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̽��ֱ��32 teachers – who came from secondary schools and colleges in locations as far apart as Plympton in Devon, Whitley Bay in Tyne and Wear and Southend in Essex – attended a residential conference organised by a group of colleges.

Known as the ‘Target Teachers Conference’, the event was organised by five School Liaison and Access Officers who together work for nine colleges: Downing, Emmanuel, Fitzwilliam, Homerton, Jesus, King’s, New Hall, Pembroke and St Catharine’s.

“We see it as a chance for teachers to spend time in Cambridge, familiarising themselves with the collegiate system, meeting admissions tutors and asking questions about the application procedure,” says Rachel Spruce, Schools Liaison Officer for Pembroke and St Catharine’s Colleges.

Participants were given a tour of Cambridge, including landmarks such as the ̽��ֱ�� Library and King’s College Chapel, and visited the Zoology Museum and departmental laboratories.

At St Catharine’s they attended sessions on a range of topics, including how to advise pupils on writing personal statements and preparing for interviews, given by Dr Geoff Parks, Director of Admissions for the Colleges, and a number of college admissions tutors.

̽��ֱ��teachers were also given details of the Cambridge Special Access Scheme – a ̽��ֱ��-wide initiative that allows applicants’ schools to provide additional information about candidates who have experienced marked personal, social or educational disadvantage.

Allan Holbrook, Deputy Head of Sixth-Form at Whitley Bay High School said: “ ̽��ֱ��event provided a valuable insight into what information Cambridge is looking for and how we can help pupils maximise their chances. We returned to our schools with some useful tips in the knowledge that Cambridge is a friendly, helpful place.”

He continued: “It was useful to be able to glean views about what proportion of the personal statement should focus on academic interests and how the teachers’ references should include all the relevant information about a candidate.”

Claire Gray, Careers Advisor at Northgate High School, added: “Useful messages were that choice of A levels is vital and that Cambridge is looking for applicants with enthusiasm for their subject that goes beyond the curriculum. You don’t have to be an all-singing all-dancing star but you have to show a passion for your subject.”