Getting into Oxford is the greatest achievement of my life.
I survived my early years in the foster care system and ended up homeless at 16, having lived alone as an estranged student ever since.
I thought this would be my hardest challenge. But I was wrong.
I thought the worst Oxford could throw at me would be crippling imposter syndrome and endless essays. I wasn’t prepared to be called “council estate Chloe”. Nor was I prepared to be told my college couldn’t offer me the same financial support as my peers at other colleges.
My experience isn’t a unique one. Oxford’s collegiate system means you won’t necessarily be accepted into the college you apply to, with 1/3rd of students being “pooled” upon receiving their offers. This impacts the financial support and academic experience you receive as an Oxford student.
That’s why I am supporting the College Disparities report and its recommendations. We all deserve an equal Oxford experience. This report will help us achieve this.
This week, Danial Hussain launched the College Disparities report, shedding light on the financial disparities between colleges and their significant impact on academic performance. The report highlights how endowment size correlates significantly with the financial and academic support at each of Oxford’s colleges. Disadvantaged students at poorer colleges are more exposed impact of college disparities, facing the greatest challenges whilst here.
I am deeply grateful to contribute to this, knowing the transformative impact it will have on Oxford's future. I urge you to read the report, consider the solutions, and add your signature to the open letter (open to all students, staff, and alumni!)
Your Oxford experience doesn’t have to be the same, but it should be equal.
Sign the open letter and help us make this happen:
https://lnkd.in/eEYQur4f
Chloe Pomfret’s life as an Oxford student is not one of May balls and dining societies. Instead, in the holidays, the 21-year-old cleans the rooms at her college to earn enough to cover her rent.
The story of Pomfret, who grew up in supported accommodation in Manchester after her grandfather, with whom she had been living, died, shines a spotlight on the acute wealth divide at the university.
She says there are clear signs of classism and gives an example where she was the victim: “I joined the Oxford Union and ran for election and was given the nickname ‘council estate Chloe’. I resigned. That was the first obvious sign of classism that really hurt”
![While my Oxford peers go skiing, I stay behind to clean their rooms]()
While my Oxford peers go skiing, I stay behind to clean their rooms
thetimes.co.uk
Partner at Customer Relationship Index Inc.
3moI love the energy of your posts Kyle. A new day at Lazaridis.