Emma Aubury, Head of Careers and Further Education at Oundle School, brings years of experience to guiding pupils through the often daunting university application process. From navigating course choices to refining personal statements and preparing for interviews, Emma understands what it takes to stand out. While strong grades are undeniably important, she believes it is often the less tangible qualities that make the real difference.
Parents play a crucial role in supporting and encouraging their children’s aspirations, “Providing them with the opportunity to be at a school where teachers are passionate about their subjects and where there are plenty of super-curricular opportunities will help them enormously. It is so inspiring for pupils.” says Emma. However, she is clear about one consistent factor in successful applications for the most competitive courses and universities: “It has to be pupil-led. It can’t just be the parent’s aspiration. It’s the pupils who are sitting the exams, writing the personal statements and facing the interviewers. For them to speak about their subject with enthusiasm, they need to feel that drive themselves.”
“Love. Your child needs to love the subject. If they want to study at Oxford or Cambridge, for example, they obviously need excellent exam grades at GCSE and A level, but all applicants will have those. What sets them apart is a deep and genuine passion for their subject.”Emma Aubury, Head of Careers and Further Education
There are, however, many ways parents can support their children, both from an early age and throughout the application process. “Encouraging a love of reading from an early age is invaluable. It doesn’t really matter what children are reading – all reading is good and the more the better! Discussions at home are also helpful in developing a child’s ability to express their ideas and engage with the ideas of others. These could be discussions about topics they are passionate about or simply conversations about current affairs and the news.”
Emma also recommends that parents nurture their children’s interests by broadening their experiences beyond the classroom. “Take them to museums, galleries, theatres or exhibitions that align with their academic passions. If their interest is in languages, for instance, travelling to relevant countries can be transformative.” For courses such as Medicine, Engineering or Law, Emma stresses the importance of work experience. “If you know someone in that field, helping to secure relevant opportunities can be pivotal in shaping a strong application – and in ensuring their passion for that field is real and lasting.”
