Access to Banking students attend an Easter residential at Wadham College

Access to Banking is a free two-year programme run by Wadham College in collaboration with Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank. Designed around core skills for university learning and careers in banking, it is open to Year 12 students attending a non-selective state school who have an interest in studying at a top university, and pursuing a career in the banking sector.

This year's cohort of 20 students spent a productive three days at Wadham for their Easter residential. The Access to Banking programme also includes online sessions to develop key academic and career skills; 20 hours of 1-1 online A Level tutoring; interactive sessions with Barclays Investment Banking colleagues, including two full-day workshops at their Canary Wharf offices; and personal statement mentoring.

Dr Hugh Munro, our Access and Outreach Officer and Acting Tutor for Access, shared his thoughts about the residential at Wadham:

“The Access to Banking programmes gives sixth form students the opportunity to see themselves at a top university and going on to work in the finance sector. The Wadham residential gave participants the opportunity to experience what life at Oxford is like. It comes a couple of weeks after their visit to Barclays’ Canary Wharf offices, which gave them the experience of working in the City.  It was wonderful to see the participants be at home at Wadham, take part in academic sessions, and be supported by our brilliant student ambassadors, many of whom were from the same London neighbourhoods as them.”