Oxbridge Mock Interviews

Charters Sixth Form has a strong history of Oxbridge success; in fact over the past ten years, 41 of our students have begun their undergraduate studies at either The University of Oxford or The University of Cambridge.

This achievement is rooted not only in academic excellence, but also in our commitment to nurturing intellectual curiosity, confidence, and ambition. Through our Potential High Achievers programme, we provide students with enriching opportunities that mirror the rigour and depth of the Oxbridge application process - empowering them to step into these challenges with confidence.

Read Ella’s thoughtful reflection on her Mock Oxbridge Interview experience below.

"The mock Oxbridge interview afternoon was organised to give us the opportunity to experience the kinds of discussions we might encounter in a real interview, including the format it could follow and the types of questions we might be asked. The event was run in collaboration with St Mary’s School, which made the experience more realistic, as we were interviewed by unfamiliar adults rather than our own teachers. My interview began with a short analysis of a historical graph, where I had to consider what historians might interpret it to show. As I’m applying for a joint honours course, I was also asked several questions in Spanish about topics I had mentioned in my personal statement. Instead of focusing on finding a single “right answer,” the interview encouraged me to be authentic, to explain what I genuinely thought and, most importantly, to justify why I thought it. Once I had completed the interview, I was given some really useful & constructive feedback on how I came across and the ways in which I answered the questions. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to experience a process so close to that of Oxbridge and the experience was valuable regardless of whether I receive an Oxbridge interview, as the skills I practised will benefit me in any competitive application and interview."

Alumna Lauren graduating from Emmanuel College, Cambridge

Ella’s experience captures exactly what we hope students gain from opportunities like this: the courage to think independently, the confidence to articulate their ideas, and the resilience to embrace intellectual challenge. Whether or not an Oxbridge interview follows, the skills developed through this process - critical thinking, self-reflection, and academic curiosity - will serve our students in every future endeavour.

We are incredibly proud of their dedication and excited to see where their aspirations take them next.