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Pathways Scheme

Learn about our long-term outreach programme

Pathways Scheme

Girton College’s Pathways to Higher Education (HE) is a long-term outreach programme that works with students from Year 7 until they leave secondary school. The scheme began in 2016-2017 academic year. 

With this programme of sustained engagement, we collaborate with schools in our West Midlands and Cambridge Link Areas to raise academic aspirations, inform and guide students about the impact of their choices at key transition periods and to support students at the point of applying to HE. 

The Girton College Pathways to HE scheme is in line with government priorities as there is a growing body of evidence that emphasises the importance of a long-term strategy for widening participation to HE, particularly to the most selective institutions. 

We have recently launched the scheme for the 2024 academic year. If your school is part of our link areas and would like to join in on the scheme, please contact us.  

Year groupActivityWhoWhereWhen
7Aspiration DayWhole year groupSchoolsUpon request: October, November, January
8Postcard competitionWhole year groupHosted by schools and judged by School Liaison OfficerSeptember
9High attainers short essay competition40 students per schoolHosted by schools and judged by School Liaison OfficerDecember
10Visit to Cambridge40 students per schoolIn person, Girton CollegeOctober and February. Dates confirmed closer to timings.
11

1. Subject Matters talks

 

2. Parent and Supporter sessions

40 students per school

1. In-person and online

 

2. Online

1. Upon request: September, October, and November

 

2. September, January, and July

12

1. Masterclasses (arts sessions and science sessions)

 

2. Application and personal statement workshop

 

20 selected students from each school

1. In-person, Girton College

 

2. Online

1. October and February

 

2. June and July

13Interviews workshopStudents with university interviewsOnlineNovember