A beacon for access

With the support of alumni, the College has shown how to attract and support the best young minds from all backgrounds, many of whom would never have considered that an Oxford education was for them. This distinctive Wadham commitment to raising academic standards through inclusivity is not only a deep source of institutional pride, but is also influencing change across the sector.

Through academic sessions in the College, visits to priority schools, subject-specific summer schools, and targeted bursaries, we are engaging with the best and brightest young people from under-represented backgrounds, raising horizons and aspirations. The impact is evidenced by the nearly 40,000 school pupils and 200 schools involved in our regional outreach programme, with those engaged significantly more likely to apply for and secure places at Oxford.

Despite having perhaps the widest scope and ambition for access of any Oxford college, we currently only have the resources to underwrite our access programme for the coming 4–5 years. Against a backdrop of recession and increased pressures on welfare and educational provision, the College must sustain and grow its efforts to support the most vulnerable and deserving students in our regional link areas and schools.

“I am very grateful to everyone who has made Wadham one of the vanguard colleges in achieving the successes we have had in opening up to pupils of every possible background…”

The Chancellor, The Rt Hon the Lord Patten of Barnes KG, CH, PC

Please do get in touch to discuss how your donation can make a difference. We are always pleased to hear from you.

Julie Hage: julie.hage@wadham.ox.ac.uk

Barnaby Norman: barnaby.norman@wadham.ox.ac.uk