Resources

Oxford for Oxford can provide you with the information and support you need to make informed decisions about your future. We work with all students from YR1-YR13. For students aged 16 to 18, we provide information about university admissions, helping you to explore what Oxford has to offer and developing the skills necessary to make successful applications to Oxford. For students aged 11 to 16, we provide the information needed to make informed decisions about GCSE and A-Level choices. We also work with primary aged students to introduce them to the idea of university.

Trinity College is the main point of contact for Oxfordshire’s schools within the University, and we work closely with the central Undergraduate Admissions Office to offer a range of programmes regularly available to students, their teachers, and families. 

The Trinity College Access Team offer university information and guidance sessions in Oxfordshire schools, as well as hosting visits into Trinity College from all year groups, in both primary and state secondary schools. There are also several residential opportunities in Oxford for both students and teachers in state secondary schools.

Book a Trinity College outreach visit to your school

The Access Team at Trinity College offers the following sessions to state schools in Oxfordshire as follows:

• Year 4, 5 & 6: What is University? Supporting primary aged pupils to understand what university education is, why and how they might get there. Suitable for all pupils.
• Year 7 & 8: Exploring University. The purpose, myth-busting the cost and what it might be like to study There. Suitable for all pupils.
• Year 9: Exploring University. The purpose, myth-busting the cost and a brief introduction to the University of Oxford. Suitable for all pupils.
• Year 10: An Introduction to Oxford. The people, the courses & the Super Curriculum. Suitable for all pupils and those beginning to show potential to apply to a high-tariff university.
• Year 11: Exploring A-Level Options. University courses and the Russell Group. Suitable for all pupils.
• Year 12: Oxford & the application process. Suitable for those expressing an interest and/or having potential to apply to Oxford and/or Cambridge.
• Year 12: Personal Statement Workshop. Suitable for all pupils and/or those applying to Oxford and/or Cambridge.
• Year 13: Interviews and Admissions Test Guidance workshop. Suitable for those who have submitted an application to Oxbridge.
• An introduction to Oxplore for Years 7 to 12: These sessions are inspired by Oxford’s online outreach platform, Oxplore, and aim to develop the kinds of skills associated with academic and other future success. These skills include critical thinking & analysis, explaining & reasoning, active listening & reflection, persuading, arguing and concluding. Further development of these skills can advantage all pupils in their future, whatever direction this may take.

To book an in-person visit, live-online or pre-recorded session for your school please email [email protected] with your request.

Book a visit day to Trinity College with your students

Trinity College Visit Days

During term, we run visit days on a Wednesday each week to enable primary and secondary school students to come and experience university life and Trinity College.

We welcome enquiries from teachers and individual students for a visit of any year group and time of year though generally we prioritise Years 11 and 12 in Autumn Term, Years 12 and 10 in Spring Term and Years 9 and below including Primary Schools in Summer Term.

Visit days are designed to give pupils a taste of undergraduate life at the University of Oxford and can be adapted for all year groups. There is no charge for these days.

Suggested programme for school visit into College, University of Oxford

• 10:00 Welcome by Access Officer
• 10:15 General Higher Education / University of Oxford Talk
• 11:15 Meet current undergraduate students for a Q&A
• 11:45 Lunch in Hall, with undergraduate students
• 12:30 College tour
• 13:00 Taught session at a museum or subject department e.g. ' Object Handling' at the Pitt Rivers Museum or 'Collections Up Close' at the Bodleian Library
• 14:30 End of the day

The Access team are very happy to adapt and or extend College visit days to meet the needs of any particular group of pupils, so please do get in touch to discuss in more detail. If distance or other significant barriers prevent bringing groups of pupils to the College, please get in touch to discuss what support we may be able to offer to these.

To book a visit day please email [email protected]

Targeted access programmes offered by Trinity College and Oxford Undergraduate Admissions

UNIQ Residential – Spring or Summer (KS5)

In this programme for Year 12 students, participants come to Oxford for five days, stay in a college, attend an academic programme during the day and take part in social activities in the evenings. Students will get first-hand experience of life at university, meet like-minded people and gain deeper understanding of a subject that interests them.

