Magdalene College Residential

The Magdalene College Residential will take place 7-10 April 2026.

The annual Magdalene College Residential will run from 7 to 10 April 2026. It is open to Year 12 students at state-maintained schools in Merseyside or the Isle of Man.

The Magdalene College Residential offers high-achieving students the chance to learn more about studying at leading universities, including the University of Cambridge. Participants stay in College accommodation, attend subject workshops and seminars led by university lecturers, visit Cambridge libraries and museums, spend time with current students, learn about the application process, and gain a clear picture of life as a Cambridge student.

Applicants should:

• Be in Year 12 and aged 16 or over by the time of the residential.
• Attend a state-maintained school in Merseyside or the Isle of Man.
• Have the potential to achieve at least A*AA at A Level or at least 40 points in the IB (with 776 in Higher Level subjects).
• Have achieved a minimum of 5 Grades 9-7 (A*-A) grades at GCSE.
• Be interested in a course offered at the University of Cambridge. Please find information on the Course pages.

We will prioritise applicants who meet one or more Widening Participation criteria, which are:

• Eligibility for Free School Meals.
• Spending time in Local Authority Care.
• Being a Young Carer.
• Experiencing educational disruption due to factors such as long-term health conditions or frequently moving schools.
• Living in a low-progression neighbourhood (POLAR Quintiles 1/2 and/or IMD Quintiles 1/2).
• Attending a school with low progression to Oxford or Cambridge.
• Being a First-Generation student (parents or guardians did not attend university).

We expect the residential program to be over-subscribed and cannot offer a place to every applicant. The outcome has no bearing on any future application to Magdalene College or the University of Cambridge. Applications are assessed on academic ability and potential, considered alongside the Widening Participation criteria above.

Applications for the 2026 residential open on 25 January and close on 25 February.

Applicants will be asked to nominate a current teacher to provide a short reference. All applicants will be informed of the outcome one week after the application deadline.

If you have any questions, contact Carys and Tess in the Widening Participation and Schools Liaison Team at access@magd.cam.ac.uk.