Northampton Academy was delighted to welcome Olivia Taylor, a student from the University of Cambridge, currently in her second year reading Psychological and Behavioural Science at Clare College. In addition to her studies, Olivia is an ambassador for the Target Scheme, which aims to encourage students from under-represented groups to consider applying to Cambridge.
Olivia completed her secondary school education in Northamptonshire and hailed from an ordinary working-class background. She understands how daunting applying to an Oxbridge college can be. Many students are put off considering Oxford and Cambridge by the myths and stereotypes that still surround these universities. As a current undergraduate who mentors prospective applicants from "disadvantaged" backgrounds, Olivia knows personally how challenging the experience of applying to Cambridge can be. Her ambition is to ensure that students don’t miss out on these opportunities as a result of understandable apprehension of whether somewhere like Oxford or Cambridge is where they belong.
Olivia presented an assembly to Year 9 students, sharing her understanding of how important making the right decisions at this time can be. She counselled students to consider the range of options available carefully and the importance of making the correct choices for them, to ensure a successful outcome.
Following this was a session with Year 12 students, currently considering an Oxbridge application, to share her own experiences and offer essential advice on how to prepare for an interview. Encounters such as these are vital to students with high aspirations, ensuring that they are provided with advice which is true and up to date. Our thanks go to Olivia for her time and support and we look forward to seeing her again at Northampton Academy very soon.