Newnham to hold first ever Cambridge University Open Day specifically for disadvantaged Year 11 students

Picture of open day

A college at Cambridge University is encouraging students who are eligible for Pupil Premium funding to attend an all-expenses paid Open Day.

Newnham College has organised the event to encourage applications to study at Cambridge from disadvantaged pupils after it was suggested by a Head of Sixth Form who was a former student at the historic women’s college.

Teachers can nominate up to five Year 11 girls to attend the event on Tuesday, July 4 if the school receives Pupil Premium Grant (PPG) for them.

PPG is extra funding provided by the Government to help raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils of all abilities.

Newnham has aimed the event at Year 11 students because it wants to be able to offer advice about sixth-form choices at a point where that information can be most useful. All public transport travel costs will be reimbursed for girls who attend, and lunch will also be provided.

Dr Sam Lucy, Admissions Tutor at Newnham and Director of Admissions for Cambridge University, said: “It is an excellent opportunity to bring students to Cambridge and Newnham, to hear first-hand what studying here might be like, and the benefits it can bring.”

The Open Day, believed to be the first of its kind, will offer attendees an introduction to University of Cambridge and its courses, a Q&A with current undergraduates, a taster lecture, and detailed information about financial aid on offer. It is being sponsored by the Newnham Associates.

Cambridge University offers generous bursaries targeted at those who need it the most – anyone whose household income is in the range where they would qualify for PPG would get an annual Cambridge Bursary of £3500 in addition to any Government support, and there are normally additional sources of College support such as book and travel grants as well.

Full Open Day programme and how to apply

An informal Open Day will also be held on Wednesday, July 5

More information about Undergraduate study