Success for 6 Ashton students during OxNet’s Access Week 2026!
6 Ashton Sixth Form College students completed OxNet’s 2026 programme over the summer at Pembroke College, Oxford. 'Pembroke College adheres to the fundamental belief that all those with necessary academic talent should have the opportunity to benefit from the unique mixture of tradition and innovation to be found at the University of Oxford, and that a richly diverse community benefits and inspires all members' (OxNet).
Over the past academic year, students have participated in a variety of activities including an Academic Study Skills Event, subject Seminar Series, Essay Competition, Twilight Talks, leading to the final event, Access Week (OxNet's summer residential). Access Week is an opportunity for students to experience life as an Oxford undergraduate. Students work with academics from across the university, undergraduate mentors and their peers in a week-long academic programme to help prepare their next steps after college.
Students from the North West, North East and London have completed one of six OxNet programmes including:
- Philosophy & World Religions
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Languages
- English
- Science
The theme of this year's Access Week was 'AI and The Mechanical Human'. Upon arrival at Pembroke College, they were welcomed by the Access Fellow and Director of OxNet, Dr Peter Claus and Access & Outreach Manager, Morgan Lewis. Dr Claus supported students throughout the week, delivering an Oxbridge admissions talk as well as facilitating lectures, mock tutorials and mock interviews.
At the start of the week, students experienced their first Oxbridge-style tutorial, working closely with academics on a variety of essay questions and problem sheets. They also participated in lectures, essay-writing and library workshops and mock interviews, helping to further develop their subject knowledge and strengthen their academic skills.
Science students presented their academic posters to the wider cohort, showcasing research undertaken during February’s Seminar Series and responding to questions about their findings. Ashton students, Abdia and Niamh, confidently presented their findings to the whole cohort, exploring areas of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science. In the evening, all students attended a keynote lecture delivered by Dr Saurabh Khanna following the theme of the week, entitled: ‘Pencils Before Bots: Knowledge in an Age of Humans and Agents', followed by the annual Joseph Owen Formal Dinner. Alongside their academic sessions and essay submissions, students enjoyed a variety of social and enrichment activities. These included quiz nights hosted by undergraduate mentors and trips and visits across Oxford.
“I am incredibly proud of the students who participated in OxNet this year. Their commitment to challenging themselves beyond the curriculum demonstrates excellent ambition, resilience and a genuine passion for learning. By engaging with undergraduate level learning at Oxford, they are developing academic skills such as critical thinking and building their confidence along the way. Their willingness to get involved in such an academically intense programme and all aspects of Access Week is a testament to their hard work and dedication; they should be extremely proud of what they have accomplished."
Alex Noble, Realising Aspirations Coordinator
A huge congratulations to all Ashton students who participated in the programme including: Ciara (Philosophy & World Religions), Sadie (Humanities), George (Languages), Ariana (Social Sciences), Ameera (Social Sciences), Niamh (Science), and Abdia (Science). All students throughout the week received exceptional feedback from visiting academics and OxNet Coordinators for their commitment and attitude to the programme.
Ashton Sixth Form College is proud to partner with Pembroke College, Oxford and be the host hub school for the Goldsmiths’ and Sutherland Centre for Philosophy and World Religions.
