Recently, a group of Year 12 students visited Haydock Park Racecourse to attend one of the Oxford-Cambridge University Regional Conferences. The trip, organised by Mr Marshall and attended by Mrs Benbow, consisted of various interesting lectures on the different courses available at the universities, and also touched on key issues such as student finance and general university life.

The trip, another example of the importance that Rainford College attaches to the progression of its students into Higher Education, was incredibly beneficial to those who feel they could succeed at a top university.

The talks were all very informative and interesting, each putting forward clear ideas about their respective courses which allowed the prospective students the chance to see what a course at one of the country’s top universities would be like. Personally, I think I am more likely to consider applying to a top university after attending the conference.

Mr Marshall, in particular, feels it was a good idea and also that attending events such as the conference is useful when it comes to deciding where your future lies.

“Students at other colleges have the same opportunities and I don’t see why that opportunity shouldn't be available at Rainford. Certain students think certain courses at different universities are better for them and it’s not elitist, it’s just the way of studying which is better suited to students who are getting As and A*s. I think if you want to get the best out of yourself, then you should be working with people of equal ability as you and that's where those people will go to university. There’s other universities – Durham, Warwick – that are up there. If you want an appropriate type of education for an A* student, then that’s were you want to be.”

The day was a success, and certainly gave all who attended a good impression about what was on offer at the Oxbridge universities.

By Pierre Botcherby (article) and Ben Patey (interview)