On Friday, a group of 13 Year 10 students from St Paul’s Academy had the exciting opportunity to visit St Catherine’s College at the University of Oxford as part of the Point 3 programme.

Following the success of the previous Point 2 visit to Deptford Green, this visit offered students a deeper insight into university life and the academic opportunities available to them in the future.

Visiting Oxford made me realise that university is something I can aim for. The tour and the taster sessions really opened my eyes to what’s possible.

From the moment they arrived, the students were exceptional and acted as true ambassadors of St Paul’s Academy. The day began with refreshments and a warm welcome, followed by an introduction to university and life at Oxford. A Q&A session with current students (subject to availability) gave our students the chance to ask questions and hear first-hand about the Oxford experience.

The group then enjoyed a guided tour of St Catherine’s College, followed by a free lunch in the Hall Marquee. Students were also treated to an additional tour of the halls of residence at Jesus College, giving them a broader perspective of student life at Oxford.

I really enjoyed the medicine session. It was challenging but exciting, and it helped me think more seriously about my future career.

In the afternoon, students were invited to take part in academic taster sessions tailored to their interests, with options currently including Medicine, Maths, and Humanities. These sessions were designed to inspire and challenge students, offering a glimpse into the kind of learning they might experience at university level.

The visit concluded with a feedback session and final questions before the group departed at 2:30pm. Staff and organisers at Oxford praised the students for their engagement, behaviour, and thoughtful contributions throughout the day.

This visit marks another successful step in our students’ academic journey and continues to raise aspirations for higher education amongst our Year 10 cohort.

The campus was amazing, and hearing from actual Oxford students made it feel more real. I’m definitely feeling more motivated after this trip.