It is never too soon to think about the University application process - especially if you are seriously considering applying to Oxford or Cambridge - which was why yesterday afternoon our Sixth Form Aspire group gathered for our annual ‘Tips for Oxbridge’ forum.

This was jointly delivered by our experienced team of staff and former RHSB Oxbridge alumnae who were able to share their in-depth understanding of the specific nature of the Oxbridge application and interview process - which is altogether very different to that of other universities.

We were delighted to have been joined by the following RHSB alumnae in person and online:

• Ava Spencer-Jones (RHSB 2020) Theology and Religion, Oxford - in person
• Tara Williams (RHSB 2021) German, Oxford - in person
• Darcy Evans (RHSB 2014) Natural Sciences, Cambridge - online

Our students really appreciated getting a real insight from Ava, Tara and Darcy particularly as they had only recently themselves navigated the process with success. All three Alumnae were equally generous, speaking very openly and eloquently about their own Oxbridge journeys and the Oxbridge experience itself. It was particularly invaluable for our Sixth Form Aspire group to get tips and details about specifics ranging from how to choose the right college to the types of interview questions past applicants have faced.

Our three RHSB Oxbridge alumnae were also able to share their experiences of university life itself, not just the social side but also the various pressures and expectations that come with attending such prestigious institutions and how they manage to juggle a busy workload with a variety of clubs and activities. Our Sixth Formers were greatly reassured to hear that similar to the Royal High, the education and experiences on offer were as individual as each student and plenty of support is available.

A massive thank you to our Alumnae who kindly gave up their time and so generously shared their advice. It was so useful for our Sixth Formers to be able to ask them questions and to talk through this unique Oxbridge application process with individuals who really understand what it is like having been through the process themselves.

We wish our students all the best and hope they will be back in a few years themselves to share their own experience !

What is Aspire?

Find out more about Aspire - our whole school academic enrichment programme. The Aspire group is designed for those students who specifically enjoy reading beyond the curriculum, grappling with new ideas and being pushed out of their intellectual comfort zones. The Sixth Form Oxbridge Aspire group helps to prepare applicants for the academic rigour of an Oxbridge application, including pre-assessments, personal statements and interviews.