On Monday 29th September 2025, head of Careers Mrs Powell took seven Year 12 students to Blackburn College as they were hosting an OxNet introductory event. David Jones, the OxNet link for the North West, who is based at Blackburn College, arranged for Dr Peter Claus, Access Fellow at Pembroke College, University of Oxford to present an engaging in-person talk which was aimed at Year 12 students from local sixth forms and colleges. The session introduced students to the prestigious OxNet programme—an intensive, academically enriching initiative for those considering top-tier universities like Oxford.
What is OxNet?
OxNet is an outreach initiative led by Pembroke College in collaboration with Corpus Christi College, other UK higher education institutions, and third sector organisations. Generously funded by The Goldsmiths’ Company, the programme is designed to challenge and inspire academically driven Year 12 students.
Operating across the North West, North East, and London, OxNet runs four rigorous, subject-specific academic programmes in the North West region. Each programme spans a full year and provides a deep dive into a particular area of study, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with university-level thinking and debate.
Empowering Local Students
Dr Claus’s visit was a valuable opportunity for our sixth form students to learn more about what OxNet offers—not just in terms of academic enrichment, but also in boosting confidence, sharpening critical thinking skills, and providing a genuine insight into the demands and rewards of studying at world-class universities.
