Jack Pennystan

Oxbridge Pathway

Why choose the Oxbridge Pathway?

I set my sights on studying at Oxford which was ranked the best university in the world in 2023 by The Times Higher Educational. I applied to New College Oxford, and I was supported by ‘Step Up’ – a New College outreach programme to support students applying from state schools in the most deprived areas of the country. The admissions test is gruelling. I had 3 interviews in total for Oxford, as I was applying for Maths all were maths-based questions. I had mock interviews with teachers from Blue Coat who have a lot of experience. I also had mock interviews with former Blue Coat students who have studied Maths at Oxford. Going to an academic sixth form like Blue Coat you fall in love with your subject and to apply to Oxbridge you need to show you are in love with your subject. The Blue Coat Oxbridge Pathway encourages wider reading and champions super curricular development.

How will you use your Maths A Level?

Obviously, my Maths and Further Maths A Levels are directly related to my degree choice at Oxford and maths is a subject which employers and universities value so highly. Maths A Level can be relevant to just about anything you might want to do in the future: business, science, engineering, finance accountancy, computing, law, consultancy almost anything. I’ve always wanted to do Maths A Level. I enjoy the subject and I have always been strong at it. I’ve had a lot of success in maths competitions which made me think I could do well in the field.

What advice would you give to a student considering taking the Oxbridge Pathway?

Being a part of the Oxbridge pathway will do so much good for you. Students have gone onto prestigious universities through the scheme, that’s no secret, but for everyone involved it has motivated, challenged and trained them to be better students. Applying to Oxbridge is always worth a try but even if you don’t apply or don’t get an offer, Oxbridge sessions will still have been a brilliant use of your time.

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Cranmer Education Trust is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity registered in England. Company registration number: 07687709. Registered Office: Cranmer Education Trust, c/o The Blue Coat School, Egerton Street, Oldham OL1 3SQ. The website address is www.cranmereducationtrust.com and the phone number 0161 785 5082.