Oxbridge summer schools, open days, masterclasses and outreach programmes give you insight about degrees and application processes at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge.
Sadly, many of these events will not take place in 2021. Others will move online in 2021, which does not give you a chance to assess your choice of university or subject to the same degree as a residential course or open day would.
What Is Oxbridge?
Oxbridge refers to the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. These ancient higher education institutions run similarly to each other, but very differently to the majority of other UK universities.
For example, students and staff join a college, the admissions process demands a unique personal statement style, you’ll sit admission exam papers and the interviews are not only mandatory but also rigorous.
Moreover, you have to choose only one of them – you can’t apply to both.
Some Oxbridge outreach events aim to attract applicants from specific target groups where Oxbridge places are rarely awarded, improving the quality and success rate of those applications. But there are plenty of events for everyone.
If your teachers and family have no understanding of the way Oxbridge personal statements, admission tests and interviews work, come and find out from the people who operate the system.
Is Oxbridge Right For You?
If you achieved Level 8s in at least 5 GCSE subjects and are predicted a minimum of AAA at A-level, then you’re a potential Oxbridge candidate.
The high level, intense study in a competitive environment at both the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge isn’t for everyone.
Furthermore, there are plenty of degree subjects these ancient institutions don’t offer.
There’s a current vogue for parents of privately educated students to blame their child’s rejection from Oxbridge on an anti-private school agenda. A cursory look at the admission figures shows this isn’t true. There’s just a lot of competition for each place.
However, both Oxford and Cambridge universities are trying to broaden access to underrepresented groups.
Therefore, some of the subsidised summer school courses are limited to UK state school pupils. Plus, they give priority to young people who have experienced cultural and financial disadvantage so the funds deliver support where it is most needed.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are some events and summer schools which can be attended by anyone able to pay the admission fees, including international students visiting from overseas.
For those students who don’t qualify for the widening participation courses and events, you can attend one of the open days or masterclasses.
Whatever your family and educational background, there are many opportunities to assess whether the universities of Oxford and Cambridge are a suitable place for you to study.
In fact, there are so many events on offer, the two universities have established the Oxford and Cambridge Outreach website.
Oxbridge Outreach In Your Home Town
Oxbridge colleges are making a concerted effort to widen access. Therefore, contact and events are being widened beyond the college premises.
Link Colleges
Each college at the University of College is now linked to a Local Authority across the UK. This allows schools in each area to have an outreach officer dedicated to their area.
Plus, many departments also have a Schools Liaison Officer or someone performing a similar role.
Much of the activity is arranged through the digital resource called OxNet.
Outreach staff and materials provide schools with further information about existing events and programmes, including several Teachers Conferences (such as the Sir Robert Taylor Society for teachers of Modern Foreign Languages in secondary schools) and the Oxford and Cambridge regional conferences.
In addition, arrangements can be made for school trips to specific departments or colleges. Personal statement and interview workshops can also be arranged.
Oxford University History Skills Workshop
Oxford University’s History Faculty Outreach Ambassadors visit UK state schools to deliver history skills workshops. Lastting 50-90 minutes, these interactive sessions are deliviered to pupils in Year 10 through to Year 13. The workshops develop the skills that are tested by Oxford University’s undergraduate admissions process, including the History Aptitude Test (HAT) and admissions interviews.
University of Oxford Medieval & Modern Languages Virtual Book Club
- 11 episodes from 2018 & 2019
- 6 languages
- Texts in the original language and translated into English available
- Les Liaisons dangereuses Podcast may interest A-Level French students
French Flash Fiction Competition
The University of Oxford’s Medieval & Modern Languages department runs an annual short story in French competition. Pupils enter either the Years 7-11 section ,or the Years 12-13 section. The top prize is £100 and runners up receive £25.
Spanish Flash Fiction Competition
The University of Oxford’s Medieval & Modern Languages department runs an annual short story in Spanish competition. Pupils enter either the Years 7-11 section ,or the Years 12-13 section. The top prize is £100 and runners up receive £25.
