We are committed to supporting all students in making informed decisions about studying at Merton, and within the University of Oxford. Our aim is to dispel myths and stereotypes about the College and University, in order to draw the best applicants regardless of background.
Merton College is particularly keen to work with state schools, colleges and local authorities to promote aspiration-raising, fair and informed choices about universities including Oxford. As part of the University's regionalisation scheme for outreach, we work particularly closely with all schools in Dorset, Wiltshire and the London Borough of Merton, alongside other schools where appropriate.
Schools
Year 12 Visits to Merton
We welcome groups of students who are thinking of applying to Oxford or Cambridge in the near future and would like to find out more, or who have the potential to apply and need some encouragement.
Our programme for sixth form groups (usually limited to 20 students) includes a talk on Oxford life and applications, a tour of and lunch in College, and - during University term time - an opportunity to talk to current undergraduates about their experiences. Additional or alternative activities can be planned to suit the group's particular interests and needs.
Individual Year 12 students may also be interested in visiting Merton, for an open day or a guided tour.
Sixth Form
If you would like someone to come over to give a talk, or participate in any kind of event you are running, please contact Cressida Ryan. The kinds of things we can offer include:
- HE Fair presence
- General university talk
- Oxbridge application talk
- University finance talk
- Parents' talk
- Teachers' briefing talk
- Personal statement workshop
- Interview workshop
Outward Visits
The Schools Liaison and Access Officer is very pleased to visit schools and colleges, to speak to groups from Years 7-13 about study at Oxford and about applications. This could be as a stand-alone talk or as part of a larger HE event.
UNIQ Summer Schools
The UNIQ Summer Schools offer around 500 students from UK state schools the chance to spend a week in Oxford. If you are selected to attend, you'll spend a week (Sunday to Friday) learning a subject in depth, on an academic course arranged by Oxford tutors and lecturers.
You'll also get the opportunity to take part in a range of evening activities, designed to show off all the opportunities that the University and Oxford city can provide to its attending students. You'll learn about the application process at the University of Oxford and meet alumni of the University and current students. You'll also stay in one of the colleges of the University of Oxford, giving you an opportunity to try out our facilities before making any big UCAS decisions.
Merton acts as a host for students, offering accommodation and food. Some of our tutors also participate in the teaching side, so students can have a chance to live at Merton and also be taught by our enthusiastic and knowledgeable academics.
The application window is now closed. For more information see the UNIQ website.
Teachers
We are presently designing a series of teacher events for 2013-14. Please contact Cressida Ryan to register your interest in any events we may hold.
Contact
For more information on Merton's schools liaison work - or to arrange a visit - please contact the Schools Liaison and Access Officer, Cressida Ryan.