Academic Programme: During UNIQ students will be taught by Oxford academics, attend lectures and labs, and use departmental facilities – just like a real undergraduate! In addition to lectures students might be asked to prepare some independent work for a tutorial at the end of the week where they will go through the topic in detail, either individually with a tutor or in a small group.

The UNIQ academic programmes are demanding, but they are also fun and students get to look at their favourite subject in new and engaging ways. The UNIQ courses give students an insight into what studying at degree level, and at Oxford, is really like.

UNIQ runs courses on over 30 subjects, so there’s plenty to choose from and almost certainly something to suit a variety of interests. Have a look at the UNIQ courses page for more information.

Admissions advice: Aiming high and applying to top universities like Oxford can seem a little daunting, so there will be a range of dedicated sessions throughout the week providing information on every aspect of the application process.

Social Programme: It’s not all hard work! Outside of the academic timetable there will be free time or opportunities to take part in a range of social activities. In the past there have been stand-up comedy evenings, sports and games in the park, college tours, city-wide scavenger hunts and epic parties.

For more information on the selection criteria for UNIQ and to make an application visit the UNIQ website.

Target Oxbridge (KS5)

Target Oxbridge is a free programme that aims to help black African and Caribbean students and students of mixed race with black African and Caribbean heritage increase their chances of getting into the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge (known collectively as Oxbridge). Since launching in 2012, Target Oxbridge has helped 81 students to secure Oxbridge offers.

The programme is open to UK-based students in Year 12 (as well as, in certain circumstances Year 13). The students accepted onto the programme will be high attainers – they will ideally have achieved, 5 grades at A*, 9, 8 or 7 at GCSE. In the case of students hoping to study Medicine, they will ideally have achieved 8 grades at A*, 9 or 8 at GCSE.

The various strands of the programme focus on intellectual, cultural and social development irrespective of personal or economic barriers. These strands include:

• Regular contact with a black or minority ethnic Oxbridge graduate to pinpoint your strengths, discuss your aspirations and identify areas for development.
• A tailored series of critical theory discussions, seminars, Oxbridge-style tutorials, visits to both universities and guest speaker events.
• Advice on making the right degree subject, university and college selection.
• Personalised advice on your personal statement, UCAS form, SAQ statement and other submitted materials including essays, statements of purpose and portfolios.
• Structured Oxbridge interview practice, test preparation sessions with trained markers/assessors and revision workshops.
  One-on-one mentoring.

More information about how to apply can be found on the Target Oxbridge website.

Women in Science (KS4, 5)

Trinity and Wadham colleges together run a special Women in Sciences programme annually for 100 young female scientists in Year 12. The programme aims to encourage and inspire those who have an interest in science to explore its varied and exciting potential at university. Participants join the programme from state schools in Oxford, London, the North East and Wales. For more information email [email protected]

OxLaT Extension Programme (KS4, 5)

This programme gives children in Years 12 to 13 a taste of the intellectual riches that the study of Greco-Roman antiquity has to offer through its languages, literature, philosophy, ancient history and archaeology.  The programme is delivered through summer schools and day schools spread over two years and is open to those who have already completed Latin to GCSE through the Faculty-run OxLAT scheme for children within the wider Oxford catchment area. For more information email [email protected].

Enrichment activities and resources 

Oxplore: The Home of Big Questions

Oxplore is an innovative digital outreach portal from the University of Oxford. As the ‘Home of Big Questions’ it aims to engage those from 11 to 18 years with debates and ideas that go beyond what is covered in the classroom. The big questions aim to tackle complex ideas across a wide range of subjects and draw on the latest research undertaken at Oxford. Oxplore aims to realise aspirations, promote deeper thinking and stimulate intellectual curiosity. This could be an effective tool to aid thinking and discussion skills development. You can find out more about Oxplore and  explore some of the Big Questions.

Inspiring Digital Learning Materials

The University of Oxford has compiled the best of our digital resources to support learning and exploration. They can help parents and teachers to feed the curiosity of growing minds and inspire them to think broadly. These resources can also enable older students to explore their passions and interests further, and to discover more about Oxford. You can find these all on one website 

Competitions for pupils

Several colleges and departments of the University of Oxford run competitions which are open to students from schools and colleges.

Preparing an entry for one of these competitions is a valuable experience for academically motivated students so please do encourage your students to enter. There are also some exciting prizes to be won. Further details can be found on the Oxford's undergraduate admissions website. 

Trinity Talks

Trinity’s postgraduate students and academics are offering supercurricular enrichment to secondary and sixth-form students at state schools. The online interactive twilight sessions feature a college academic or postgraduate discussing their area of academic interest and expertise, with a mix of topics ranging from the politics of Brexit and the future of plastics to the sequencing of the human genome and Virginia Woolf’s modernism. Trinity’s Access and Outreach team also provide a brief overview of super-curricular enrichment and how it relates to thinking about higher education. Each session contains a Q&A for participants with the academic and the Access team. Next programme of sessions begins in January 2022. Check out the Trinity Talks website for registration details and have a look at the YouTube playlist collection of previously recorded talks.

Library Quad

An enrichment resource bank for secondary school students interested in delving deeper into their subject area. Students can explore the collection of resources, including books, online channels and documentaries all recommended by the current undergraduate students from Trinity College. There is lots to explore across many subject areas, including Computer Science, Music and History. Take a look at Library Quad for yourself!

Choosing where to go to university can be a life-changing decision. We hugely value the role that teachers and careers advisors play in encouraging students to consider their options and make informed decisions. In addition to events you can book for your students, Oxford for Oxford aims to supports teachers directly and offers a range of opportunities exclusively for colleagues including a yearlong programme of professional development relating to university admissions with a particular focus on Oxford. 

Trinity College is the main point of contact for Oxfordshire’s schools within the University, and we work closely with the central Undergraduate Admissions Office to offer a range of programmes regularly available to students, their teachers, and families. 

The Trinity College Access Team offer university information and guidance sessions in Oxfordshire schools, as well as hosting visits into Trinity College from all year groups, in both primary and state secondary schools. There are also several residential opportunities in Oxford for both students and teachers in state secondary schools.

All programmes and activities featured here are intended for teachers.

Teacher CPD support from Trinity College and The University of Oxford 

Trinity College Online Teacher Support Programme

Our year-long online Teacher Support Programme is made up of six one and a half hour sessions each taking place after the school day. Whilst we begin the programme in January each year, we encourage teachers to join at any point or just for those sessions they would find most helpful. We offer a completion certificate for those attending all sessions, however, there is no requirement to do so.

In these sessions, we aim to provide up to date practical information and guidance relating to the Oxford application process and the purpose of each stage, for example, the admissions tests and interviews. We also have the broader aim to provide teachers with guidance that may help them to support their pupils in all higher education applications, as well as those who may have the potential to apply to Oxford.

The six sessions include:

• An introduction to the University of Oxford and the admission process
• Supporting students through the process of writing a competitive personal statement
• Writing the teacher reference – what top universities are looking for
• Relevant enrichment activities for pupils – raising attainment and enhancing future academic success
• The admissions tests – supporting your pupils to prepare
• The interview – supporting your pupils to prepare

The programme also offers guidance to teachers and other school colleagues about pupil enrichment activities known to develop the skills associated with a raise in attainment and of benefit for university level study.

We particularly welcome applications from non-selective state schoolteachers who have little or no experience of the University of Oxford, pupil progression to the Russell Group or Higher Education in general.

To find out the dates for the sessions, please check out the Trinity College Teacher Support Pages.