OGN German Olympiad
- A range of tasks for learners of German from aged 9 to 18
- Also categories for language enthusiasts who are completely new to German
- An open competition for groups or classes
- Run by the University of Oxford’s Medieval & Modern Languages department
OGN German Classic Essay Prize
- Opens each spring
- celebrates a different ‘German Classic’ each year
- Run by the University of Oxford’s Medieval & Modern Languages department
University of Oxford Faculty of Theology & Religion
The Faculty has uploaded a number of blog posts and podcasts that sixth formers may find relevant and interesting.
Oxbridge On YouTube
Many of the departments and colleges have set up YouTube channels. Their videos cover a wide selection of topics.
Oxplore
- digital resource from the University of Oxford
- aimed at 11 to 18 years
- big questions tackle complex ideas across a wide range of subjects
- draw on the latest research undertaken at Oxford
- realise aspirations, promote broader thinking and stimulate intellectual curiosity.
Oxford Sparks
- digital resource from the University of Oxford
- Aimed at teachers working in Key Stage 3-5
- short animations, podcasts, interviews with researchers etc
Access Oxbridge
In 2018, Joe Seddon established the Access Oxbridge mentoring scheme.
It’s a FREE online program which gives state school students one-to-one support to win places at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, which have long held a recruitment process poorly understood by the majority of state school sixth form teachers.
Work Experience With RAL
The Department of Physics at the University of Oxford used to offer a limited number of work experience placements to Pupils Year 10 to Year 13. This scheme now seems to have disappeared. However, Year 12 students may apply for the Summer School.
In addition, the department directs work experience applicants to consider The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) in Oxfordshire.
RAL offers one or two week work experience placements in physics and other subject areas between April and August to over 100 students each year. Pupils in Year 10, 11, 12, and 13 may apply. Both local and national applications are considered, but you must cover your own travel and accommodation costs.
In addition, RAF offers longer placements to Year 12 and 13 pupils during the summer holidays.
Subject to supervisor availability, local Year 12 students may also be eligible for a Nuffield Research Placement. Students must apply for a Nuffield Placement in addition to filling out the RAL work experience application form.
RAl also offers an Engineering Experience Week for students in Year 10 and Year 12. Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic and Software engineering disciplines are covered in the group projects, led by an RAL mentor.
Oxbridge One Day Events For Families
University of Oxford – Oxford Maths Festival
- Families with children aged 4-13 years
- talks, workshops, hands-on activities and walking tours
- Over two days
- All events are free
- Some events require pre-booking
Oxbridge Events For Year 7s
University of Oxford Department of Computer Science
InspireHer! Is a one day taster session for mothers and daughters living in the Oxfordshire area. Places must be booked.
Oxbridge Events For Year 9s
University of Oxford Department of Computer Science
- Royal Institution Masterclasses
- Year 9 State School Pupils in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Swindon, Gloucestershire and Buckinghamshire.
- 6 Saturday morning masterclasses, each 2.5 hours
- Places offered through written applications
University of Oxford – It All Adds Up: A Maths Conference for Girls
- UK pupils only
- Up to 12 Year 9 pupils from each school
- Schools apply for the Year 9-11 places
- One day event
Oxford Maths Conference for girls
- Run by the Mathematical Institute and Department of Statistics
- For UK state schools only
- Priority given to schools serving disadvantaged communities
- Three days
- January each year
- Only bookings from UK schools accepted
- Years 9, Years 10-11, Year 12
- Girls in Year 12 should study A-Level Maths
- Free to attend
- Travel and accommodation not provided (but link college may help)
Oxbridge Events For Year 10s
University of Oxford Department of Engineering Science
- Lubbock Lectures for Schools
- full-day programme for schools
- year 10, 11, and 12
- April registration to book places
University of Oxford Department of Computer Science
- Women in Computer Science Day
- Book in advance
- Year 10 prioritised, Year 11s accepted if spare places available
- Students should have a flair for maths
University of Oxford – It All Adds Up: A Maths Conference for Girls
- UK pupils only
- Up to 12 Year 10&11 pupils from each school
- Schools apply for the Year 9-11 places
Oxford Pathways Programme
- Years 10-13
- Selected UK non-selective state schools only (those with little history of student progression to Oxford)
- Colleges and departments of the University of Oxford, supported by the Sutton Trust
- All event run in Oxford
- Completely free to participants
- Year 10 Academic Taster Days
Oxford Maths Conference for girls
- Run by the Mathematical Institute and Department of Statistics
- For UK state schools only
- Priority given to schools serving disadvantaged communities
- Three days
- January each year
- Only bookings from UK schools accepted
- Years 9, Years 10-11, Year 12
- Girls in Year 12 should study A-Level Maths
- Free to attend
- Travel and accommodation not provided (but link college may help)
University of Oxford Department of Engineering Science
- Uncover Engineering residential school
- Age 14-15 (year 10), Age 15-16 (year 11)
- For girls with a talent for maths and science
- Free
- Stay in Somerville College
- Attend classes at the Department of Engineering Science
Oxbridge Events For Year 11s
University of Oxford Philosophy Plus Science Taster Day
You must book in advance for this oversubscribed one day event aimed at Year 11 and Year 12 A-Level Maths pupils. Discover how Computer Science, Physics, and Mathematics all have one thing in common – Philosophy. Experience lectures and college tours, meeting both university staff and current students.
