
We are inviting Year 12 students to apply for the Cambridge Higher Aspirations Scheme (CHAS) 2025/26. Now in its sixth year, CHAS is an innovative outreach programme aimed at encouraging bright and ambitious students to set their sights on top universities, as well as providing a sustained academic programme of support and guidance throughout their time in sixth form/college.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
- The Cambridge Higher Aspirations Scheme (CHAS) is run by Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge and is open to Year 12 students in our link boroughs and counties (Norfolk, Hertfordshire, Barnet, Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham, Newham and Waltham Forest) who attend state schools or colleges.
- Applicants to the programme must be on course to achieve 3As or higher at A level (or equivalent). The programme is selective, and we will operate a holistic approach in assessing applications, considering students’ prior academic attainment and predicted A Level (or equivalent) grades alongside widening participation criteria.
- Applicants should ensure that the combination of A Level (or equivalent qualification) subjects that they are currently taking meets the subject entry requirements for the University of Cambridge degree which corresponds to their chosen CHAS course. For example, students applying for the Economics CHAS programme must be taking A Level Mathematics. Entry requirements for Cambridge degrees can be found on the course overview webpages here: Courses for 2026 entry | Undergraduate Study
Session Dates
Students will participate in 5 supervisions (Cambridge-style small group teaching) led by a researcher from the University:
- Supervision 1: Saturday 24th January (in person at Gonville and Caius College)
- Supervision 2: Tuesday 3rd February, 18:30-19:30 (online)
- Supervision 3: Tuesday 17th February, 18:30-19:30 (online)
- Supervision 4: Tuesday 3rd March, 18:30-19:30 (online)
- Supervision 5: Tuesday 17th March, 18:30-19:30 (online)
To apply for the scheme, students must be available to attend all 5 supervisions.
Additional Activities
- One-night residential visit to Caius for students who demonstrate a strong record of engagement during the supervisions. The residential will take place in August 2026. Places are limited.
Sign up
Students in Year 12 wishing to apply for the CHAS Scheme should complete an online form by following the link below.
https://cambridge.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5zlsr0EjSVGD1dk
The deadline for applications is 17:00 on Friday 17th October 2025. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.
We look forward to receiving your applications!
Francesca, Hannah, Sidrah and Chris
Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge