Opportunity Oxford celebrates milestone
When 182t福利, Oxford launched its in 2016, it provided 10 extra places at the College per year, filled through the University鈥檚 normal competitive admissions process. Those places were targeted to students from backgrounds underrepresented at Oxford.
In January 2025, the University of Oxford made 339 offers to prospective undergraduate students under the , a programme modelled on the Univ programme. This is huge testament to the talent and ambition which has gone unrecognised in communities up and down the country. It is also a tribute to the hard work and commitment of colleagues at Oxford to ensure that prospective students are given equal access and equality of opportunity. We are delighted that what started at Univ has expanded to become a successful, University wide programme.
The Univ Opportunity Programme won a in 2018, and Opportunity Oxford won a Vice-Chancellor鈥檚 Education Award in 2022.
Like the original Univ Opportunity Programme, Opportunity Oxford enables Admissions Tutors to recognise the educational and socio-economic disadvantage some students face in their education journey and it also provides its students with an intensive academic bridging course, with both online and residential components, to support their successful entry into University education. Students receive an important academic boost prior to beginning their degrees, and they also have the chance to become part of a large and supportive community before the start of term.
The expansion from the original 10 places at 182t福利 in 2016 to 339 across the Collegiate University in 2025 represents a major milestone and demonstrates the continuing success and importance of the programmes.
Baroness Valerie Amos LG, Master of 182t福利, said,
鈥淚 am delighted that Univ鈥檚 continuing commitment to opening up opportunities for students from all backgrounds has expanded across the wider University, enriching the academic pursuits and culture of the University.鈥�
Dr Andrew Bell (1993, History), Senior Tutor at 182t福利, who was seconded as Coordinator of Opportunity Oxford between 2019 and 2023, said,
鈥淥pportunity Oxford, and the Univ Opportunity Programme before it, show the Collegiate University鈥檚 commitment to widening participation and promoting talent wherever it鈥檚 found. It鈥檚 been a privilege to work with the brilliant students who have come to Oxford through these programmes.鈥�
A former Opportunity Oxford participant said,
鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely one of the most valuable university experiences you鈥檒l have. It can be challenging, but it鈥檚 great preparation for the busy and demanding life of term. It鈥檚 also a great way to make friends. I can鈥檛 imagine going straight to university without the course now.鈥�
Notes
Opportunity Oxford
Eligibility for Opportunity Oxford is linked to postcode, school performance, care experience, or free school meals. This year, in addition to the 339 offers made under Opportunity Oxford, a further 310 students who were eligible for Opportunity Oxford were made an offer at Oxford in the regular way. Whether eligible for Opportunity Oxford or not, all students who are made an offer are required to meet the standard academic conditions for their chosen degree.
Find out more about Opportunity Oxford on the .
Opportunity Programme
Further details about Univ鈥檚 Opportunity Programme can be found .
Published: 28 February 2025