Upper Sixth Prepare for Competitive University Applications
Last Saturday, the School hosted a Competitive UCAS Entry Morning for students and parents preparing for applications to the UK’s most competitive universities and courses, including Oxford and Cambridge, Imperial College London and Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine. This was the second time we have hosted the event, which is intended to set the appropriate tone and expectations for these applications right at the start of the Upper Sixth.
The morning began with an address from the Headmaster, who outlined the expectations surrounding the university application process and emphasised the importance of ambition, preparation and academic commitment. This was followed by a session for parents about how best to support their children through what can be an intensive and demanding period. Particular attention was given to the ways in which parents can provide encouragement and practical support while allowing pupils to take ownership of their applications.
A highlight of the morning was a Q&A session with four recent alumni, all of whom are studying or have studied at the University of Oxford: Arianne Eddy (Classics), Joshua Fisher (Theology), Daniel Foster (Classics and Near Eastern Studies) and Wilfred Jenkins (Medicine). Their first-hand experiences provided students and parents with valuable insight into the application process, from preparation and interviews to life at Oxford.
The programme then divided into a series of focused workshops. An interview session explored effective preparation techniques, with particular emphasis on the increasing use of remote interviews. Pupils also attended specialist breakout sessions designed to support preparation for admissions tests, including TARA, TMUA, ESAT and the tests associated with Medicine. For those applying to courses without an admissions test, there was a dedicated session on developing strong and effective personal statements.
The morning demonstrated the breadth of support available to RGS students pursuing competitive university applications. By bringing together staff expertise, recent alumni experience and targeted preparation, the event aimed to ensure that students and their parents understood the demands of the process and how best to approach it with confidence and ambition.
The Competitive UCAS Entry Morning forms part of the School’s wider Oxbridge and Competitive Universities Programme, which provides structured support for students considering applications to Oxford, Cambridge and other highly selective universities and courses. Throughout the Sixth Form, students are supported through academic enrichment, admissions test preparation, interview practice and individual guidance, helping them to understand the demands of the application process and develop the confidence, knowledge and skills required to present the strongest possible application.
