Pathways Scheme
Girton College’s Pathways Scheme is a long-term outreach programme that works with students from Year 7 until they leave secondary school. The scheme began in 2016-2017 academic year.
With this programme of sustained engagement, we collaborate with schools in our Link Areas to raise academic aspirations, inform and guide students about the impact of their choices at key transition periods and to support students at the point of applying to HE.
The Girton College Pathways scheme is in line with government priorities as there is a growing body of evidence that emphasises the importance of a long-term strategy for widening participation to HE, particularly to the most selective institutions.
Bookings for events in 2026-27 are open now.
| Year group | Activity | Who | Where | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Aspiration Day | Whole year group | Schools | Upon request: January |
| 8 | Postcard competition | Whole year group | Hosted by schools and judged by Schools' Liaison Officer | September (April deadline) |
| 9 | High attainers short essay competition | 30 students per school | Hosted by schools and judged by Schools' Liaison Officer | September (April deadline) |
| 10 | Visit to Cambridge | 20 students per school | In-person, Girton College | October and February |
| 11 | 1. Subject Matters talks
2. Parent and Supporter sessions | Whole year group | 1. Online
2. Online | 1. Upon request throughout the year
2. September, March, and June |
| 12 | 1. Masterclass Days
2. Application and Personal Statement workshop
|
| 1. In-person, Girton College
2. Online | 1. October and February
2. June and July |
| 13 | Interviews workshop | Students with Cambridge or Oxford interviews | Online | November |
2025-26 Pathways Competition Winners
Thank you to everyone who took part in our 2025-26 Pathways Competitions! We are pleased to announce the winners below:
Year 8 Postcard Competition
Top 3
Arleen, Aldersley High School
Athira, Swavesey Village College
Ching, Sandwell Academy
Top 10
Amrit, Sandwell Academy
Hamish, Aldersley High School
Manjot, Holly Lodge High School
Misha, Swavesey Village College
Petrina, Kingswinford Academy
Sarah, Holly Lodge High School
Another top 10 entrant was from St Peter's Catholic School, Solihull
Year 9 Essay and Poster Competition
Top 3
Madison, Aldersley High School
Soliman, Holly Lodge High School
Tyann, Aldersley High School
Top 10
Iqra, Aldersley High School
Gurleen, Sandwell Academy
Mollie, Sandwell Academy
Nevena, Aldersley High School
Nitika, Aldersley High School
Olivia, Aldersley High School
Scarlett, Aldersley High School
Thank you again to everyone who took part! Information about the 2026-27 Pathways competition will be shared with participating schools in September 2026.