Aim for Oxford

We believe that a diverse student population is the best student population and that diversity in itself is a rich source of learning. This includes geographical range, and we are committed to increasing applications from students from areas that are currently underrepresented at Oxford. Aim for Oxford – a programme for ambitious sixth formers in the North East – is one of the ways that we will do this. 

Aim for Oxford offers up to 60 high-ability students the opportunity to participate in a programme designed to support them in their studies and to help them make competitive applications to Oxford. All events and activities will be offered free of charge.

Aim for Oxford offers the opportunity to explore subjects with university researchers, experience academic and social life at Oxford University, receive expert advice on how to apply, and be supported throughout the process.

The programme is completely free for Year 12 students attending state schools in the North East of England (Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton on Tees and Sunderland).

In 2026, we plan to deliver a series of four Saturday sessions focused on academic enrichment, guidance, and information. These will take place on 17 January, 14 February, 21 March, and 18 April. Following these sessions, participants will be invited to attend a free four-night residential summer school at Oxford University in August 2026. 

We will cover reasonable travel costs for all scheduled events.  

Participants who decide to make applications to Oxford move on to the Year 13 programme from September 2026, and receive continued support in their application. 

To make a successful application, your GCSE results should show strong academic potential (preference for grades 7/ 8/ 9)

We will also consider other criteria, including if at least one of these applies to you:

• You have been eligible for free school meals
• Your parents did not go to university
• You are from an ethnic background that is underrepresented at Oxford
• You have been, or currently are, in care
• You are a young carer
• Your home postcode is indicative of an area of socio-economic disadvantage, as measured by ACORN category or Index of Multiple Deprivation (see www.ox.ac.uk/context for more information)

The applications for the 2025 Year 12 programme are open now. 

Please apply here by the midnight of 26 October 2025: Aim for Oxford Application Form 25/26

References will be requested from nominated teachers in November 2025. We aim to notify all applicants of the outcome by December 2025. 

Successful candidates must obtain consent from a parent or carer to take part in the programme, with permission required by the end of December 2025. 

Please direct any queries to access@chch.ox.ac.uk or oxfordfornortheast@admin.ox.ac.uk

Jennifer Yee, Tutor in Modern Languages at Christ Church:

Christ Church is delighted to be collaborating closely with St Anne’s on the new Aim for Oxford programme and we are really keen to work with students in the North East and welcome them to residentials in Oxford. The sustained contact programme is a brilliant way to support young people in their aspirations and visiting Oxford will help them discover what a diverse and friendly place it really is.

Helen King, St Anne’s College Principal:

This ambitious and exciting new initiative will provide talented students from the North East with insights and the best possible support so that they can aim for Oxford. We are looking forward to working with schools, students, and the local community to open up the University, and reaching those students whose talent we are currently missing.

Samina Khan, Director, Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach:

Oxford wants to ensure that students from different backgrounds and regions are welcomed to Oxford. This programme will help to support students in the North East to feel Oxford is for them, and I’m looking forward to seeing more academically talented students from this region coming to study at the University.

Aim for Oxford participants: 

Thank you so much! The whole experience has been quite transformative. 

I really just feel welcome, included and like an Oxford University student. Also I really enjoyed the tutorials as they mentally challenged me.