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Eleven care experienced children enjoyed a University of Cambridge residential experience hosted by ����Ӱҵ College this week. 

Pupils from years 10 to 12 attending London Virtual Schools – a model which promotes the educational achievement of children and young people who are in or have previously been in care – visited Caius, with accompanying adults, for a two-day residential.

The group were hosted by Caius staff and students to explore the city, the University and its colleges, and received tailored academic opportunities in subjects of their choice from physics, engineering, law, computer science, geography and psychology. 

The residential was devised and delivered by Caius’ London Outreach Officer Gwyneth Hamand, with the support of Tutor for Admissions and Outreach Dr Chris Scott, building on day visits from London Virtual Schools in recent years. Accommodation was provided by Pembroke College.

Chris, one of the visiting pupils, says: “It’s very different. There’s so much history. There’s a stigma about the University being so selective, but coming here has changed my viewpoint and I could see myself coming here to study.”

Sidney, another pupil, adds: “It has been very interesting and everyone has been very friendly. It was a fun experience, looking into the subject in more depth.”

Pupil Thomas says: “It’s shown me the dedication required on the academic side. But these subjects are something I love, and it’s an opportunity. This is the expectation I have now and I must work towards that.”

The residential was rewarding for the adults accompanying the pupils, too.

Laura, a Participation Officer with the Children in Care Council, said: “It demystifies Cambridge and breaks that limit a lot of people put on themselves. It makes it feel like it’s achievable, realistic and available to young, care experienced people.

“It’s inspiring for them and made them want to go back, work hard, and given them a mindset that if they work hard they can get here. Without experiences like this, it’s not something that would be considered.”

Maddie, a teacher at Camden Virtual School and lead of the Head Start Into Higher Education programme, adds: “I’ve found it a wonderful experience. It’s special connecting with other care experienced people and carers to work together to share experience and feel that Cambridge does want to encourage care experienced young people to apply. It’s been tailored to the young people and highly personalised.

“It’s important to have these uplifting moments to honour the ambition of these young people, who have incredible ambition and goals, to make meaningful steps towards applying, whether it’s to Cambridge or somewhere else.”

*Names of pupils have been changed