Students thrive on prestigious Masterclass as they line up world’s best universities

By Jill Dando News

Record numbers of students from The King Alfred School Academy have applied for Cambridge and Oxford universities, spurred on by rising numbers of those applying at the sixth form in recent years.

Now they are on a Masterclass Programme designed by the University of Cambridge to prepare students for the best universities in the world.

Student Olivia, who aims to study medicine at University, said: “This is an excellent programme and very wide ranging.

“We were given the opportunity to attempt a Thinking Skills Assessment, which can be used for university admission tests, within our groups. 

“We were also able to apply critical thinking skills, which we were told is a key characteristic looked for by universities, alongside organisational skills and time management. It is a very enjoyable and informative series of seminars.”

Last month former student George Simmons started his degree in Economics and Management at the University of Oxford alongside Anya Butler who is studying Experimental Psychology.

Head of Sixth Form Jonathan Gaskell said: “This is a truly excellent programme which will add to the already in-depth preparation that we do for our students. There is huge enthusiasm and ambition from the students.”

The sixth form is part of The Priory Learning Trust and is attracting students from schools in Weston-super-Mare including Priory Community School Academy, Worle Community School Academy, as well as Bridgwater. They have also had 10 international students over the last two years.