Mid Sussex students set their sights on Oxbridge

Myths about Oxbridge elitism were dispelled when bright youngsters from Downlands Community School and Central Sussex College went on organised trips to Oxford and Cambridge.

By The Newsroom

Published 27th Feb 2013, 12:00 BST

The English Department at Downlands organised a trip to Churchill College, Cambridge as part of the Hassocks based secondary school’s inspirational “Reach for the Stars” programme.

A group of aspiring year 11 pupils listened to a presentation outlining the university’s impressive facilities and were given information and advice about the application process.

Central Sussex College organised a similar trip for potential Oxbridge applicants who visited Trinity College, Oxford.

Robert Hyland, Trinity’s admissions officer outlined how to put together a strong application.

The trips reflected Oxford and Cambridge’s drive to widen access to youngsters and to dispel the myths about Oxbridge elitism.

Dr David Towsey, Able and Talented Co-ordinator at Central Sussex College said: “It is crucially important that academically able students get to find out what leading universities have to offer before they apply.”