A recent graduate from a prestigious university was invited to a school in Bridport to encourage students to apply for top universities.

Rosie Gough, School and College Liaison Officer at Cambridge University, visited Sir John Colfox Academy and met with a group of students who are interested in applying for Cambridge, Oxford and other top universities.

Rosie delivered a presentation to the students, discussing the ‘Oxbridge’ application process and answering students’ questions.

Her talk aimed to dispel the myth that top universities are only for people from privileged backgrounds or private schools. 

She 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.

“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.”

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Cambridge University speaker visits Colfox School

Rosie’s talk and slide show explored many aspects of further education, including how universities are ranked, the difference between lectures and seminars, how student finance works and how different universities are organised, either on campus, across cities or in a college system.

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.”

The session was organised by Lucy Wright, head of English at the Sir John Colfox Academy, who wants to instil self-belief amongst the students.

 “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.”