Cambridge 21+ programme 2024

The University of Cambridge has three Colleges specifically for mature students aged 21 and over: Hughes Hall, St Edmund’s and Wolfson. In July 2024, the Colleges welcomed 12 prospective students to the in-person component of the Cambridge 21+ programme, a hybrid outreach programme designed specifically for mature applicants.

By Caroline Banerjee, Outreach and Student Recruitment Officer at Wolfson College.

In early July 2024, twelve students arrived at Wolfson, suitcases in hand, ready for the start of our Cambridge 21+ residential outreach programme.

Cambridge 21+ is the only programme of its kind. It is a fully-funded virtual and residential applicant support initiative, tailored specifically for UK students aged 21 years or over, looking to study a first undergraduate degree.

Day 1

Students had travelled to the College from all areas of the UK, and for many this was their first time in Cambridge. At the Wolfson Porters’ Lodge, students met current mature student ambassadors, and introduced themselves to each other, sharing tales of travels, educational paths, and their hopes for the next couple of days.

Sitting down with my outreach colleagues at the two other mature Colleges, Hughes Hall and St Edmund’s, it was this kind of sharing and communal feel that we wished to foster. We wanted students to get a feel for the mature Colleges and Cambridge, understanding that there is a community of mature leaners waiting for them within the University.

On the first night, students toured Wolfson, had dinner in the Dining Hall, and socialised with snacks. My colleagues and I had prepared all kinds of ice breakers to encourage the group to chat, but in the end, there was no need. The group connected instantly, and we overheard many interesting conversations, from the importance of communication in medical research, to the relationship between advertising, culture and mental health.

Each student came from a different educational background, with diverse work and life experiences, and it was this diversity that made the programme so special.

Day 2

The next morning, the group had breakfast before heading to the Wolfson Library, where library staff from the mature Colleges delivered a brilliant interactive session on critical reading and evaluating sources.

What followed was a full day of learning and immersion into Cambridge life.

Students visited Hughes Hall and St Edmund’s, ate in their dining halls, spoke with admissions staff, and viewed a range of student accommodation.

As outreach officers, we ran an interactive personal statement writing workshop, working through a range of past statement examples with the group (with lots of highlighting, post it notes, and discussion). We encouraged students to consider how their own experiences or academic interests could be followed up independently and critically.

The highlight of the day for me, however, was the student ambassador panel session. It soon became clear that whilst admissions tutors were all looking for engaged and curious learners, each panellist’s application journey had been slightly different.

A key takeaway from the session was that there really was no singular 'Cambridge student'. At Cambridge, there are many ways to fit in and take part. The day concluded with a punting trip on the River Cam, followed by a celebration dinner by candlelight at St Edmund’s.

Day 3

On the final morning, students and staff reflected on their residential experience. Participants swapped phone numbers, expressing wishes to stay longer and to start on their degrees straight away.

One student reflected,

“Hearing the stories of current and prospective students made me realise my journey is ‘unique’ and that is okay. This made me feel normal and accepted. Students come from all walks of life, and we are all equally valid.”

Another student commented,

“My biggest takeaway from this residential was the empowering idea that if I want to aim for something, I should go for it without being stopped by the idea that I do not belong. Taking a non-traditional route to university can feel isolating, but this programme has provided me with peace of mind and a sense of community.”

My outreach colleague at St Edmund’s, Carly Bracher, summarised her equally positive experience of this year’s programme:

“I have been privileged to be involved in Cambridge 21+ for three years, and as always this year’s residential was a truly rewarding experience. It is such a joy to see prospective mature applicants experiencing Cambridge for themselves and having the opportunity to have their questions answered.

It was great to hear at the end of the two days that many of them now feel more confident about making an application to Cambridge and that they know they will fit in if they are successful with their application.”

We look forward to following this year’s applicants as they make their university applications and begin their courses. Plans are already underway to develop a mature College mentoring scheme in partnership with the Cambridge Student Union to support future cohorts. Going forward, we aim to expand the 21+ programme, continuing on our shared mission to reach and support as many mature learners as possible.

If you’re thinking about going to university for the first time and will be 21 or over at the start of your course, then consider taking part in Cambridge 21+ in 2025. Applications are now open. Click the link below to find out more and start your application.

Cambridge 21+ 2025 Registration Form

If you’d like more information, contact one of the mature Colleges and sign up for our newsletter to hear about more events for mature applicants.

· Hughes Hall – outreach@hughes.cam.ac.uk

· St. Edmund’s College – admissions@st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk

· Wolfson College – sro@wolfson.cam.ac.uk