Information for Teachers

The College welcomes inquiries from schools. Heads of Sixth Forms, teachers and HE advisors are particularly encouraged to discuss with the Admissions Tutors, in person or over the telephone, how their best candidates might be encouraged to apply to Peterhouse.

We particularly welcome contact from schools which have had little or no previous interaction with Cambridge and its colleges. We can also advise on individual applicants, particularly in less straightforward cases.

Schools Liaison Officers

Carrie Boyce and Kathy Purdy are the College’s Schools Liaison Officers. They are responsible for developing relationships with schools and for encouraging and aiding young people from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply to Peterhouse.

Carrie graduated from Corpus Christi College in June 2008, having studied Natural Sciences. Before coming to Cambridge, she attended a large comprehensive school in Northern Ireland. Kathy studied English at Homerton College, graduating in June 2009. Before Cambridge she attended a small mixed comprehensive school near Bristol. Some of their activities are listed below. If you have any queries about Peterhouse, or would like to take advantage of any of the College’s liaison events, please do not hesitate to contact them.

The Admissions Office, Peterhouse, Cambridge, CB2 1RD, United Kingdom.

Email: admissions@pet.cam.ac.uk
Tel: 01223 338223/768877

Visits to Schools

In order to encourage students to consider pursuing Higher Education, and to apply to Cambridge in particular, our Schools Liaison Officers visit a number of schools across the country to give talks and provide information about the College and about study at university in general. These visits can be tailored to the needs of your school and made suitable for audiences drawn from Years 11, 12 or 13. Admissions Tutors, Fellows and students may also be able to visit your school to give subject specific presentations or an insight into life at Cambridge. If you are already planning an event – perhaps careers or HE related – please feel free to contact us to explore opportunities for co-operation. To arrange a visit, or find out more, please email slo@pet.cam.ac.uk.

Visits to Cambridge

We encourage prospective students to come to Peterhouse and see for themselves what Cambridge is like. Visits can include tours of the College and city, perhaps incorporating visits to departments or libraries; presentations about applying to Cambridge or university in general; and activities that aim to inform younger students about university life. Current students and Admissions Tutors may also be available for informal meetings. If you would like to come to Cambridge, please contact our Schools Liaison Officer.

Area Link Scheme

The majority of undergraduate colleges at Cambridge are linked to at least one Local Education Authority with which they work to improve access to higher education and to Cambridge. Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the London Borough of Hillingdon are linked with Peterhouse. We hope to build relationships with teachers and students in these areas through visits to schools and College-run events at Cambridge. For more information please contact our Schools Liaison Officer.

Events

Teacher Conferences

Target Teachers (January)

These days have been developed for members of staff who support sixth-form students in their applications for places in Higher Education, particularly those applying to Cambridge. This event is organised by a consortium of Schools Liaison Officers with the aim of providing guidance on:

• the admissions process
• what Cambridge Admissions Tutors are looking for in potential candidates
• reference writing & how to advise applicants on the interview process

There are also opportunities to look around some of the University facilities, and to meet Admissions staff from a number of Colleges.

For more information please contact Laura McGarty.

Cambridge Admissions Office Teachers' Conference (April)

This event is ideal for teachers, tutors, HE advisers and other staff who are involved in supporting students applying to Higher Education.

The event will enable you to:

• experience the Cambridge College system first-hand
• discuss the application and interview procedures
• share best practice with colleagues from across the country
• explore the undergraduate courses at Cambridge
• meet Admissions Tutors and other staff involved in admissions and widening participation

Sessions will include:

• Colleges and their role
• Widening participation and outreach work
• 14-19 curriculum changes
• Supporting students in making a Cambridge application
• Student life and finance

For more information please contact Mark Copestake.

Aspiration Days

In June, Peterhouse hosts a number of Year 10 students from the Local Education Authorities with which we have links, for a day of activities to inform students about what university can offer. This is an opportunity for students to find out what a university is, what university life might be like, and why they might enjoy it. It provides a chance to experience subjects that students may not have come across before, meet undergraduates, and see something of Cambridge. For more information please contact our Schools Liaison Officer.

Essay Prizes

Peterhouse organises three essay contests for Year 12 students. These are the Vellacott History Prize, Kelvin Science Prize and Thomas Campion English Prize. The prizes provide opportunities for sixth-form students to attempt the type of work they would experience at university and to have it assessed by members of the teaching staff at Peterhouse. Prizes of up to £500 are awarded for the best essays. More information can be found here.

Open Days

Peterhouse runs a number of Open Days throughout the year for students wishing to spend a day experiencing the College and University. Please click here for more information. If you cannot attend these Open Days but would like to visit the College then please contact the Admissions Office to make an appointment.

Mailing List

If you are interested in receiving emails about admissions events in Cambridge and developments in the applications process please contact the Admissions Office.

Additional information for teachers, tutors and HE advisors can be found on the University Undergraduate Admissions website.