Magdalene Summer Residentials

Over the summer holidays, Magdalene hosted two residentials, STEM SMART and ClickCambridge.

These programmes form part of the Access and Outreach team's efforts in widening participation and ensuring the students with the highest potential, regardless of background, are encouraged to consider studying here. 

STEM SMART Residential

Magdalene hosted 22 Year 12 students for a four-day residential in August 2026 as part of the STEM SMART programme. The STEM SMART programme, in conjunction with Isaac Physics, provides high-achieving students with academic enrichment and university application advice throughout their A Level studies. The programme comprises online learning, weekly tutorials and a four-day residential in Cambridge.

The participants, all of whom met at least one widening participation criteria, attended a variety of sessions encompassing Biology, Physics and Maths. Throughout the visit, the students were able to talk to and ask questions of Magdalene Student Ambassadors, who shared their insights into living and studying at Magdalene.

Outside their academic sessions, Magdalene's cohort were able to experience life in a Cambridge College. The group received a tour of Magdalene, a tour of Cambridge, and stayed in student accommodation at Cripps Court. They also visited Homerton College for an escape game with STEM SMART students from Pembroke and Homerton. Magdalene also hosted a STEM SMART formal for 100 students from Magdalene, Pembroke and Homerton Colleges.

By the end of the residential, 80% of students strongly agreed that they had the academic ability to do well at a university like Cambridge, while 85% stated that they would definitely apply to a highly selective university.

ClickCambridge Residential

In August 2026, Magdalene College hosted the third ClickCambridge Residential for British state school students from Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Arabic backgrounds about to begin A Level study. Prior to the residential, over 200 students attended a series of webinars discussing student finance, choosing a university course and supercurricular exploration. Thanks to a generous donation, Magdalene hosted a one-night residential, enabling participants to engage with like-minded peers and Student Ambassadors from BME backgrounds.

Students were selected on the basis of their engagement with the online webinars and widening participation criteria, with 94% of students being recipients of Free School Meals, 100% attending state school, and 12% having been in local authority care. The students were divided into three streams, Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, and Physical Sciences, based on their preferences.

The Arts and Humanities stream received a tour and talk from the Law Faculty and attended subject taster lectures delivered by the English Faculty and the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Faculty. They also received a tour of Newnham College. The Biological Sciences stream attended a lecture delivered by a Magdalene PhD student and visited Emmanuel College. They also toured the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience. The Physical Sciences stream attended a Maths problem-solving session led by Dr Maria Ivan and received a tour of the Physics Department, as well as Lucy Cavendish College.

All students also enjoyed social activities that gave them a glimpse of College life. They went on a punting tour and experienced a formal dinner.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all the academics, PhD students, and Department and College staff who offered teaching and tours to our students. We are also very appreciative of the Magdalene conferencing, catering and housekeeping departments for their contribution.