Trinity Makes First Offers to Prospective Students for Oxford’s Astrophoria Foundation Year

Trinity is pleased to confirm that five students have received offers to join the College under the Oxford University Astrophoria Foundation Year programme. The University launched the programme last year to increase access for UK state school students who have experienced severe personal disadvantage and/or disrupted education.

The Astrophoria Foundation Year aims to give motivated students the chance to reach their academic potential at Oxford.  It is designed to help students bridge the gap between A-levels and Oxford’s challenging undergraduate degrees, developing their academic skills, self-belief and confidence. 

Trinity College is one of ten Oxford colleges to participate in this scheme this year; in total 35 applicants have received offers to study at Oxford on the one-year fully funded course.

The Astrophoria Foundation Year is part of the University of Oxford’s efforts to increase participation from students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Trinity’s President, Dame Hilary Boulding, says: ‘We are excited and proud to be among the colleges welcoming the first cohort of Astrophoria Foundation Year students. Trinity’s role in the foundation year programme is a key part of our extensive access programme.. Removing obstacles to entry at every stage of the education journey for applicants is a central aim of our outreach work; our aim is to ensure that Trinity welcomes a diverse and widely representative community, in which students of all backgrounds feel equally valued, supported and able to flourish.’

Professor Martin Williams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), said: ‘We are delighted to be able to make the first ever offers for our innovative new access programme. The Astrophoria Foundation Year opens up the possibility of an Oxford education to talented young people who have  experienced severe disadvantage and may not otherwise have been able to reach their academic potential here. The programme will, we hope, give these students the opportunity to gain the skills and confidence needed to go on to study as undergraduates here at Oxford.’