University of Oxford Department of Engineering Science
- Lubbock Lectures for Schools
- full-day programme for schools
- year 10, 11, and 12
- April registration to book places
University of Cambridge Latin Taster Day
- Open to anyone not studying Latin formally at school
- Year 11 and up
- Free of charge
- No limit on places – but first come first served if needed
University of Oxford Department of Computer Science
- Women in Computer Science Day
- Book in advance
- Year 10 prioritised, Year 11s accepted if spare places available
- Students should have a flair for maths
University of Oxford – It All Adds Up: A Maths Conference for Girls
- UK pupils only
- Up to 12 Year 10&11 pupils from each school
- Schools apply for the Year 9-11 places
Oxford Pathways Programme
- Years 10-13
- Selected UK non-selective state schools only (those with little history of student progression to Oxford)
- Colleges and departments of the University of Oxford, supported by the Sutton Trust
- All event run in Oxford
- Completely free to participants
- Year 11 ‘Investigating Options’ days
Oxford Maths Conference For Girls
- Run by the Mathematical Institute and Department of Statistics
- For UK state schools only
- Priority given to schools serving disadvantaged communities
- Three days
- January each year
- Only bookings from UK schools accepted
- Years 9, Years 10-11, Year 12
- Girls in Year 12 should study A-Level Maths
- Free to attend
- Travel and accommodation not provided (but link college may help)
University of Oxford Lesser-Spotted Sciences Day
- Year 11 UK school pupils only
- Must be considering A-Levels in maths AND a science
- Currently under review
University of Oxford Department of Engineering Science
- Uncover Engineering residential school
- Age 14-15 (year 10), Age 15-16 (year 11)
- For girls with a talent for maths and science
- Free
- Stay in Somerville College
- Attend classes at the Department of Engineering Science
Selwyn College (Cambridge) Residential Summer School For Year 11s
- Each summer, usually in August
- Year 11 (or equivalent)
- Studying at least one language GCSE (or equivalent)
- On track or predicted to get at least 5 level 7s at GCSE (or equivalent)
- Taking A Levels/International Baccalaureate/Scottish Highers next year
- Priority on a range of factors including those who attend a school in Selwyn’s Link Areas of West Yorkshire and parts of East Berkshire
Oxbridge Events For Year 12s
University of Oxford University Open Days
- Sessions are open and therefore do not require booking, unlike the additional departmental specific open days.
- If you have a low household income, help with your travel expenses is available.
- All departments take part in the two open days in July and the one open day in September, providing lectures and talks in addition to various tours.
- Booking not usually required
Oxford and Cambridge Student Conferences
- Held at a variety of locations across the UK, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Booking in advance required
Cambridge Masterclasses
Masterclasses are a great way to experience real Cabridge lectures, and to find out more about the course on offer.
They are open to anyone in Year 12 (or equivalent), including international students.
Masterclasses are one day events held on Saturdays, usually in the following subjects:
- Linguistics
- Education, English, Drama and the Arts
- Politics and International Relations
- Genetics and Biochemistry
- English
- History of Art
- Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Neuroscience
- History and Politics
- Chemical Engineering
- Physics
You must book in advance, and under your own name rather than through your school. A £20 course fee is charged, but if you’re in care or in receipt of free school meals please ask for a free place.
