The Enhancement Scheme is the College’s bridging programme for incoming first-year students from widening participation backgrounds.
The programme traditionally takes place over the three days before the main first-year cohort arrives at Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ for Michaelmas Term.
It offers a series of social and practical induction activities to help students settle into life at Cambridge and prepare for their studies. The week’s activities are led by Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ second-year students with support from the Admissions Office.
The programme is free of charge. The College covers the cost of participants’ three extra nights in their accommodation, together with all meals in the Buttery for the duration of the scheme. Support for students' travel costs is available; full details will be communicated to eligible students in their invitation letter.
Selection of Students
Eligible students are invited to join the Enhancement Scheme by email after the release of A Level results and after their places at Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ are confirmed.
In 2025, incoming first years will be invited to participate if they last attended a UK state school, have home fee status, and meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Have been in local authority care
- Have been eligible for Free School Meals at any point within the last six years
- Have joined Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ through the August Reconsideration Pool
Depending on the spaces available, students who do not meet the criteria given above but who meet other widening participation criteria may also be invited to join the scheme. The numbers of students invited is capped by the number of rooms available for early arrival and the College's decision on student selection is final.
Dates for the 2025 Programme
Eligible students will be contacted in the week of the 18th August 2025 with an invitation to participate in the programme.
The programme will begin on Wednesday 1st October and conclude on Saturday 4th October with the arrival of the main first-year cohort.
