On Friday 14th October, Suella Braverman hosted the Fareham Universities Conference at Fareham College. The conference provided Fareham students with key information about how to go to university, how to choose a university and how to succeed in gaining a place at one of the UK’s top educational institutions. Over 100 Year 11 students from Cams Hill School, Fareham Academy, Boundary Oak and Brookfield Community School attended the event.
The conference was held as part of the local MP’s commitment to ensuring Fareham’s children get the best start possible and reflected Suella’s vision that every child, regardless of background, should have equality of opportunity when it comes to higher education.
Suella started the conference by speaking to students about her own experiences with university. This covered how she made the initial choice to go to university, how she gained a place at the University of Cambridge to read law and what she got up to during her studies. Suella was adamant that many opportunities exist for all Fareham students and that this event would help break down some of the common-held myths about universities’ barriers to entry. Suella explained that, at their age, she hadn’t really considered a university education. However, this all changed after realising that a university degree was in fact an opportunity available to everyone.
After an informative Q and A with Suella, the conference welcomed its first speaker Jason Singh, Undergraduate at the University of Cambridge, St. Edmund’s College. Jason gave two presentations titled “Choosing A Levels, Choosing a University Subject, University Life and the Benefits of a University Education” and “The Admissions Process and How to Write Personal Statements”. As a current undergraduate with multiple degrees, Jason was able to provide a valuable first-hand insight into everything a student needs to know before making the decision to go to university.
Following this, students heard from Tom McGachie, Schools Liaison Officer at the University of Cambridge, Trinity College. Tom’s presentation “Oxbridge, Q&A” helped the students to become acquainted with the collegiate system and dispelled many misunderstandings of the demographics of the two historic universities. Students were surprised to hear of Tom’s personal experience, in which he explained that, despite his financial situation, his college was able to significantly support his studies throughout his degree and that this support remains available and open to others.
Suella was delighted to see the students engaging with the speakers and hearing that lots of them found the conference very helpful.
Commenting, a Student from Boundary Oak Said:
"Attending the conference has motivated and informed me more on aiming and applying for Russell group universities. I found the guest speakers to be down to earth, honest and lively about their experience at Oxbridge, something that had helped me feel less alienated and more at ease. Additionally, the booklets and examples of writing personal statements or CVs were useful for many of us."
Commenting, a Teacher from Fareham Academy Said:
“The 2022 Fareham Universities conference gave our students the opportunity to learn more about the Oxbridge opportunities available and also served to inspire them to ensure they have the highest aspirations for themselves. The conference was also very informative, addressing many misconceptions surrounding not only Oxbridge but applying for university in general, and gave them tips for their personal statements. I believe the conference was successful in increasing our students’ self-belief as they have realised that Oxbridge, or a Russell group university IS within their reach and accessible to them.”
Commenting, a Student from Brookfield Community School Said:
“Very informative and helpful. I feel much more confident about what I need to do going forward and how I can start working towards my future now and in the coming years. Really interesting and captivating speakers.”
Commenting, Suella Said:
“I think it’s vital that every student in Fareham is aware of the opportunities that are available to them. As a teenager, I went to a local school in Wembley, my parents hadn’t gone to university and I didn’t think university was an option for me. I thought that Russell Group universities wouldn’t want anything to do with me. Quite frankly, I was in the dark and so I shut the idea out entirely. Thankfully, I soon became aware that the opportunity to study at one of the UK’s finest educational institutions was actually available to people like me.
I am determined to ensure that all Fareham students are aware of the opportunities that are available to them, regardless of background. I am committed to helping Fareham’s up and coming youngsters get the opportunities they deserve.
It’s wonderful to hear that, as a result of this conference, students who hadn’t thought about going to university have now said that they’re really considering a university education – that’s what this conference is all about.
My thanks to Andrew Kaye and the staff at Fareham College for all their support in making this event happen. And to Tom and Jason from Cambridge for their excellent presentations. I look forward to hosting this event again in 2023 for the third year running.”
