STUDENTS are acting as a link between Priestley College’s current cohort and two of the world’s top universities.
Joe Brown, who is reading Law at Oxford, and Vincent Lister, who is studying at Cambridge, have given guided tours of the universities as well as offered some advice on how to earn a place there.
It is hoped that by meeting Priestley alumni Joe, the current students will be inspired to aim high.
“Hopefully this shows them what can be achieved and proves that they can do it if they want to,” said Senior Tutor Mark Salmon.
Joe, who is based at St Edmund Hall, gave the visiting students a tour of Oxford and guided them through the university’s application process.
He also talked about how being on Priestley’s prestigious and unique Graduate programme helped him to prepare for, and secure his place at, university.
The programme is aimed at raising students’ aspirations and giving them skills and experiences that make them more attractive to universities and employers.
“For me, the Graduate was one of the most beneficial programmes that I took part in throughout my time at Priestley,” said Joe.
“I had always wanted to apply to Oxford, but until I got to college I had no idea how I could go about this and whether or not such an application would be successful.
“I have no doubt that I would not have been as successful in applying to university if I hadn’t taken part in the Graduate, and I met some amazing people along the way as well.”
Joe believes opportunities provided by the Graduate – including essay writing competitions and Model United Nations events – helped ensure his application stood out from the crowd.
Mark Salmon said the support of Joe and Vincent, who provided a similar experience at Cambridge, was invaluable and inspirational for Priestley students.
“It is really important for our students to hear about university from those experiencing it today, which is why we organise these residential trips,” he said.
