Lucy Cavendish College Academic Attainment Programme 2026-2028
Lucy Cavendish College (in partnership with Pembroke College)
Applications for this cycle have closed
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Take subject-specific enrichment classes, join monthly peer discussions and academic-led taster sessions, then complete an independent super-curricular project culminating in a poster presentation. Get practical support with personal statements, admissions assessments and interview preparation, with session recordings and resources available online.
The Academic Attainment Programme (AAP) is a free, virtual outreach programme run by Lucy Cavendish College in partnership with Pembroke College to support high-achieving state school students preparing competitive applications to top universities. The programme provides subject-specific enrichment classes, monthly peer discussion groups, taster sessions, and a super-curricular exploration project designed to deepen subject knowledge, develop critical thinking, and build confidence for university applications.
Students follow subject-focused Enrichment Curriculums (series of linked 90-minute sessions), attend peer discussion groups, take subject taster sessions led by academics, and complete an independent Super-curricular Exploration Project culminating in a poster presentation. The programme also offers practical university-readiness sessions and admissions support, including guidance on personal statements, admissions assessments, and interview preparation.
The AAP is targeted at high-achieving students at state schools and incorporates widening-participation criteria to prioritise those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. All live sessions are delivered online, with resources and recordings made available to participants.
6 October 2026
Teacher verification deadline: 2026-10-09 10:00. Late applications will not be considered.
Dates from the previous cycle. New dates are announced when applications reopen.
November 2026 – April 2028
Academic Attainment Programme 2026-2028
Location
- Be in Year 12 in England or Wales, S5 in Scotland, or Year 13 in Northern Ireland in the academic year 2026/27.
- Be attending a non-fee paying (state) school in the United Kingdom.
- Have achieved at least five GCSEs at grade 8 or 9 (England), A* (Wales/Northern Ireland), or A in National 5s (Scotland) - with an option to declare extenuating circumstances on the form.
- Be studying post-16 academic qualifications (A-Levels, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers, or equivalent).
- Be aiming to achieve at least A*AA at A-Level (or AAA in Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers or equivalent IB scores).
- Be interested in studying Arts & Humanities, Humanities & Social Sciences, and/or Clinical Sciences at degree level.
- Selection is based on academic merit, widening participation criteria, and regular participation in Year 1 of the programme.
- Priority is given to applicants who meet widening participation criteria including care-experienced students, those eligible for the 16-19 Bursary or Free School Meals, underrepresented ethnic groups, students with disrupted education (e.g., long absence, young carers, refugees), disabled students, students from schools with low progression to Oxbridge, and students from disadvantaged or low-participation areas.
Free to participate. The programme is delivered online (Zoom) and includes recorded sessions and resources; no participant fee is charged.
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