In Oxford
There are a range of opportunities for students and teachers from the East Midlands region to visit Oxford.
Oxford Study Days | UNIQ | Open Days | Target Oxbridge | Oxford Pathways | Target Schools | Teacher Summer School | Independent Visits | Unable to Visit
Oxford Study Days
Who for: Students (All), Teachers
When: Year-round (during Oxford terms)
We offer the opportunity for schools to bring groups of students to visit Oxford for taster/study days. The precise schedule of these visits varies but they will typically include:
- An ‘Introduction to Oxford’ talk
- The chance to meet current students
- A tour of one or more Oxford colleges
- Academic/Admissions Session
Groups that meet the following criteria will be prioritised:
- From a state-school in the East Midlands
- Include a significant number of students who receive Free School Meals
- Currently receive limited outreach provision from Oxford University
If you are a teacher looking to book a visit for your school, then please see more information depending on your local authority:
- Nottinghamshire and Nottingham
- Derby, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland
- Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire
Some bespoke visits for primary school groups may be available, please contact [email protected] to find out more.
UNIQ
Who for: Students (Y12)
When: Spring/Summer (applications earlier)
UNIQ is the largest University of Oxford residential access programme. It is for students in their first year of further education (Year 12 or equivalent) who are based at a UK state school or college. UNIQ has a record of helping students make successful applications to Oxford - this year alone 250 UNIQ students were made offers by the University.
Students apply to UNIQ between December and January and can be selected for either UNIQ Digital or the UNIQ residential. UNIQ residentials take place in Spring and Summer and give students a taste of the Oxford student experience. You will live in an Oxford college for a week, attend lectures and seminars in your chosen subject area, and receive expert advice on the Oxford application and interview process. UNIQ is free of charge and travel costs are also covered.
UNIQ Digital provides comprehensive information and guidance on the university admissions process, and aims to give a realistic view of Oxford student life through videos, activities and quizzes. The platform offers a range of forums where you can discuss both academic and social topics.
For more information see here: UNIQ
Open Days
Who for: Students (Y11-13), Teachers, Parents/Carers
When: Summer
The University holds three Open Days, two in June or July and one in September, each year.
All colleges and departments will be open to prospective students to visit. The 2022 Open Days will be on Wednesday 29 June, Thursday 30 June and Friday 16 September.
Students do not need to apply in advance to attend an Open Day – though sessions in some academic departments will require you to register in advance. However, if you are eligible to take part in an open day residential you will need to apply for this via your school.
Find out information about the university wide open day and what the Oxford for East Midlands Colleges have to offer: Oxford Open Days, Lincoln College, Magdalen College, and St Edmund Hall
Open Day Accommodation and Travel Reimbursement
Who for: Students (Y11-13), Teachers, Parents/Carers
When: Summer
Magdalen College is pleased to offer free overnight accommodation for groups of students from state schools in the East Midlands attending the July Open Days.
You can either book accommodation as an individual or as a school group of up to 10 people including a teacher. Magdalen College has up to 80 rooms available.
In addition, Magdalen College can reimburse travel costs for Open Day attendees travelling by public transport. To apply for this scheme, students must be:
- currently eligible for Free School Meals;
- and/or in local authority care (or previously in local authority care);
- and/or have another reason why it would be difficult to pay for travel to attend an Open Day in Oxford.
In order to apply for accommodation and/or travel then please see: Magdalen Open Days.
Target Oxbridge
Who for: Students (Y12, BAME)
When: Year-round
Target Oxbridge is a free programme that aims to help black African and Caribbean students and students of mixed heritage with black African and Caribbean heritage increase their chances of getting into the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge (known collectively as Oxbridge).
The programme includes a residential in Oxford, student mentoring by black or minority ethnic Oxbridge graduates as well as many tailored sessions throughout the year. Since launching in 2012, Target Oxbridge has helped 81 students to secure Oxbridge offers.
For more information see here: Target Oxbridge website
Target Schools
Who for: Students (Y12)
When: Year-round
Target Schools is Oxford Student Union’s flagship access programme. Run by a student committee, they offer Year 12 students the chance to come to Oxford for a day and shadow an undergraduate student. This includes everything from attending lectures, having a tour around the city, to having lunch in one of the College dining halls.
This is completely free and Target Schools can also offer a limited number of travel grants to those who would otherwise be unable to afford the journey. These events run several times every Oxford term.
To apply please see here: Target Schools
Teacher Summer School
Who for: Teachers
When: Summer
Oxford’s CPD accredited Teacher Summer School is a free two-day residential conference for teachers from state schools and colleges in the UK. During the summer school, teachers receive detailed support and guidance about the Oxford admissions process, experience taster sessions for different academic subjects, and learn from mock interviews. It aims to support teachers to stretch and challenge their most able students, and equip them with the best possible advice and guidance on selective university admissions.
To find out more see here: Teacher Summer School
Independent Visits
Who for: Students (All), Teachers, Parents/Carers
When: Year-round
You may visit Oxford independently at any time by going to see the colleges during their opening hours. When you arrive at a college entrance (lodge) inform the people there that you are a prospective applicant and they should allow you to enter for free. Please check each college website for their visiting hours before your visit.
You can find advice for your visit here: Independent Visit Advice
Unable to Visit
If you find yourself unable to visit Oxford then you can use these online tours instead and email us any questions you have:
