First graduation for Oxford Young Ambassadors

University 02 Sep 10 The first 'graduation ceremony' has been held for school students on Oxford's four-year programme for pupils from the age of 14. Oxford Young Ambassadors works with selected students from 14 right until they finish school at 18, supporting them personally and academically throughout their final secondary education. The programme helps the successful candidates become ambassadors for higher education, taking the skills and information they learn back to their schools and peers. Mike Nicholson, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Oxford, said: 'The Oxford Young Ambassadors programme is a great example of a long-term programme that targets school attainment and educational aspirations in young students over an extended period. Schemes like this aren't designed to affect Oxford's undergraduate intake - though some students will end up here - but are effective in getting young people thinking about their options and goals, and involving parents or carers in the process. 'Our admissions team only sees students when they apply to university at 18, but what goes on at home and school in earlier years has a huge impact on students' decisions. This year's graduates have all had valuable support to think clearly about their educational and career goals and the preparation to pursue them, and we are impressed at the range of courses and universities they have successfully applied to.' Many of the graduates of the programme will be making the transition to higher education, with students going on to universities such as Bristol, Sheffield, London City University, and the University of the West of England, among others.