Oxford University Regional Teacher Conferences

Because the University recognises the key role that teachers and careers advisers play in encouraging students to consider their options and make informed decisions, Oxford runs regional teacher conferences. During these conferences you will have a chance to talk with Oxford University professionals about supporting your students through all aspects of considering, and applying to, Oxford. Sign up to attend the next conference in your region.

Teacher Summer Schools

The University of Oxford’s CPD accredited Teacher Summer School is a FREE two-day residential conference in Oxford for teachers from state-funded 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. Details of the summer school can be found on the Oxford University website.

Other resources for teachers

In addition to the regular support for teachers offered by Trinity College and Oxford University's Outreach and Access team, Oxford's departments, divisions, libraries, museums and collections offer a range of additional workshops, career support and resources drawing on all the expertise the University has to offer. 

Teacher support and resources in humanities subjects

History Online Teacher Workshops

The History Faculty's online Online Teacher Workshops are designed to support the development of practical history skills and provide advice on making a competitive application to selective universities such as Oxford. The workshops consist of three elements – supporting the development of History Skills, making a competitive application & teacher Q&A. Further information and details of how to book can be found on the Faculty of History website.  

English Faculty Teachers' Conference

This one-day online event for teachers offers an introduction to studying English at Oxford, taster lectures, admissions talk, Q&A with academics and Faculty members to understand how to help teachers support their prospective students (especially considering the impact of the pandemic). For more information, please email [email protected].

English Faculty Teachers Days

These upcoming events are a shorter version of the English Faculty Teachers' Conferences, consisting of taster lectures and resources presentations to teachers for classroom use. For more information, please email [email protected].

Teacher support and resources in Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences subjects

Practical Nanoscience for Teachers

A day of hands-on nano-science training for science teachers to support the GCSE, GCE and BTEC science curricula. Includes practicals, lab visits and handouts. For more information visit the Begbroke Science Park website or contact [email protected].

Teacher support and resources offered by Oxford's gardens, libraries and museums

Ashmolean Museum Student Teacher Training

As part of the Ashmolean Museum's ongoing links with Oxford Brooke and Oxford University, the museum's Education team contribute to both universities' teacher training programmes with sessions about learning from objects, designing a creative curriculum, and more. For more information email [email protected].

History of Science Museum teacher CPD/ITT

The History of Science Museum can offer occasional CPD to teachers in person or virtually. Visit the museum's website or contact [email protected] for more information.

Teacher support and resources offered by Oxford's Department of Education

Oxford Education Deanery

The Oxford Education Deanery facilitates the continuing professional development of teachers at all career stages in local schools by engaging them in research and providing various training courses.

There are four types of research in the Deanery: Teachers carrying out Action Research; teachers on the Masters course conducting research in their schools; research by academics in collaboration with the Deanery, and research conducted more widely within the University of Oxford that is relevant to teachers. Visit the Oxford Education Deanery website for more information.

Enrichment resources

Oxplore: The Home of Big Questions (KS3, 4, 5)

Oxplore is an innovative digital outreach portal from the University of Oxford. As the ‘Home of Big Questions’ it aims to engage those from 11 to 18 years with debates and ideas that go beyond what is covered in the classroom. The big questions aim to tackle complex ideas across a wide range of subjects and draw on the latest research undertaken at Oxford. Oxplore aims to realise aspirations, promote deeper thinking and stimulate intellectual curiosity. This could be an effective tool to aid thinking and discussion skills development. Find out more about Oxplore and explore some of the Big Questions.

Inspiring Digital Learning Materials (KS4, 5)

The University of Oxford has compiled the best of its digital resources to support learning and exploration. They can help parents and teachers to feed the curiosity of growing minds and inspire them to think broadly. These resources can also enable older students to explore their passions and interests further, and to discover more about Oxford. You can find these all in one site online.

Additional support for your school

Study Higher (KS3-5)

The Study Higher targeted outreach is for young people in school years 9 -13, who live in specific geographical areas across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Swindon. These wards have been identified by the funders, the Office for Students, and focus on areas where there is typically lower progression to higher education.

