When University College, Oxford launched its Opportunity Programme in 2016, it provided 10 extra places at the College per year, filled through the University’s normal competitive admissions process. Those places were targeted to students from backgrounds underrepresented at Oxford.

In January 2025, the University of Oxford made 339 offers to prospective undergraduate students under the Opportunity Oxford programme, a programme modelled on the Univ programme. This is huge testament to the talent and ambition which has gone unrecognised in communities up and down the country. It is also a tribute to the hard work and commitment of colleagues at Oxford to ensure that prospective students are given equal access and equality of opportunity. We are delighted that what started at Univ has expanded to become a successful, University wide programme.

The Univ Opportunity Programme won a Vice-Chancellor’s Diversity Award in 2018, and Opportunity Oxford won a Vice-Chancellor’s Education Award in 2022.

Like the original Univ Opportunity Programme, Opportunity Oxford enables Admissions Tutors to recognise the educational and socio-economic disadvantage some students face in their education journey and it also provides its students with an intensive academic bridging course, with both online and residential components, to support their successful entry into University education. Students receive an important academic boost prior to beginning their degrees, and they also have the chance to become part of a large and supportive community before the start of term.

The expansion from the original 10 places at University College in 2016 to 339 across the Collegiate University in 2025 represents a major milestone and demonstrates the continuing success and importance of the programmes.

Baroness Valerie Amos LG, Master of University College, said,

“I am delighted that Univ’s continuing commitment to opening up opportunities for students from all backgrounds has expanded across the wider University, enriching the academic pursuits and culture of the University.”

Dr Andrew Bell (1993, History), Senior Tutor at University College, who was seconded as Coordinator of Opportunity Oxford between 2019 and 2023, said,

“Opportunity Oxford, and the Univ Opportunity Programme before it, show the Collegiate University’s commitment to widening participation and promoting talent wherever it’s found. It’s been a privilege to work with the brilliant students who have come to Oxford through these programmes.”

A former Opportunity Oxford participant said,

“It’s definitely one of the most valuable university experiences you’ll have. It can be challenging, but it’s great preparation for the busy and demanding life of term. It’s also a great way to make friends. I can’t imagine going straight to university without the course now.”

Notes

Opportunity Oxford
Eligibility for Opportunity Oxford is linked to postcode, school performance, care experience, or free school meals. This year, in addition to the 339 offers made under Opportunity Oxford, a further 310 students who were eligible for Opportunity Oxford were made an offer at Oxford in the regular way. Whether eligible for Opportunity Oxford or not, all students who are made an offer are required to meet the standard academic conditions for their chosen degree.

Find out more about Opportunity Oxford on the University of Oxford website.

Opportunity Programme
Further details about Univ’s Opportunity Programme can be found here.

Published: 28 February 2025

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