Norfolk students on pathway to success at St John's

Students from three Norfolk schools got to experience life at Cambridge University for a day as part of the Pathways to Success initiative, which aims to encourage applications from young people of all backgrounds.

A group of thirty GCSE students from Long Stratton, Archbishop Sancroft and Diss High Schools visited St John’s College to learn about the University, and to experience student life for themselves. During their visit, the group were given tours and talks on student life, how to apply and what to expect from the interview process.

The highlight of the day was the chance to ask five current undergraduates about their lives at Cambridge. They learned that students can get involved in countless extra-curricular sports, societies and activities and whilst the workload can be demanding, there is plenty of time for fun and socialising as well.

Nadia McLurcan, who is in her second year at St John’s studying Natural Sciences, said: “People told me that there was probably no point in applying to Cambridge, but I did anyway, and I managed to get in. My advice to anyone considering Cambridge is to just go for it and apply. Cambridge is very welcoming and diverse, and everyone who has a real interest in their subject has a good chance to succeed here.”

One of the visiting pupils said: “I took part in the visit because I wanted to get a better perspective of university and put to rest some of my preconceptions of Cambridge. I thought Cambridge students would be snobby and intimidating but they’re actually really friendly and down-to-earth, just normal people. Cambridge looks like a fantastic place to study.”

The Pathways to Success initiative is a partnership between local schools and colleges in Norfolk and Suffolk, which provides a forum for teachers from different schools to work together. It offers support for projects and activities designed to encourage students to develop their academic careers and make informed choices about further education.