Aim for Oxford

About the Programme

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).

 

Applications for our sixth cohort (starting January 2027) will be open from 08:00, 01 September 2026 to 17:00, 31 October 2026.

In 2027, we expect to hold a series of four academic enrichment, information and guidance sessions across four Saturdays between January and April 2026,(16th January, 13th February, 20th March and 17th April) followed by a free four-night summer school at Oxford University (Monday 23rd – Friday 27th August 2027).

We cover the cost of reasonable travel expenses to all sessions. Participants who decide to make applications to Oxford will progress to the Year 13 programme (September 2027 onwards) and receive continued support in their application.

Applications

Applications for the 2027 programme will open on 01 September 2026. 

Please apply here.

We will approach nominated teachers for a reference in November 2026 and expected to communicate outcomes to all applicants in December 2026. 

All successful applicants will require parent/carer permission to participate in the programme (due by the end of December 2026). 

Spaces on the programme are limited and applications will be assessed against academic criteria, and take into account whether one or more of the following apply to you:

    • Your IMD score is 1 or 2.
    • Your ACORN postcode score is 4 or 5
    • You have been eligible for free school meals
    • Neither of your parents went to University
    • You are from an ethnic minority background that is underrepresented at Oxford
    • You have been, or currently are, in care
    • You are a young carer
Students in Aim for Oxford's 2025 cohort came from across the North-East of England.