Birmingham learners from Ninestiles, An Academy, and Cockshut Hill School have visited the world-renowned universities of Oxford and Cambridge this week.
The schools, both of which are part of the Summit Learning Trust, organised these trips to inspire high-achieving students and showcase the opportunities available at prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge. These visits aimed to broaden students' horizons, encourage their academic aspirations, and provide fresh perspectives on the possibilities of higher education.
During their visits, pupils explored historic colleges, attended informative sessions on university life, and engaged with current students and academic staff to gain insight into the diverse range of opportunities available. At Oxford, Year 9 students from Cockshut Hill School had the opportunity to visit Keble College, one of the university’s renowned colleges established in 1870.
They attended an 'Aiming Higher' talk, which provided valuable information about the benefits of higher education, the breadth of courses available, and the application procedures for Oxford and Cambridge. The visit also included an interactive session at the University of Oxford’s Natural History Museum, where students learned about various exhibits and even handled live insects.
Similarly, students from Ninestiles, An Academy, visited Newnham College, Cambridge, where they received university-related advice and guidance and toured Newnham College, established in 1871. The visit aimed to provide a broader understanding of university life and the application process for world-class institutions.
Om, a Year 9 learner from Cockshut, reflected: “I have felt very inspired to make an application to Oxford when I am older.
"It has been such a great visit, and I have learned a lot. Students like me can access the best universities in the world.
“I am going to try my best at school to give myself a chance.” Nathan, a Year 10 student from Cockshut, shared: “I really enjoyed the visit and thank the staff for giving me this opportunity.
“It has certainly inspired me to work harder for my GCSEs.” Alex Hughes, Principal at Ninestiles, An Academy, shared his thoughts on the visit: “We are incredibly proud to provide our pupils with experiences that expand their understanding of what is achievable.
“Visiting Cambridge not only gave our students a taste of university life but also encouraged them to think about their futures in a new and exciting way. It’s wonderful to see their confidence and ambition grow as a result.”
Marc O’Malley, acting Principal of Cockshut Hill School, added: “These visits have been truly transformative for our pupils. Many of them may not have considered universities like Oxford or Cambridge as an option, but this experience has shown them that such opportunities are within their reach. We hope this inspires them to aim high in all their future endeavours.”
