In the second year, students are offered more targeted and specific support through the various stages of the application process.  Students may join the programme based on the recommendation of their tutors or teachers, or by declaring an interest in applying to Oxbridge.  

As part of the programme, students are informed of activities such as talks, lectures, essay competitions and subject taster days coming up at Oxford or Cambridge universities that would support an Oxbridge university application.  Talks and lectures are also organised at college, where external speakers, or the Oxbridge specialist in the academy introduces students to different aspects of the universities or the application process.

Broader reading is essential for applications to Oxbridge. We will provide you with tailored, subject specific, super curricular reading lists. These will broaden your knowledge of your subject, enhance the depth of your understanding and provide key points to discuss in your UCAS personal statement and interview. We will also encourage you to follow your own interests, current affairs and keep up to date with new research in your chosen academic field. This approach also has significant benefits for your study at A Level, as this enhances 

 

Academic excellence is essential for applications to Oxford and Cambridge, however, due to the competitive nature of applications, we expect all Oxbridge pathways students to be actively involved with the extracurricular life of the school. Oxbridge values excellence outside of the classroom, as it demonstrates that applicants are well-rounded individuals. We will encourage students to get involved in sport, music, drama, as well as demonstrating that they can serve the academy and wider communities.

Students are kept informed of and are encouraged to attend open days at colleges and the main university days too. Throughout the year, as part of our guidance programme, students will have sessions with outreach officers and admissions tutors from both Oxford and Cambridge - along with other top third universities - which will support their applications. 

Students are guided through registration and preparation for university admissions tests, and the tests usually take place in the first week of November. Students who are called for an interview have a mock interview with an experienced member of staff. Interviews take place in December. 

​We provide a wide range of support for these competitive courses. Students are encouraged to apply for appropriate work experience and work shadowing opportunities, including taking advantage of our well-established Community Volunteering Programme - which involves ward befriending. We also encourage students to attend university taster events and the relevant subject seminars on our Higher Education Day. Former Outwood Grange Academy students who are studying or practising medicine are invited back to talk with current students and act as mentors. Applicants attend preparation and practice sessions for the entry exams (UKCAT or BMAT), both within the Post 16 centre and with commercial or charitable providers. To help with their interview preparation, students attend weekly discussion sessions and mock interviews.

The Elephant Group

At Outwood Grange Academy, we are fortunate to have a close working relationship with the Elephant Group. The Elephant Group is a higher education charity with a mission to get state school students into top universities. Having worked with TEG since 2019, our students benefit from the additional opportunities that come with membership. For example, students are given additional university access and guidance and have the opportunity to take part in an exclusive summer school with top universities.