Aspire and Reach Programmes

The curriculum is well sequenced. It builds pupils' knowledge and develops skills for future learning and employment- Ofsted 2023

Aspire

We at Waingels are committed to empowering all students to aim high and to raise their aspirations for the future. Every year many of our students achieve excellent examination results that set them on track to apply for the most competitive courses and top universities in the world. Through the Aspire and Reach Programme we seek to inspire our students to aim high and to support them in developing the confidence, knowledge and skills to take on such challenges.

Aspire Logo JPGAll students in Years 10 and 11 that are interested in applying to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, and/or highly competitive courses such as Medicine and Veterinary Sciences, are invited to join the Aspire Programme. This programme aims to provide any interested students with key information, experiences and support to ensure that they can confidently compete for such places in the future. Students will benefit from several opportunities to develop their super-curricular activities, which are so valuable to future UCAS applications, as well as virtual and real-life experiences of what it would be like to study at top institutions. Students who continue on their studies at Waingels Sixth Form will then move up to our Reach Programme to support them in the final steps towards achieving their goal.

Reach Logo JPGReach

In the Sixth Form, the Reach Programme has been developed to support and empower students who have their hearts set on applying to study highly academic courses at the most competitive universities, including Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry and/or Veterinary Sciences.  Such support includes: 

  • Early Careers support
  • Advice regarding the application process, admissions examinations and interviews, including: 
    • Extra support with entrance exams
    • Interview practice and advice
    • Subject-specific support from our links in Wellington College
  • Advice and opportunities to develop super-curricular knowledge, understanding and skills to develop confidence in competing for highly sought-after places
  • Information and support with summer school and work experience opportunities

Both programmes of support draw on links with Wellington College, University College, Oxford, and Corpus Christi College and Trinity College, Cambridge, as well as the knowledge and experience of key members of staff across the school.

For further information about the Aspire and Reach programmes, please email pdwc@waingels.wokingham.sch.uk.

Follow @pdwcWaingels for further information, key links, useful ideas and initiatives.