Close-up of yellow flowers growing in the college

Outreach Across Yorkshire

SCROLL TO EXPLORE

Access and Outreach work is central to Brasenose College’s commitment to ensuring that talented students can flourish at Oxford, regardless of background or circumstance. This vital work is made possible through the generosity of supporters such as the Jack Goldhill Charitable Trust, whose £6,000 gift last year enabled Brasenose to expand its outreach activity across the Yorkshire region. This support allowed the Head of Access, Dr Joe Organ, and Schools Officer, Holly Plater, to visit schools in person, meeting prospective applicants face-to-face and giving them the confidence, guidance and encouragement to see Oxford as within their reach.

We are deeply grateful to alumnus Dr David Goldhill (PPE, 1971) and the other trustees of the Jack Goldhill Charitable Trust for their commitment to this work. Their generosity has helped ensure that Brasenose can reach students who might not otherwise consider applying to Oxford, offering encouragement, practical advice and the reassurance that they belong here.

This year has been another busy and impactful one. With the support of student ambassadors and colleagues from Cambridge, the Access and Outreach team has continued its programme of school visits, particularly across Yorkshire. September alone is filled with visits and practice interviews, designed to encourage young people to see Oxford as a realistic option and to give them the best possible preparation for the application process. Schools consistently tell us how valuable these in-person sessions are, making the significant travel involved — often covering around 900 kilometres across the region — both worthwhile and essential.

In addition, Brasenose welcomes schools to the College during Open Days, offering overnight stays that allow prospective applicants to experience student life first-hand. Each year, thousands of young people visit Brasenose through these events, many of whom leave inspired and confident to apply. For a significant number, these visits are the decisive moment in choosing Oxford and Brasenose College.

Through the generosity of supporters such as the Jack Goldhill Charitable Trust, Access and Outreach at Brasenose continues to change perceptions, raise aspirations and create opportunities for talented students. We are profoundly grateful for this support and hope that, together, we can continue to ensure that the brightest minds are able to thrive at Oxford, whatever their background.