Only the masterclass is provided by the university, so travel and accommodation arrangements are your own responsibility.
University of Cambridge Latin Taster Day
- Open to anyone not studying Latin formally at school
- Year 11 and up
- Free of charge
- No limit on places – but first come first served if needed
University of Oxford Department of Engineering Science
- Lubbock Lectures for Schools
- full-day programme for schools
- year 10, 11, and 12
- April registration to book places
University of Oxford Philosophy Plus Science Taster Day
A heavily oversubscribed one day event for Year 11 and Year 12 pupils taking A-Level Maths. Discover how Computer Science, Physics, and Mathematics all have one thing in common – Philosophy. Experience lectures and college tours, meeting both university staff and current students.
University of Oxford Department of Engineering Science
- Marking International Women in Engineering Day each June
- young women to visit the Department
- participate in engineering workshops
- meet students and academics in the engineering community
University of Oxford Statistics Taster Day
- Year 12s
- March or April each year
- Workshops on statistics
- College tour
- Discussion of application process
- Free to attend
- Restricted to 3 places per school
University of Oxford Faculty of Classics
The Oxford and Cambridge Classics Open Day is an annual event in addition to the university wide open days. Both UK and international students can attend, but places MUST be booked in advance. The day includes presentations and lectures.
Oxford: History of Art and Centre for Visual Studies
The department offers Open Days in July and September. They are only for prospective applicants and not any accompanying relatives or teachers. All places MUST be booked in advance.
University of Oxford Department of Computer Science
Departmental Open days are offered to prospective students and up to 2 accompanying relatives or teachers. Booking not required. In addition, the department participates in the University wide Open Days programme. Booking not required.
University of Oxford Medieval & Modern Languages
- Main open day in April or May each year
- information sessions on the University open days in June or July and September
- additional open days in Spanish and Portuguese, German, Italian, and Russian and other Slavonic Languages in February and March
- Places must be booked in advance
University of Oxford Faculty of Oriental Studies
- three Undergraduate Oxford Open Days each year
- An annual Faculty Undergraduate Open Day – booking essential
- Plus information sessions on the main University Open Days in July and further Open Day in September
University of Oxford – Mathematical Sciences Year 12 study day
- Only 60 places
- Year 12 students at Uk schools
- interested Mathematical and Physical Sciences
- Includes guidance on the MAT and PAT
- Applications by pupil with a second form completed by their teacher
University of Oxford Medieval & Modern Languages
- annual masterclass in literary skills
- Only for sixth-formers who are in local (Oxfordshire) state schools
- Must be studying French, German, or Spanish
- Recorded introductions to some key literary features are uploaded to YouTube
University of Oxford – It All Adds Up: A Maths Conference for Girls
- UK pupils only
- Year 12 students apply for their own place
- One day event
Oxford Maths Conference For Girls
- Run by the Mathematical Institute and Department of Statistics
- For UK state schools only
- Priority given to schools serving disadvantaged communities
- Three day event
- January each year
- Only bookings from UK schools accepted
- Years 9, Years 10-11, Year 12
- Girls in Year 12 should study A-Level Maths
- Free to attend
- Travel and accommodation not provided (but link college may help)
University of Oxford School of Archaeology Open Days
- Two summer open day events 10am-3pm with 11.30am lecture & 2pm talk
- One september open day 10am-3pm with 11.30am lecture & 2pm talk
- Attends the London Anthropology Day each summer
- Attends the University Archaeology Day in London each summer
- Tutors attend the Oxford and Cambridge Student Conferences around the UK
University of Oxford Department of Computer Science
- The programme ‘Further Maths – What Next?’ is under review
- Aimed at maths students, especially those studying science too
- UK school pupils only
- Booking in advance
University of Oxford Pathways Programme Study Days
- Years 10-13
- Selected UK non-selective state schools only (those with little history of student progression to Oxford)
- Colleges and departments of the University of Oxford, supported by the Sutton Trust
- All event run in Oxford
- Completely free to participants
- Year 12 Study Days
Oxford Physics Year 12 Summer School
- Must be eligible to work in the UK
- Aged 16 or above, and in Year 12
- studying Physics and Maths at A-level, or equivalent
- Able to provide own travel and accommodation
- Priority given to students who live locally and those with educational and experiential disadvantage
University of Oxford – Problem Solving MATters
- UK state school pupils only
- Aimed at potential maths applicants
- Run by Oxford University, Imperial College, Durham University and Warwick University
- Focus on MAT, TMUA and other problem-solving mathematics examinations
- three face to face study days at one of the partner universities
- three summer assignments
- five online follow-up sessions.
