This annual competition, run by affiliates of Oxford and Cambridge Universities invites pupils aged 13 to 18 to submit an essay in response to a pre-set question, relating to their chosen subject. These range from Architecture to International Relations and Medicine to Law and everything else in between.

To the winners, a fully funded place to attend Oxford or Cambridge Universities summer school programme, and to the runners up, a partially funded place.

The number of applicants submitting essays is in the thousands, and not just from UK boarding schools. Immerse Education receive pupils entries from all over the world and every walk of life, keen to secure a place at these highly sought after and academically renowned courses.

We are delighted so say that Sophie in Year 8, Charlton in Year 9 and Molly in Year 12 have all secured partial scholarships. This is no mean feat. In 2020 out of all the thousands of entries, less than 7% of applicants secured a position. A fantastic achievement to have one student, but to have three from our fabulous school in the middle of the Cotswold countryside, we are thrilled!

Charlton chose to write his essay in Economics, responding to the question “Explain the Tulip Mania of the Dutch Golden Age”; whilst Sophie’s chosen subject was Architecture, answering “What is your favourite architectural style and why?” Molly, who is interested in Law, took on the challenge of “Legal decisions should be automated using algorithms. Discuss”. All very challenging titles, we’re sure you will agree.

Head of College, Rob Jones, was especially pleased, not just by the fact that we have three students being recognised on a national level, but his father was an architect and he studied economics at university.

Sophie, Charlton and Molly can look forward to 14 days at their selected University, with 40 hours-worth of academic sessions in their chosen subjects. Not only that, they will have day excursions, punting, croquet, full accommodation, an academic mentor, a formal dinner at the University and finally a graduation ceremony; all whilst having access to some of the greatest educational minds and facilities in the world.

One of 2019’s winners stated “I found writing the essay was not only the gateway to a once in a lifetime opportunity, but a way for me to express my concerns and interests in the world around us. Immerse Education’s Summer Programme is a central meeting point for inspired, young, international students to meet, and the programme can’t be substituted easily, hence I travelled halfway across the globe to get there! I believe entering the competition has been the best decision in my life so far and can’t recommend it enough.”  

We believe all three of our students will benefit immensely from attending, and feel it is a great accolade to both Rendcomb College and to each, personally.

Rendcomb College, as well as being in a fantastic location, has a strong academic record, supporting pupils with an Oxbridge Preparation Pathway programme for those who aspire to attend Oxford or Cambridge University once they leave school. For more information please contact us.