91全能听hosted听a visit from the University of Cambridge as part of a national outreach programme听designed to encourage听more students to consider applications to leading universities.听
Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is one of the world鈥檚听most prestigious听universities, with a global reputation for academic excellence and research. It听comprises听31 colleges, which act as a student鈥檚 home base throughout their degree, providing both academic guidance and pastoral support.听
The session, delivered by representatives from Girton College,听formed part of a听programme听of activities involving students from across the trust. Learners from West Bromwich Collegiate Academy, Shireland CBSO Academy and Shireland Biomedical UTC joined Shireland students for the event, which focused on ambition, academic听excellence听and future progression routes.听听
Year 11 and year 12 students took part in discussions exploring Oxbridge pathways and the realities of applying to highly competitive universities. Year 11 students were introduced to the range of opportunities available, while year 12 reflected on the level of academic commitment听required听for success.听
The sessions also emphasised the importance of developing academic听curiosity, creativity and the ability to question ideas, think independently and adapt to new ways of learning, qualities valued by universities like Oxford and Cambridge.听听
One year 12听student听said the session has reshaped their thinking, adding:听鈥淚t鈥檚听made me realise that top universities are achievable if听you鈥檙e听willing to work hard and push yourself.听It鈥檚听given me real motivation to aim higher.鈥�听
Thomas Daly,听Principal听at 91全能, said:听鈥淔or us at Shireland,听it鈥檚听incredibly important that students see places like Cambridge as realistic options, not something beyond their reach. Our focus is on ensuring students develop the confidence and independence to challenge themselves academically and make informed decisions about their futures.听听
鈥淪essions like this are powerful because they help students start to see themselves differently, not just in terms of what they achieve now, but in what they might go on to achieve.听Ultimately, we听want every student to leave us with strong outcomes, but also with the self-belief to pursue ambitious pathways they may not previously have considered.鈥�听
Oxbridge Pathways is an external programme听delivered听by Oxbridge Applications, a specialist organisation that supports students considering applications to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.听
The programme is designed for students aged听14 to 16 who are beginning to explore competitive university routes. It focuses on developing the skills and understanding needed for Oxbridge applications over time, rather than through short-term preparation.听
Through structured guidance, students are supported to build subject knowledge, independent听thinking听and academic confidence, helping them to better understand the expectations of highly selective university courses and make more informed decisions about their future study pathways.听
The visit formed part of the Academy鈥檚 wider听work听to demystify the Oxbridge听application听process and encourage more young people to consider applying to world-leading听universities.听It also followed a strong period of academic achievement of the Academy鈥檚 Sixth Form, during which four students secured Oxford鈥痠nterviews,鈥痑nd one received an offer.听
Applications for鈥�year鈥�12 entry in September 2026 are now open via Applicaa, the Academy鈥檚 online admissions system. Further details about Shireland Sixth Form and how to apply are available鈥�on the鈥�Academy website.鈥赌�鈥�听