Rosie Gough, School and College Liaison Officer visited the school and met a group of students who are interested in applying for Cambridge, Oxford and other top universities at a special session last week. (25/1)  

Rosie gave a fascinating presentation, exploding many myths about applying to ‘Oxbridge’, before answering students’ questions and emphasising that top universities are for everyone, not just the privileged few.  

Rosie said: “It was great to come to Bridport and meet so many students who are enthusiastic about applying and to be able to give them practical help and advice.  

She added: “As a recent graduate from Cambridge University who went to a state school, it is good to be able to encourage others and break down common myths. In January 2022 for example, more than 72 percent of offers from Cambridge went to state school students.” 

The session was organised by Lucy Wright, Head of English at the Sir John Colfox Academy, she said: “We want our students to aim high and believe in themselves, which is why we arranged this session with Cambridge University, as well as giving a very interesting presentation, Rosie was very approachable and gave her time generously after the session circulating among students and answering all their queries face-to-face which everyone found helpful.  

“Our students got a lot out of the session, and I believe many were encouraged to apply to Cambridge, Oxford and other top-ranking Universities. Thank you to Rosie for visiting Colfox.” 

One Year 10 Student who attended said: “It was a very interesting session, we found out lots of practical things about applying and how University works and it was good to be able to ask Rosie what it is like, I will definitely be considering applying in the future.”  

Rosie’s talk and slide show explored many aspects of further education, including how universities are ranked, what lectures and seminars are, how student finance works and how different universities are organised, either on campus, across cities or in a college system. She also discussed what top universities are looking for and explained the applications process.