Access

Hello, I’m Jennifer Henry, and I’m the JCR Access Representative for 2006-7.
My job is to promote Merton as the friendly, accepting and diverse place that it is, and encourage people from all walks of life to apply here. I’m a first year doing English Literature and decided to stand for this post because I was heavily involved in the Oxford Access Scheme and took part in their summer schools and other events. I found that having the support and help from such an organisation made my application easier, and made me believe in myself as someone with the potential to get a place, regardless of my background. I came from an inner city state school in Leeds and understand how Oxford seems like a whole other reality compared to living in the real world! I believe that access schemes and initiatives around Oxford really help to bridge the divide, and make people realise that it’s not about where you come from, but where you are going.

Our aim at Merton is to raise awareness of the opportunities available and to try to dispel the myths about Oxford. This year we are running the Ambassador Scheme, which involves current Mertonians going back to their home areas during the holidays and talking to students in ‘Target Schools’, schools which do not have a history of sending students to Oxford. This will hopefully serve to make students and staff more aware of life here, work and the application process, as well as convincing people that Merton is the place to be! Merton is a fun, friendly and exciting place to live. We have a reputation for hard work as we constantly top the college results league table, however, we have a lot of fun too! Furthermore, Merton offers numerous advantages to those who choose to study here. Not only does the college offer students accommodation for the entirety of their degrees, it has a city centre location and offers a high level of financial assistance to those in need of some extra support.

I hope this brief summary has provided an insight into the extent of Merton’s efforts to try and encourage state school applicants, and to reassure prospective students that we are a friendly college that offers many opportunities to those who study here. If you have any further enquires, please do not hesitate to email me at jennifer.henry <at> merton.ox.ac.uk. We look forward to hearing from you!

Jennifer Henry