An event for Oxbridge alumni who are from or living in Wales has attracted over 35 Oxford and Cambridge alumni, keen to give their time to encourage Welsh students to aim for the top.
The event on February 6th, at the Pierhead, Cardiff Bay, was organised by Torfaen MP Paul Murphy, Oxbridge Ambassador for the Welsh Government. It was attended by Oxbridge graduates from across South Wales as well as a number of MPs and AMs including Julie Morgan AM and her husband Rhodri Morgan, the former First Minister – himself an Oxford graduate.
Alumni relations were a key theme in Mr Murphy’s Interim Report into Welsh Oxbridge access. It has been suggested that links between schools and alumni can demystify the two universities and encourage bright students to consider applying. They can also be a valuable source of information and practical support in the admissions process, for example by providing mock interviews to Oxbridge applicants.
To further explore the role of alumni, the Pierhead event brought together Oxbridge graduates of all ages, from a wide range of colleges and areas of study. Between them they had studied a whopping 23 subjects at 24 different colleges over a period spanning six decades.
The discussions looked at the potential barriers facing Welsh students before going on to explore the role alumni can play in overcoming them.
Ryan Amesbury, a barrister at the Nursing and Midwifery Council who studied Law at Mansfield College, Oxford said:
“Were it not for tonight’s event and the efforts Paul has made to include alumni in his project, I would have been unaware of the stark challenges now facing young Oxbridge applicants from schools in Wales. Without outreach schemes such as Access Cyrmru there is simply no way I would be here tonight, because I wouldn’t have made it to Oxford. Such schemes have a central role to play in tackling this worrying trend.
“Tonight’s engaging and creative discussion gives me confidence that with a lot of hard work from all of us involved, young people in Wales can have the level playing field at Oxbridge they deserve.”
Chair Nick Thomas-Symonds added:
“Alumni can play a very important part in raising aspiration. It was great to see so many alumni present at the event not only sharing their own Oxbridge experiences, but also contributing some very useful, practical ideas as to how they can play a part in the future.”
Mr Murphy thanked all those who attended, saying:
“I have been overwhelmed by the number of people offering their time and expertise. It is vital that we find a way to use this amazing resource. Supporting alumni in helping our young people is a proven way to improve Welsh access to Oxbridge.”
Another event will take place in Westminster on March 4th, chaired by Sir Andrew Dilnot, Warden of Nuffield College Oxford and chair of the UK Statistics Authority.
