Programme Overview

The programme is delivered online, making it easy for teachers from state schools across the UK to take part. It consists of six live twilight sessions, each lasting 90 minutes and held after the school day. The programme begins each January, but teachers are welcome to join at any stage or attend only the sessions most relevant to them. There is no requirement to complete the full programme, although participants who attend all six sessions will receive a certificate of completion.

The sessions provide up-to-date, practical guidance on the Oxford admissions process, helping teachers understand the purpose of each stage, including admissions tests and interviews.

More broadly, the programme aims to equip teachers with knowledge and strategies that will support students applying to higher education generally, as well as those with the potential to make a competitive application to Oxford.

Session Topics

The six twilight sessions cover:

• An introduction to the University of Oxford and its admissions process
• Enrichment opportunities that raise attainment and support long-term academic success
• Supporting students to write a strong and competitive personal statement
• Writing effective teacher references: what highly selective universities are looking for
• Understanding admissions tests and helping students prepare
• Understanding the Oxford interview and supporting students through the process

Teacher Enrichment Residential

Teachers who have taken part in any of the previous year's CPD sessions are eligible to apply for one of 30 fully funded places on our three-night Teacher Enrichment Residential at Trinity College, held during the Easter vacation.

The residential includes accommodation and all meals, and offers participants the opportunity to pursue a topic of personal interest within their subject, teaching practice, or pedagogy using the University of Oxford's world-renowned library collections. Participants also receive six months' continuing membership of the libraries for in-person use following the residential.

Who Is the Programme For?

We welcome applications from teachers and colleagues working in state schools and colleges, especially those who are non-selective, with little or no previous experience of the University of Oxford, progression to Russell Group universities, or supporting students with higher education applications more generally.

Online State School Teacher Support Programme for 2027

To register for the 2026 programme please complete THIS FORM; session dates are as follows:

Session 1: Introduction to Oxford

Monday 11 January 16:15 or
Thursday 14 January 17:00

Session 2: Enrichment and Raising Attainment

Monday 1 February 16:15 or
Thursday 4 February 17:00

Session 3: Personal Statements

Monday 22 March 16:15 or
Thursday 25 March 17:00

Session 4: Teacher References

Monday 10 May 16:15 or
Thursday 13 May 17:00

Session 5: Admissions Tests

Monday 7 June 16:15 or
Thursday 10 June 17:00

Session 6: Academic Interviews

Monday 14 June 16:15 or
Thursday 15 October 17:00

Easter Residential 2028 Date TBC

Once you have registered, you will be sent a calendar invitation for both dates for each session, containing the Teams link to join along with any resources we'll be referring to. Please accept the invitation for the dates most convenient for you. Please note, Teams links for next year's programme will be sent out in the invitation in December 2026. If you register after this date, we'll send out the invitations asap after we receive your form. Please email hannah.rolley@trinity.ox.ac.uk if you do not hear from us before the sessions start.