Oxbridge

With their tradition of academic excellence and beautiful architecture, Oxford and Cambridge are the country's two most desirable universities. Competition for places is therefore strong, and so Surbiton High, chiefly through the work of the Oxbridge Co-ordinator, does all that it can to support those who wish to apply. There is a Year 11 trip to Oxford for the most academically able pupils, designed to inspire at an early stage a desire to apply. The Oxbridge Parents Evening in January of Year 12 gives pupils and parents all the information that they need when considering whether or not to apply. Oxbridge mentoring begins shortly afterwards, whereby teachers volunteer to oversee programmes of additional study for applicants. This is supplemented by an Oxbridge Reading Week after AS exams, which affords the opportunity for an intense period of preparation. At the start of Year 13, the Oxbridge Co-ordinator helps applicants with their personal statements. Interview training begins subsequently, culminating with a series of November mock interviews in partnership with Hampton School. There is no doubt that the Surbiton girls who apply have benefited from the system of support in place.