Think Oxbridge
Aspire Liverpool: The Liverpool to Oxbridge Programme
Think Oxbridge
Aspire Liverpool: The Liverpool to Oxbridge Programme
Why Aspire is needed
The system isn't working.
Your chances of studying at our best universities should not be affected by where you live - or how rich your family is.
Young people in Liverpool are just as bright and hard-working as anywhere else. And every student should be given the opportunity to make the best of their talents.
But as study after study has shown, your postcode and how well-off your family is really does affect your chances of gaining places at Oxford and Cambridge. ('Oxbridge', as they are known). For many young people in Liverpool, the doors to Oxbridge seem closed.
It shouldn't be this way.
Aspire works with young people from across Liverpool to show them that Oxbridge can be for them, helps navigate their way through the entry process and show off all of their talent, skills and hard work.
Aspire helps you to maximise your potential.
What people say...
Sir Terry Leahy, Trustee & Donor, Aspire Liverpool
“The UK has some of the finest universities in the world, breeding grounds for leaders in business, politics, science and the arts. As someone from Liverpool, committed to social mobility, I am determined that bright young people from my city have the opportunity to enter these great institutions. This has not been happening enough and is a waste of our young talent. That is why I am so excited by Aspire Liverpool which will enable many more Liverpool students to win places at the top universities, changing their lives and our city’s future for the better.“
Faye Roberts, Notre Dame 2021
"I think the resources Aspire provides are the most beneficial in the somewhat daunting Oxbridge application process. One resource I found particularly helpful was the arrangement of mock interviews. The interviews are a major part of the application, and it was very useful to have a ‘practice run’ of an interview before the real thing."
Faye Roberts, programme alumnus, awarded a place to read History at Oxford, 2021
Alice Hardacre, St John Bosco 2020
"Having no prior exposure to higher education, the idea of studying at university appeared foreign and intangible. The opportunities afforded to me through the programme (such as residential visits, skill development sessions and taster lectures) not only supported me in applying to top institutions but inspired me to do so."
Alice Hardacre, programme alumnus, made an offer to read Law at Oxford, January 2020
Isabella Fahey, Broughton Hall student, 2019
“The project was a massive help in my application to Cambridge. I was able to visit both Oxford and Cambridge, and I had the opportunity to talk to current students about their experience. I was also given help structuring my personal statement and interview preparation. The programme not only inspired me to apply, but gave me the practical tools needed to make my application successful!"
Isabella Fahey, programme alumnus, awarded a place to study Modern Languages at Cambridge, 2019
Jack Clarke, West Derby Boys School, 2018
Jack Clarke, West Derby Boys School, 2018
"The support, guidance and encouragement of the Liverpool to Oxbridge scheme really was indispensable in equipping me with the confidence, skills, and motivation needed to proceed through the process. They gave me so much practical help. I know that without it, I never would have applied to Cambridge. I genuinely can't thank the Oxbridge team enough!"
Jack Clarke, programme alumnus, awarded a place to study Human, Social & Political Science at Cambridge, 2018
Mona Dimitrova, Holly Lodge 2019
Jack Clarke, West Derby Boys School, 2018
Applying to Cambridge was a stressful process and I knew nothing of what it entailed. The programme introduced me to lots of important things when it came to applying and helped me to see that I shouldn’t be intimidated - but rather enjoy it, and use it as a gigantic and helpful learning experience!”
Mona Dimitrova, programme alumnus, made an offer to read History & Politics at Cambridge, 2019