Discover What It Takes to Reach a Top University: Book Your Place Now

Are Students Aiming High Enough?

Every year, academically capable students miss opportunities to apply to some of the UK's most competitive universities. Sometimes this is because they lack confidence, don't fully understand the admissions process or simply aren't aware of the opportunities available.

This is known as university undermatch, and it's something The Henley College is committed to challenging.

Our guest speaker, Dr Sam Holmes, CEO of Causeway Education, will explore why this happens, the barriers that can prevent talented students from reaching their potential and what students, families and educators can do to make a difference.

Discover why academic ambition shouldn't be limited by background, confidence or access to information, and how the right advice and encouragement can help change a young person's future.

Discover What It Takes to Get Into a Top University

Whether Oxford or Cambridge is your ambition, you're considering a Russell Group university or you're simply exploring your options, this event will provide valuable insights into the journey towards higher education.

What will you gain from attending?

• Understand competitive university admissions: Explore what leading universities look for and how students can prepare for the application process.

• Get ahead with UCAS: Learn about the importance of planning early, making informed university choices and developing a strong application.

• Discover how to stand out: Find out how academic interests, wider reading, independent projects, enrichment activities and interview preparation can help students demonstrate their potential.

• Build confidence and raise aspirations: Understand why students shouldn't rule themselves out of ambitious opportunities.

• Find out how parents can help: Gain a better understanding of the university application journey and how to encourage and support young people.

• Take ideas back to your school: Teachers and careers professionals can gain insights into supporting high-achieving students and addressing university undermatch.

• Ask the experts: Take part in a live Q&A and get answers to your questions.

Aspire at The Henley College: More Than Just Academic Achievement

The event will also introduce The Henley College's Aspire Programme, designed to challenge, inspire and support academically ambitious students who want to make the most of their potential.

Aspire offers opportunities to develop the knowledge, confidence, independence and wider academic interests that can help students succeed at university and beyond.

Through the programme, students can benefit from:

• Personalised mentoring and guidance to help them explore their ambitions and prepare for competitive university applications.

• Specialist Oxbridge and university preparation, including advice on applications, personal statements and interviews.

• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) support, providing opportunities for independent research and deeper exploration of subjects that interest them.

• Academic enrichment, including guest lectures, competitions, wider learning and activities that encourage intellectual curiosity.

• Personal and professional development, helping students build confidence, communication skills, leadership qualities and a positive personal brand.

• Access to expertise and opportunities that encourage students to think beyond the classroom and consider what's possible for their future.

Through its partnership with Causeway Education, The Henley College is also working to widen opportunity, challenge barriers to progression and encourage students to make ambitious, informed choices about higher education.

Meet Our Expert Speakers

Dr Sam Holmes | CEO, Causeway Education

Dr Holmes will explore university undermatch and the importance of ensuring talented students have the confidence, knowledge and support to pursue the opportunities they deserve.

Dr Joanna Atkinson | Oxbridge Coordinator, The Henley College

With over 20 years of experience guiding high-achieving and gifted students through applications to Oxford, Cambridge and other leading universities, Dr Atkinson brings extensive expertise in competitive admissions and helping students realise their academic potential.

Ellie Witcher | Aspire Lead, The Henley College

Ellie will introduce the Aspire Programme and explain how its combination of academic enrichment, tailored mentoring, EPQ support, personal statement guidance and interview preparation helps students develop their interests and prepare for the next stage of their education.

Who Should Attend?

Year 10, Year 11 and sixth form students: Whether you already have a particular university in mind or are just beginning to explore your options, it's never too early to start thinking about your future.

Parents and carers: Discover how to support your child's ambitions, understand the opportunities available and help them navigate the journey towards university.

Teachers, careers advisers and careers leads: Gain insights into university progression, widening participation and how to encourage students to aim high, particularly those who may not recognise their own academic potential.

Anyone interested in educational opportunity: If you're passionate about helping young people achieve more, this event is for you.

 

Join Us Online – Free and Open to Everyone

Tuesday 10th November 2026

6.00pm – 7.00pm

Online – join from your smartphone, laptop or tablet

Cost: Completely FREE

Includes a live Q&A with our expert speakers

 

There's no travel, no cost and no requirement to be a Henley College student or applicant. Simply register, join us online and discover how the right guidance, preparation and ambition can help open doors to leading universities.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain expert advice, discover new possibilities and learn how to make the most of your academic potential.

[REGISTER NOW – RESERVE YOUR FREE PLACE]

All students, parents, carers, teachers and careers professionals are warmly welcome, regardless of school or college.