Cowes Enterprise College, part of Ormiston Academies Trust, welcomed Cambridge academics and former students back to the Sixth Form to inspire Year 12 students considering their next steps.
Year 12 students were given a taste of university life through a new link with Homerton College, Cambridge, taking part in lectures delivered by leading academics and receiving advice from admissions tutors about applying to competitive universities and courses.
The visit formed part of the Sixth Form’s wider support for students exploring ambitious next steps and was organised by former Cowes student Maddie Rick, who is now studying Education at the University of Cambridge. Students also heard from Beth Cobden, a Cambridge graduate and former head student at Cowes Enterprise College, who spoke about her own journey from the Isle of Wight to Cambridge. Reflecting on the support she received, Beth said: “I will always be grateful that the Sixth Form at Cowes helped me achieve my dream”.
The event also celebrated the success of former Cowes students, with alumni now studying at Oxford, Cambridge, University College London (UCL) and other leading universities, returning to share their experiences with current Year 12 students.
I will always be grateful that the Sixth Form at Cowes helped me achieve my dream.
Beth Cobden, Cambridge graduate and former head student at Cowes Enterprise College
Among those taking part was former student Izzy Fawcett, who is currently studying Medicine at UCL. Izzy offered guidance to students interested in applying for medicine, including Year 12 student Ava Johnson, who described the support as “fantastic” and said she received “brilliant advice for my application”.
Cowes Sixth Form has built a strong track record of supporting students to progress to ambitious destinations, including Oxbridge, medicine, law, engineering and competitive degree apprenticeships. The Sixth Form has seen successful Oxbridge applicants in each of the past five years, while its AspireMed programme has achieved an 80% success rate for students applying to study medicine.
David Sanchez-Brown, Director of Sixth Form at Cowes Enterprise College, who overcame significant challenges before gaining a place at Cambridge himself, is passionate about helping students from the Isle of Wight fulfil their academic potential.
David Sanchez-Brown said:
“Our aim is to ensure that young people on the Island have access to the guidance, support and opportunities they need to pursue ambitious futures. Whether that is university, an apprenticeship or employment, we want them to feel informed, encouraged and ready to take that next step.
“It was especially powerful for our current students to hear from former Cowes students who are now thriving at leading universities. Their experiences show that these destinations are absolutely within reach.”
Sara Cody, Deputy Director of Sixth Form at Cowes Enterprise College, added:
“It is wonderful that so many of our previous students are now studying at top universities and are willing to give their time to support those following in their footsteps. Their advice is incredibly valuable because they understand the journey our current students are on.
“We are very proud of our students’ achievements and of the ambition shown across our Sixth Form. Opportunities like this help students see what is possible, build confidence in their own potential and take practical steps towards their future goals.”