For more than twenty years, the University of Cambridge’s ‘College Area Links’ scheme has helped to build relationships with schools and colleges across the UK as part of a commitment to widening access to degree-level study. 

Led by a team of liaison officers, the scheme links each of the university’s 31 autonomous colleges with an area of the UK. This provides educational settings in each area with a dedicated contact for advice and guidance, while helping the Cambridge colleges tailor their outreach activities to the needs of their assigned locations.

Leading the responsibility for outreach work at schools and colleges across Yorkshire and the North East is Ellie Nethaway, a liaison officer from King’s College. During a recent visit to Withernsea High School, Ellie shared information about life at Cambridge, its collegiate system and the wide variety of courses that are available.

“As the King's link area of Yorkshire is some way from Cambridge, we find that the best way to encourage and support schools with applications to Cambridge and other competitive universities is to visit them in person. It was a pleasure to return to Withernsea High School. The students are among some of the nicest that I work with. They were really engaged with the session, were keen to learn and asked lots of great questions.”

Among the topics explored were entry requirements and the subject combinations that admissions teams look favourably upon when assessing students’ suitability for joining particular degree courses. Students also discovered that a variety of courses they thought may be unattainable were actually more accessible than they had previously realised.

The session also provided an opportunity to dispel some common myths, particularly surrounding perceived elitism, social barriers and financial disadvantages, which may otherwise discourage young people from exploring routes into Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group universities.  

Explaining the importance of discussing these topics, Ellie said: “There are still a lot of misconceptions about attending Cambridge and other top universities, with some people thinking that they won’t fit in. One of the reasons why I really like working with schools is that I can help students to realise that they can actually study anywhere they want. Anyone from any background, regardless of location or status, has the potential to reach their destination of choice.

“Another misconception is that people think it’s more expensive going to universities such as Cambridge and Oxford. They also think that the cost involved with attending university in general, and moving away from home, means they can’t afford to go. Explaining student finance and how loans work makes a big difference as well. There is so much support available, especially at universities like Cambridge who have access to a lot of money.”

Student finance remains a primary concern for many people exploring university as an option. Ellie is keen to let parents, carers and students know that help is available. 

“Some university websites and student finance documents can be a bit of a minefield. They can be overwhelming and a bit painful to work through. One of the best sources of information about student loans is Martin Lewis, the money saving expert. He explains things so well and has lots of information on his website and videos on YouTube that explain things in a very clear way. His advice is a great place to start for anyone wanting to explore student finance.”

Viki Foster, Withernsea High School’s careers leader, said: “We are committed to supporting any students that want to aim for university in the future by ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge, information, advice and guidance needed for them to achieve their ambitions.

“As part of our obligation to deliver an impartial careers programme, opportunities such as our engagement with the Cambridge outreach initiative are essential in helping our students to make their own informed choices about their futures. If aiming for Cambridge or other Russell Group universities is their goal, we will encourage and support them. It is important for students to realise that study at Oxbridge is achievable and is not something that is beyond their reach.

“Our year 10 students all engaged positively with the session, responding with some really good answers and asking their own well thought-out questions about the Cambridge college system and student life. This valuable session also provided an opportunity for students to explore university life in general – looking at how they should pick the routes and subjects for post-16 study, and the variety of degrees that are available.”

The Russell Group represents 24 leading UK universities, including the universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York, whose collective belief is that ‘people and ideas are the key to meeting global challenges’. Together, the group’s member universities generate approximately £87 billion every year for the UK economy. They employ a quarter of a million people and teach one quarter of the UK’s undergraduate students.

For Martin Lewis’ advice on student finance, please visit www.moneysavingexpert.com/students

ABOVE: Around 50 year 10 students were invited to take part in the aspirational workshop.

ABOVE: Ellie Nethaway, liaison and outreach officer for King’s College, Cambridge, returned to Withernsea High School to lead a session on university life.