Schools with a high percentage of target pupils are eligible for our extensive programme of activity, which includes support from one of our Higher Education Liaison Officers (HELOs). HELOs ensure that schools are aware of outreach opportunities available and that activity is tailored to meet the needs of both the school and pupils.

Study Higher currently work intensively with 34 schools in these regions. To find out if you, your school and/or your child is eligible or for more information about our targeted outreach check their website information. 

Universify Education residential in Oxford (KS4)

Universify's vision is for all students to reach their potential in education. To achieve this, they want to help more students from non-traditional backgrounds to feel empowered and excited about fulfilling their potential at top universities.

Through their year-long programme they aim to improve educational aspirations, school attainment and application prospects to highly selective universities for Year 10 students unsure about whether university is for them. By taking part in the programme students become a university student for a week in the summer, and gain a true experience of what it is like to study at a top university and how they can make it to a highly selective university, with the help of a Universify coach.

You can register your school’s interest in this programme on the Universify website. 

Oxford careers education for schools (KS3-5)

Trinity's Teacher Engagement Officer, Richard Petty, is also responsible for supporting schools to access Oxford Careers Education for Schools. The University of Oxford Careers Service have adapted a series of successful programmes that we use with undergraduate students, in versions appropriate, usable, and effective for schools.

The Tailored programmes especially for schools are Litmus, The Student Consultancy for Schools, and Ignite.

The programmes are free to schools and students in the maintained sector and are aimed at all learners within schools and colleges, not just those with particular aspirations in mind.

This initiative also extends to a specialised programme called Oxford Opportunity North, which offers careers education support for state schools in the Northeast of England.

For more information about this programme please contact [email protected]

Litmus

Targeted and personalised careers advice can be more effective with students and more efficient for staff; Litmus is a careers registration tool that asks students to define their frame of mind around their career and the specific industry sectors in which they are interested. Staff can then use these to arrange tailored careers events that fit with students’ current mindset and industry interests.

The Student Consultancy for Schools

The Student Consultancy for Schools is a structured programme designed to engage teams of pupils on real business issues with local organisations. Pupils who take part learn basic consulting skills including analysis, research, interviewing, presenting and report writing, as well as secondary skills of planning their time, taking part in a 12+ week project, working with the public and business people, and understanding how organisations work.

Ignite: Careers Confidence for Schools

Ignite is a programme of over 60 separate, age-specific lessons on assertiveness, confidence, networking, and marketing for Key Stages 3, 4, and 5. The programme is designed to be delivered by (e.g., PSHE) teachers within the existing curriculum, in 20, 30, 45, or 60 minute lessons.

The Oxford Careers Website

Oxford University Careers website might be of particular interest to teachers interested in supporting student progression within their own school. On this website teachers can find information supporting and developing student knowledge and understanding of the different sector & occupation pathways, guidance on generating careers ideas and CV writing.

Trinity College support for parents and families in your school

When it comes to deciding the next steps after school, everyone benefits from the support of the family and friends who know them best.

The team at Trinity College run an online live session for parents in which we cover questions about costs and finance, student support and well-being. These interactive sessions give parents the chance to ask questions and meet current students. The aim of our parent sessions is to explore the following themes:

• The benefits of going to university alongside the costs
• What the University of Oxford has to offer prospective applicants
• Helping parents and carers feel more confident about their role in supporting their child's future choices

We run these sessions in the summer and autumn term, and they are advertised through our linked schools. Parents can also book onto a choice of dates independently, so look out for our emails to share with parents. To discuss planning a session specifically for your students’ parents please get in touch to discuss directly by emailing [email protected]

Trinity College strongly encourages all teachers to sign up to the Oxford University Teachers eNewsletter to keep up to date with school events and other developments across the University and departments. We also encourage teachers to use the University teacher’s section on the website for advice, information and resources.

Further additional opportunities for teachers include:

knowledge exchange, public engagement with research local community The Oxford Educational Deanery department for Continuing education 

We have put together the following resources to help you to encourage them to look ahead and consider the implications of their choices.

