Once again, students at Hereford Sixth Form College have shown the breadth of their interests and ability, as 14 students have been offered places at Oxford and Cambridge, in subjects as varied as Physics to Architecture, Economics and Management to Spanish. In an increasingly competitive environment, the college’s well established Reach programme supports 300 students to consider all the top universities and apprenticeships, and some choose to apply for Oxford and Cambridge.
Alex, formerly of King Henry, Abergavenny, has an offer for Biochemistry at Oxford. He said that “What sets the Reach programme apart is how it allows high-achievers to be seen for their minds rather than just their grades. The genuine interest that the staff had in my academic progression pushed me to achieve things I otherwise wouldn’t have dreamed of, and the challenging mock interviews made the real thing feel like a walk in the park.” Patti, formerly of Wigmore School, who has an offer to study Law, said that her tutors “were great at refining my personal statement, and the mock interviews were so helpful”.
Two students from the college’s Music department have offers, Esther, formerly of Fairfield High (offer for Oxford Music), and Marcus, formerly of Hanley Castle (offer for Cambridge Music). David Weber, teacher of A Level Music, said: “Both Marcus and Esther are part of the college choir, Academia Musica, who during their time here have toured Oxford and Cambridge, contributing to services and concerts at prestigious venues. As part of enrichment, both students undertook wider musical research in collaboration with subject teachers, studying unusual works of Romantic, Neo-Classical and Film music.” With his offer from Trinity College, Marcus said that “The Music department at Hereford Sixth Form College has been so helpful with my preparation for Cambridge. From the start of the course, they have been providing extra reading and extension projects to stretch my academic and analytical skills. They are also always on hand to have a fascinating conversation about anything musical!”
Students at Hereford have 14 Reach lessons to learn about the top universities, then have dedicated lessons on the admissions tests, as well as 1-1s to draft their personal statements. Vicky Orsmond, Senior Progression Lead, said that “It is clear that the competitive universities are looking very closely at admissions tests, so it is so important that students have the regular prep for these to be competitive.” Applicants also have access to a huge network of alumni, and Vicky organises evening events where past students give their advice, hints and tips, and even offer additional mock interviews to the ones the college organises.
Not only does Vicky Orsmond oversee the Reach programme, but she is assisted by Dr Phil Evans, who does extensive preparation for the problem solving interviews needed for STEM based subjects. Edith, formerly of Gwernyfed High, has an offer for Physics at Oxford. She said “my mock interviews with Dr Phil were really useful for knowing what to expect. Also, meeting up with other Physics applicants to practise interview questions and for the admissions tests”.
Ben, formerly of Bishop’s School, has an offer for Medicine at Oxford. He said: “The Reach programme has played a major part in helping me get an offer. I was encouraged to stretch myself and think critically throughout the process: from weekly lessons exploring how to apply to medical school to one-on-one mock interviews with Dr Phil Evans. The support offered from the careers department has been invaluable.”
Vicky is so proud of her students: “What I love about Reach is that the students know they are world class, whether they are going on to Oxbridge, Warwick, Imperial or degree apprenticeships. I am so proud because they can compete with the best of the best.”
