This involved a number of schools from as far afield as Wales, Northern Ireland, London and Lancashire. We had a mixture of age groups, from years 10 to 12, and were hugely impressed with the way students from different schools worked together on the activities we set them. The day involved talks, discussion time for the teachers, an activity and a trip to either the Physics department or the Ashmolean Museum for yet more activities – all rounded off with tea at Hertford College. Our thanks go to the Drapers’ Company for supporting this event and many others.

Some feedback from the day:

Thank you for making us all feel so welcome at last week’s school event. We all thoroughly enjoyed our visit to St Anne’s and in particular the lively Physics lecture we attended.”

For the children it was a wonderful opportunity to experience the magic of Oxford and to realise that the undergraduates although very impressive, are just normal young people; for the teachers it gave an admirable insight into what happens when one of their pupils applies for a place at Oxford.”

Many thanks for the warm welcome received by our teacher and students at last week’s visit. They have been bubbling with enthusiasm ever since and found it a great experience to see the buildings and to have a taste of student life.”

The students found the day both enjoyable and useful and have undoubtedly been inspired to aim high in their aspirations. I had the pleasure of sitting with them on the train coming home, and they were buzzing with excitement at what they had seen and done.”

I thought Oxford was so prestigious, so far above me – but it was full of ordinary people who were extraordinarily friendly.”

I enjoyed today so much, because I not only believe I could apply but I know I would flourish in the environment.”