Aspire Programme

THE ASPIRE PROGRAMME IS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT AND MAXIMISE THE POTENTIAL OF GIFTED, ASPIRATIONAL AND MORE ABLE STUDENTS DURING THEIR TIME AT THE HENLEY COLLEGE, REGARDLESS OF THEIR BACKGROUND.

We are dedicated to nurturing ambitious and high-achieving students to succeed on their chosen pathway by providing tailored academic, personal and professional development opportunities, preparing them to apply to competitive higher education institutions such as Russell Group universities and Oxford and Cambridge, and equipping them to pursue ambitious careers in areas such as law, medicine and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

The Henley College Aspire programme is designed for A level students who typically achieve predominantly grades 7 to 9. Students on an A level pathway will be automatically enrolled onto our 4-week Academic Skills Programme at the start of their first year, encouraged to undertake an Extended Project Qualification and will attend designated tutor groups. However, students who demonstrate high achievement in their A level studies, but did not initially meet the Aspire GCSE entry criteria, may also be added to the Aspire cohort and transferred to an Aspire Personal and Professional Development group later in their first year.

Alongside the core Personal and Professional Development programme, these sessions will have an additional focus on preparing students for Russell Group and Oxbridge applications, as well as competitive degree apprenticeships. Personal and Professional Development sessions will help students develop the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to strengthen their university applications, while also supporting them to master higher-level skills through the national Skills Builder framework. Students on the Aspire programme will also have the chance to work closely with our Aspire Programme Lead, Aspire Careers Adviser, and Oxbridge Coordinator to receive expert advice and guidance.

Aspire students will also be encouraged to become an Aspire Student Ambassador and take part in the 10-week Aspire Future Leaders Award which will allow them to play a vital role in representing the College, advocating for the student voice, shaping College policy and preparing themselves to run for the Student Union in their second year. Further to this, there is a range of Aspire events and enrichment opportunities that are open to all aspirational students at the College regardless of GCSE results. These include:

· Specialist university talks and careers events

· Subject masterclasses

· Assistance with university applications through the expert Careers team

· Support with College and national competitions such as essay, public speaking and STEM competitions

· Mastering skills workshops in communication, collaboration and creativity

In short, Aspire will help you to achieve academic excellence, expand your opportunities and lead with confidence.

Applicants with a GCSE profile of grades 8 and 9 may apply for a four A level programme at The Henley College. However, this does not apply to students wishing to study Further Mathematics alongside Mathematics. For these entry requirements please check our website.

Competitive universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, typically base their offers on three relevant A levels, usually requiring A or A* grades. A strong fourth A level, particularly in a contrasting subject, can nevertheless demonstrate valuable academic breadth.

Alternatively, Aspire students may choose to study three A levels alongside the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which is highly valued by universities and demonstrates sustained super-curricular engagement with their chosen subject.

If you have any questions regarding a four A level pathway or the EPQ, please contact Eleanor Witcher, the Aspire Programme Lead: aspire@henleycol.ac.uk

ASPIRE PROGRAMME LEAD – Eleanor Witcher

I teach A level English, deliver the Extended Project Qualification and coordinate the College’s Aspire programme. As a former Henley College student who went on to achieve a first-class degree, I am passionate about helping students achieve ambitious outcomes, no matter their background. I work with Aspire students to set their goals and collaborate with the wider Aspire team (Oxbridge Coordinator, careers and PPD tutors) to help them achieve these ambitions. I enjoy working with my colleagues, universities, and local and national partners to provide events, mentoring and guidance for our high-achieving students.

The Extended Project

The Extended Project is a distinctive and highly regarded qualification, designed to develop a range of transferable skills such as planning, research, analysis and evaluation. This course consists of a taught element, which includes an introduction to research methods and evaluation skills, as well as learning how to give a good spoken presentation, together with the actual completion of the Project.

Find out more about The Extended Project

Student Leadership Enrichment

It’s important to give our students a voice within the College and allow them to play a vital role in shaping the College from the inside, while also being an ambassador for the College in the wider community. The Student Leadership enrichment programme helps students develop the ability to listen to each other’s views, demonstrate tolerance and respect as well as building their own self-worth and self-esteem through having their opinions and ideas heard.