Over the last two weeks, we have been thrilled to welcome back many alumnae to give help and advice to students about applying for and living at university.

On Friday 13^th September, we were visited by Minnie Karanjavala (A Level 2018, now studying engineering at Oxford University) and Emily Hardcastle (IB 2016, now studying biomedical sciences with integrated Masters and Professional Training Year at Cardiff University), who gave many valuable tips to an audience of Y12 and Y13 students. It was wonderful to hear of their experiences so far, including an amazing year carrying out neurological research in Australia for Emily.

This was followed on Friday 20^th September by a specially arranged session for the whole of Year 13, whereby several alumnae from the Class of 2018 spoke to the girls about life in the first year of university. Having recently finished their first years at universities such as Birmingham, Cambridge, Kings College London and Trowbridge College of Art, they were in the best possible position to advise the girls on everything from Freshers Week and managing a budget, to the difference between lectures and seminars and how to make the most of the extra-curricular clubs and societies on offer. It was wonderful to see the confidence and independence that the girls had continued to develop in their time away and to hear of their many and varied experiences.

Later the same day, we were joined by a selection of alumnae to speak specifically about life at Oxbridge universities to girls from year 10 to 13 who were interested in following this path. Their experiences were inspiring and intriguing, and the advice they gave about interviews, standing out from other applicants, and skill development at university was absolutely invaluable.

Our sincere thanks go to our amazing alumnae, who were willing to give up their time to support our current students. We look forward to seeing our current sixth formers back in a few years’ time to share their experiences in the same way! In addition to Minnie and Emily, thank you to Helen Sunderland (Class of 2011), Lizzie Dunn (Class of 2016), Sarah Haynes (Class of 2017), Coco Vercoe, Maia Eyre-Morgan, Sophie Churchill, Freya Wills, Emilia Sill, Autumn Laskey-Downs and Mickey Katsimiha (Class of 2018).

Anna Robertson, Emma Hilliam and Tim Hardcastle