Neale-Wade Academy has teamed up with the University of Cambridge to give Year 11 pupils a flying start when it comes to choosing their post—16 options.

By developing links with a top university like Cambridge we’re helping our students to build their confidence and raise their aspirations.

Mr Craig d’Cunha, Neale-Wade Academy Vice Principal for Teaching and Learning

Matt Diston, HE Partnership Co-Ordinator at the University of Cambridge, is leading a series of workshops in the Academy’s IT suite, getting students up and running on four of the key websites which can help them choose their next steps.

Students logged in to UCAS Progress, Youthoria, Apprenticeships.org.uk, and UCAS, and, led by Matt, began exploring the information and resources available on the sites.

Neale-Wade Academy Assistant Principal Mrs Mandley, and Information, Advice and Guidance Adviser Mr Key also answered questions and gave advice during the workshop.

“We’re hoping these sessions will show the students how the decisions they make now can open up their futures – or limit their options,” said Mr Key. “Matt’s session shows them how to take the first steps and how to make sense of the information available to them.”

Neale-Wade Academy Vice Principal for teaching and learning Mr Craig d’Cunha said “Our big drive isn’t just about education – it’s about opening doors and developing skills. By developing links with a top university like Cambridge we’re helping our students to build their confidence and raise their aspirations.”

HE Partnership was established by the University of Cambridge in 2012 in order to continue some of the most effective work that had been previously delivered through Aimhigher. The initiative aims to raise aspirations amongst students in local schools across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. We believe that together we are able to give Year 9-11 students a strong sense of their own ability and their higher education options through impartial information and advice and a wide range of activities based in schools and university departments.

The HE Partnership Co-ordinator is based in the Cambridge Admissions Office (CAO). To find out more about the programme, visit the HE Partnership website.

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