FAQs

Q: Why should I join Aspire?

A: The competition for places at Oxbridge is fierce, meaning any expert advice you can receive when applying is invaluable. Aspire will provide you with advice from people who have experienced the process already, and will develop the skills you will need to succeed. Even if you don’t get into Oxbridge, the skills that you will gain on our programmes will help you to succeed, whatever you go on to do.

Q: How do you decide who gets onto the Aspire programmes?

A: All our partner secondary schools are invited to makes nominations. We are looking for students that have the skills and the motivation required to get into Oxbridge. Your school is asked to consider your academic record, your written skills, your ability to communicate ideas clearly and, most importantly, your motivation and passion for achieving your goals.

Q: What can I do to get on to the programmes?

A: If you are a Yr10 or Yr12 (or soon to be), you can ask your headteacher to nominate you. The Yr10 programme is called 'Inspiring Young Minds' and the Yr12 programme is called 'Reaching Higher'.

Q: How much do the Aspire programmes cost?

A: Nothing, both programmes are completely free. The residential trips to Oxford and Cambridge are subsidised but do incur a modest cost. These costs can be met by your school or Aspire - no one is excluded from our programme because they can't afford it.

Q: Will I have to take time off school to attend the workshops and sessions?

A: No, mostly you will not have to take time off school to attend the workshops and sessions. The workshops and sessions will take place during the holidays or in the evenings or at weekends. You will always be informed well in advance of the dates and times of the sessions and workshops. Our residential visits to Oxford and Cambridge may be in school time, but we will make these arrangements with your school.

Q: How much time do the programmes take up?

A: You will keep regular contact with the Aspire Liverpool director. During term time, contact will mainly be intermittent (or only when needed) over email or the phone, but during holidays – particularly the summer – when there will be events, seminars and tutorials, activities will be scheduled based on the most appropriate times for the entire cohort.

Q: What if I don’t get a place?

A: If you do not get a place on the Aspire Programme, do not let this discourage you from applying to Oxbridge. As we are only able to take on a small number of students, we know that there will be great students that we will not be able to take onto our programme.You should be able to get advice from your teachers at school if you decide to apply. Be sure to let them know in advance that you intend on applying to Oxbridge, so that they can help you along the way. Remember, the Oxbridge application process is different to that of other universities, so do your research by visiting the university websites.