Oxford launches new guide for schools in Oxfordshire

The event at Brasenose College was attended by teachers and headteachers from Oxfordshire, as well as partners from the local community. Professor Alex Betts, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement, Sport, and Community), chaired a panel event of head teachers and engagement professionals that discussed ways to strengthen the relationship between the University and local schools, and how the guide aims to support this.

The new schools engagement guide has been developed to help schools discover the range of educational and enrichment opportunities, activities, and resources available for local schools and young people, across the collegiate University.  

Oxford University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irene Tracey CBE, FRS, FMedSci, said, ‘We are committed to strengthening the University’s links with our local communities. That means ensuring young people across Oxfordshire can see opportunities in the University, whether that is study, employment, or interest in our cultural assets. 

'Universities thrive when they are part of the lives of their region, and our region thrives when its young people are equipped to share in the benefits that our research, education, and innovation create.’

The development of the guide, called 'Opening Oxford', supports the University’s wider commitment to strengthening relationships with local schools, widening educational opportunities, and sharing the University’s resources and expertise. 

The guide brings together curriculum-linked workshops, lectures, events and enrichment opportunities for children and young people from primary school through to secondary and further education. Organised by educational stage and curriculum area, it helps teachers, pupils and education partners find relevant activities, alongside teacher development opportunities and classroom resources.

It also highlights opportunities beyond school and college, including work experience, apprenticeships and careers at the University, as well as programmes and resources for those considering higher education at Oxford or elsewhere. For schools planning their own visits, the Exploring Oxford Independently section provides a map and suggestions for discovering Oxford’s historic buildings, scientific curiosities, literary connections, colleges and lesser-known attractions.

Professor Alex Betts, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement, Sport, and Community), said, ‘Our ultimate goal is for the University to be relevant and inspiring to all young people across Oxfordshire, regardless of background, aspiration or attainment. 

'Our departments and colleges have long provided a wide range of fantastic initiatives that target schools and further education colleges. However, these opportunities are not always visible or transparent to teachers across Oxfordshire; this is the gap the guide is trying to fill. We hope that we can start a series of conversations that open up greater opportunity for young people in Oxfordshire.’

View ‘Opening Oxford: A Guide for Schools in Oxfordshire’ here.