Live online parent HE support sessions and further online support

Trinity College outreach for parents & carers of children in state schools

When it comes to deciding the next steps after school, everyone benefits from the support of the family and friends who know them best.

The team at Trinity College run an online live session for parents in which we cover questions about costs and finance, student support and well-being. These interactive sessions give parents the chance to ask questions and meet current students. The aim of our parent sessions is to explore the following themes:

The benefits of going to university alongside the costs

What the University of Oxford has to offer prospective applicants

Helping parents and carers feel more confident about their role in supporting their child's future choices
We run these sessions in the summer and autumn term, and they are advertised through your child's school. Parents can also book onto a choice of dates independently, by checking out our upcoming events on the Trinity College website. If you are a teacher and want to discuss planning a session specifically for your students’ parents please get in touch to discuss directly by emailing: [email protected]

Further Online support

As a parent it is not always easy to know how to help, so the University of Oxford wants to make sure everyone has to hand the information that might be needed.

The University has produced a website page and a downloadable guide explaining why we believe university might be the right next step for a child and why Oxford might be a good fit. There's advice on how students should set about choosing what to study, preparing for university and how to put in a strong application.

We want parents and carers to know that students are in safe hands at Oxford and how seriously we take their wellbeing. We also understand that parents will need to be clear on how costs will be covered, and to be reassured that our financial support for UK students is some of the most generous offered by any university. This information and the written guide can be found on Oxford's dedicated parent and carer website.

Enrichment resources for your young people

Oxplore: The Home of Big Questions (KS3, 4, 5)

Oxplore is an innovative digital outreach portal from the University of Oxford. As the ‘Home of Big Questions’ it aims to engage those from 11 to 18 years with debates and ideas that go beyond what is covered in the classroom. The big questions aim to tackle complex ideas across a wide range of subjects and draw on the latest research undertaken at Oxford. Oxplore aims to realise aspirations, promote deeper thinking and stimulate intellectual curiosity. This could be an effective tool to aid thinking and discussion skills development. Find out more about Oxplore and explore some of the Big Questions.

Inspiring Digital Learning Materials (KS4, 5)

The University of Oxford has compiled the best of its digital resources to support learning and exploration. They can help parents and teachers to feed the curiosity of growing minds and inspire them to think broadly. These resources can also enable older students to explore their passions and interests further, and to discover more about Oxford. You can find these all in one site online. 

Competitions for pupils (KS3, 4, 5)

Several colleges and departments of the University of Oxford run competitions which are open to students from schools and colleges.

Preparing an entry for one of these competitions is a valuable experience for academically motivated students so please do encourage your young people to enter. There are also some exciting prizes to be won. Further details can be found on the school competitions website.

Trinity Talks – ONLINE LIVE (KS4, 5)

Suggested text: Trinity’s postgraduate students and academics are offering supercurricular enrichment to secondary and sixth-form students at state schools. The interactive sessions feature a college academic or postgraduate discussing their area of academic interest and expertise, with a mix of topics ranging from the politics of Brexit and the future of plastics to the sequencing of the human genome and Virginia Woolf’s modernism. Trinity’s Access and Outreach team also provide a brief overview of super-curricular enrichment and how it relates to thinking about higher education. Each session contains a Q&A for participants with the academic and the Access team. You can view more on the Trinity website online outreach page, and you can access the most recent talks on a YouTube Playlist here.

Gardens, Libraries and Museums (KS 1-5)

The University of Oxford's Gardens, Libraries and Museums are open to the public, providing broad access to the internationally significant collections held by the University as well as to the research and academic activity happening across the University.

There are an enormous range of opportunities available to families to take part in FREE events, visits and programmes at the University Gardens, Libraries and Museums. Trinity College encourage parents and carers to look at the website page especially for families to find out what is on offer.

Additional opportunities families might be interested in include:

knowledge exchange, public engagement with research local community The Oxford Educational Deanery department for Continuing education