- Small, subsidised fee
University of Cambridge Sixth Form Law Conference
- Usually held just before Easter, these four day residential courses are an in depth taster of life at the Cambridge Faculty of Law.
- Most people pay a low, subsidised rate covering lectures, workshops, tours, activities, meals and accommodation are subsidised. Barristers and top London lawyers also give presentations.
- A set number of places have the fees waived thanks to the support of the Cambridge University Admissions Office and Widening Participation Partner Law Firms.
- Places are allocated on a purely first come first served basis. There is no detailed application process of personal statements and references. Merely apply for a funded or non-funded place before the slots are full.
Eton Universities Summer School (Eton USS)
CANCELLED FOR 2021
- Year 12 or equivalent
- UK State funded school and college pupils only
- Course, field trips, accommodation, food & entertainment provided at subsidised rates
- GCSE grades and predicted A-Level grades should suggest eligibility for top universities
- Wide range of courses & activities on offer
Oxford UNIQ
This competitive, heavily oversubscribed programme offers 1350 places on residential courses in the Spring and Summer of Year 12. In addition, a further 1,000 students are offered a place on the online mentoring platform UNIQ Digital.
Subjects offered are:
- Archaeology and Anthropology
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Classical Archaeology
- Classics: Ancient Greece
- Classics: Rome
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Economics and Management
- Engineering
- English: The Tempest
- Experimental Psychology
- French
- Geography
- Geography: The Anthropocene
- German
- History of Art
- History: Global Encounters
- History: Order and Freedom
- History: Race and Resistance
- Human Sciences
- Law
- Linguistics
- Materials Science
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Middle Eastern Languages
- Music
- Oncology
- Philosophy, Politics & Economics
- Physics
- Spanish
- Theology and Religion
You can apply if you attend a state school and are in Year 12 in England and Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland or S5 in Scotland.
The courses attract up to ten applications for each residential place. Priority is focussed on:
- Those who achieved good GCSE and Scottish National grades
- Students who live in areas where relatively few people progress to higher education (using POLAR postcode classification)
- From low socio-economic backgrounds (using ACORN postcode classification)
- Students who have been or are currently in receipt of free school meals
- Those who have been or are currently in care
- Young carers
Sutton Trust UK Summer Schools (Including Cambridge)
- University of Cambridge is one of the participant venues
- 40 subjects on offer across all participant institutions
- Free residential summer school
- Only for Year 12 UK state school pupils
- All applicants must ALWAYS have attended a state school
- Priority given to those who:
- Will be the first in the family to go to university
- Were eligible for Free School Meals at any time
- Attend a school with below average A-Level grades or low progression to University
- Live in a postcode of socio-economic deprivation or low university attendance
- Achieved at least 5 or 6 GCSEs at Level 7, 8 or 9
University of Oxford Faculty of English Language and Literature
- Oxford UNIQ programme
- The Faculty employs an Outreach Officer
- Year 10-13 students receive school visits in areas of the country with low progression rates to Oxford
- The Faculty works with the Oxford for Oxford programme
University of Oxford Faculty of Classics
- Occasional taster Days & Study Days for Year 12 students from UK state schools
- Oversubscribed, so preference to those:
- Studying at a non-selective (comprehensive) state school
- Studying at a school with limited history of progression to Oxbridge
- Home postcode with a limited history of progression to HE (POLAR-3)
- Home postcode in ACORN category 4 or 5
- Receipt of Free School Meals/Pupil Premium
Downing College (Cambridge) Enhanced Open Day
- Year 12 students
- Stay overnight in college
- Covers application process, interviews, student finance etc
- Priority to students living in Devon, Dorset and Cornwall.
