Walton Post 16 year 12 students recently took part in their first Oxford NextGen trip, marking the start of an exciting journey with this prestigious outreach programme. The visit offered a unique insight into university life at one of the world’s most renowned institutions, helping students begin to prepare for their own higher education pathways.

Throughout the day, students took part in a personal statement workshop, gaining valuable advice on how to effectively showcase their skills, experiences, and academic interests when applying to university. They also heard from current first and second year Oxford students from the East Midlands, who shared their experiences of adapting to university life and offered practical tips for future applicants.

The visit concluded with a guided tour of Oxford city, exploring the university’s historic colleges, libraries, and landmarks.

As part of the Oxford NextGen programme, our students will continue to take part in academic enrichment and university preparation over the coming months. Their next challenge will be to research and produce a five-minute video essay on a topic of their choice, using the theme “The X behind the Y” to explore the deeper ideas and processes behind a subject they’re passionate about.

This exciting opportunity not only broadens their academic horizons but also builds the skills and confidence needed to take their next steps towards university success.