London school students kick myths about Oxford and Cambridge into touch

The Varsity rugby match at Twickenham between Oxford and Cambridge is one of the oldest rivalries in sport, but this year the two universities have set competition aside for a joint outreach event dedicated to London pupils.

500 teenagers from 30 schools enjoyed a free day out at the home of England Rugby with a session of interactive talks dedicated to encouraging more bright state school students to consider applying to Oxford and Cambridge.

Admissions staff and current undergraduates from St John’s College, along with many of their peers from Colleges in Oxford and Cambridge, chatted with school pupils about what it’s like to study at a top university and gave information and advice on the application process.

Megan Goldman Roberts, Access Officer at St John’s College Cambridge, said: “The University of Cambridge and Colleges meet thousands of students and teachers every year to provide advice and inspiration. This was a wonderful opportunity to reach more students who might consider applying and tell them about the exciting opportunities our universities offer.”

The event, which took place between the women’s and the men’s matches, was targeted particularly at schools that have had little previous engagement with the two universities, including Southfields, Kingsley Academy and the College of North-West London.

Find out about upcoming access events at St John’s College via: http://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/applying