- Free course, food and accommodation
- Potential for travel reimbursement if needed
Peterhouse (Cambridge) CanBridge Residential
- Takes place around Easter
- Year 12s England/Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, S5 Scotland
- State Funded school and college pupils only
- Predicted 3 As at A-Level (or equivalent)
- Priority to those who do or have suffered disadvantage
- Applicants living beyond easy access into Cambridge also prioritised
St Catharine’s College (Cambridge) English and MML Residential
- Held near Easter
- Year 12s or equivalent
- UK state school students only
- Predicted AAA at A-Level (or equivalent)
- English Literature & Modern and Medieval Languages (MML)
- Course, accommodation & food all free of charge
- Priority to looked after children or in receipt of free school meals in past 6 years
Selwyn College (Cambridge) Year 12 Summer School
Each year Selwyn College runs a residential summer school for Year 12 students. It is separate to the event run for Year 11s, but considers the same priority list when selecting participants for oversubscribed places.
Trinity College (Cambridge) Engineering Residential
- Free course, accommodation and food
- Travel costs can be reimbursed if needed
- You must attend a UK state school
- Only for Year 12 or equivalent in the UK, and over 16
- Taking A-Level (or equivalent) Mathematics and Physics
- plus at least one other science subject such as Further Maths, Chemistry, Biology
- Priority given where Further Maths is studied to at least AS Level
- Will also consider the home, community and school contextual data
Pembroke College (Cambridge) Summer School
- Arts & Humanities
- Year 12 (or equivalent) UK state school pupils
- Predicted AAA at A-Level
- Course, accommodation and catering provided free of charge
- Travel reimbursed for free school meals attendees
- Only 30 places
- Priority given to pupils with family, school and geographical disadvantage
Homerton College Cambridge Summer School
For the past few years until 2019, Homerton College ran a summer school prioritising young people experiencing geographic and domestic disadvantage. At the end of February 2020 no information about a forthcoming summer school was present on the college website.
Oxbridge Events For Year 13s
University of Cambridge Latin Taster Day
- Open to anyone not studying Latin formally at school
- Year 11 and up
- Free of charge
- No limit on places – but first come first served if needed
University of Oxford Pathways Programme Study Days
- Years 10-13
- Selected UK non-selective state schools only (those with little history of student progression to Oxford)
- Colleges and departments of the University of Oxford, supported by the Sutton Trust
- All event run in Oxford
- Completely free to participants
- Year 13 Application Information Days
BAME Students
Black and Minority Ethic (BAME) students are underrepresented across the board at Oxford and Cambridge colleges. Therefore, colleges and select programmes are promoting Oxbridge to well qualified BAME candidates.
Target Oxbridge
Target Oxbridge is a free support programme for bright black African and Caribbean students and students of mixed race with black African and Caribbean heritage. If accepted, you will then be supported and mentored through the highly competitive application process for Oxford or Cambridge University
To apply, you need to:
- be in Year 12
- have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at 7, 8 or 9
- Demonstrate strong written skills
- Have an ability to communicate ideas clearly
- show motivation and passion for achieving your goals
- complete an online application form, a telephone interview, a short written exercise and a face-to-face interview.
Oxford University BAME Study Days
- You can apply for a place at a BAME study day to find out more about studying History or English at Oxford university.
- The hosting college seems to change but the programmes include learning about admissions tests and interviews.
- The programmes are free and state school teachers usually may also apply.
Is That All?
No. There’s so much going on it can’t all be put on one page. That’s why the two universities created an entire collaboration website to raise awareness about all these events and courses. Hopefully you’re now aware of the major opportunities open to you and it will help you unearth more.
Don’t forget that there are plenty of options beyond those connected to Oxford and Cambridge. See our page about Summer Schools for more opportunities available to you.
We aren’t sponsored and weren’t paid to create this page, even though it took a lot of work to compile a huge volume of information. Instead, we rely on audience clicks on the adverts to cover our running costs. We are truly grateful to anyone who shares this article with teachers and friends.
