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Read our Outreach Report

ATTRACTING THE BEST Christ’s encourages applications from a diverse range of backgrounds, ensuring that no student with the potential to excel here is put off applying. Some of this work is in the form of events, such as open days or school visits. Other elements are longer-term, including subject enrichment programmes and mentoring. However, none of it would be possible without the support we receive for our Access Fund.

Access in Numbers-  
Almost 1 in 5 applicants for 2017 had attended a residential, taster or Open Day in College 2850 students met abroad over the course of 2018-19, over 8 countries Nine out of twelve post-offer applicants, taking part in our innovative mentoring scheme, received places at Cambridge in 2019

As part of Cambridge University's Link Area and HE+ schemes, the Christ's Outreach team travels the country to provide targeted admissions and supra-curricular resources. We work especially closely with Herefordshire, which is our linked HE+ consortium location, where we offer year-long enrichment programmes.

We have even been granted University funding to run a new pilot HE+ scheme in Worcestershire; going above and beyond in order to reach more potential students.

Christ's Dr Mark King running an Oxbridge interview workshop at Hereford Sixth Form College.

Herefordshire HE+ Consortium

Meanwhile, we run regular residentials in College over the holidays, that offer educational and application advice for students from backgrounds under-represented at Cambridge. Our main events are the LPN Summer School, the Women in Maths Residential, and the Worcestershire School Residential; and applications for places on these formative programmes are only increasing.

'I have now realised that Cambridge isn't some far-off goal and that anyone who has academic potential, despite background and school, can get offers'

Feedback from the LPN Summer School 

And of course, the College is always open to school groups, whether they are from local schools, admissions charities, or the EU and Overseas! We run taster days, with lectures and talks, as well as College tours with current students.

In addition, by working with charities bringing students, we meet a wide range of kids we would otherwise not get the opportunity to; from areas, ages and backgrounds that benefit most from this admissions and education advice.

'I am writing to say thank you for an amazing day at Cambridge yesterday. From the talk with admissions to the tour from students, and lunch in College hall, it was an outstanding experience'

Patchwork Foundation member feedback

However, we can only continue, and develop on, this work with the support of our donors. Would you consider giving a gift to the Access Fund? Every gift helps us to reach more students, and to inspire them to consider Christ's, no matter their background.