Access and Outreach
Access and Outreach
We aim to support all students in making informed decisions about higher education, and studying at the University of Oxford and at Merton College. We are committed to dispelling myths and stereotypes and welcome students who can show a passion for their subject as well as academic ability and potential. We work closely with state schools and colleges to help raise aspirations and to highlight the benefits of studying with us. Our outreach team work closely with teaching staff, students and their parents and supporters to attract the best applicants regardless of background.
Oxford colleges have a regional outreach scheme and Merton works particularly closely with schools and colleges in our link areas of: Bournemouth, Dorset, Poole, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath, Bristol, Northeast Somerset and the London Borough of Merton.
In order to find out more about Merton and the access reach we do, please have a look through the different sections below.
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Hear from our Student Ambassadors below on the impact Access and Outreach had on their journeys as well as their insights into studying here!
"It’s nowhere near as scary as I thought it was going to be. I don’t feel like an ‘intruder’ here and there’s always so much support on offer both academically and in terms of welfare and mental wellbeing."
Amelia, 1st Year, Spanish and Beginners’ Portuguese
"Even in the weeks leading up to the application deadline, I was very sceptical about the idea of applying to Oxford. I thought that I had no chance of even getting an interview, and that the whole process would be a waste of time. I didn’t attend an Open Day and consequently didn’t have much of an idea about which college to apply to once I eventually decided to give Oxford a go. I knew a bit about Merton because they had held an outreach talk at my school where they were friendly and informative about the whole application process. Above all, the fact that they were visiting a school like mine, which has little history of Oxbridge success, gave me the impression that Oxford was in fact attainable for someone like me. I haven’t looked back since."
James, 2nd Year, History
I was so nervous that I would be the odd one out because of my working-class background. I didn’t know how to ‘do university’, and I put so much pressure on myself to get it just right. Little did I know that so many people are in the same situation. I coped really well and settled in so quickly!
Rebecca, 2nd Year, French and Linguistics
"If in doubt – go for it. Whether this is in applying for university or an internship, trying a new sport or heading to a new event. I have been fortunate to have so many amazing opportunities here... I don’t regret anything."
Willow, 2nd Year, Biochemistry
Contact Us
For more information on Merton's access and outreach work please email schools@merton.ox.ac.uk