The Target Oxbridge scheme aims to increase Black African and Caribbean students’ chances of getting into the UK’s top universities. Since its launch in 2012 it has helped 46 young people to receive Oxbridge offers.
Oxford University has now decided to facilitate the programme’s expansion. As a result, 45 year 12 pupils will have the opportunity to take part in the scheme each year and 60 places will be available for a three-day residential event at Oxford.
The Target Oxbridge programme is open to UK-based students in year 12. It offers pupils regular contact with a Black or minority ethnic Oxbridge graduate, personalised advice on A level choices and the Oxbridge application process, and visits to Oxford and Cambridge.
The scheme is run by Rare, a graduate recruitment company that helps ethnic minority candidates. Rare has received 170 applications for the next Target Oxbridge programme and interviews have already begun.
Elizabeth Oladunni, who took part in the programme and is now studying history at Oxford, said that applying to Target Oxbridge was one of the best decisions she had ever made.
She added: “Having one-to-one support, personal statement advice and having exposure to Oxbridge alumni developed my confidence.
“Like many other students applying to Oxford, I was conscious of this myth that all Oxford students are Mensa geniuses who have gone to public school. I am thankful that my mentors at Target Oxbridge were always there to dispel this myth.”
Samina Khan, director of undergraduate admissions and outreach at Oxford, said she was delighted that the programme is being expanded.
“Oxford is committed to reaching under-represented groups and increasing the diversity of its student body,” said Dr Khan. “This carefully designed programme offers information and guidance that students may not have immediate access to.”
- To find out more about Target Oxbridge go to www.targetoxbridge.co.uk