Corpus Black Brilliance Residential

For 2026, we are launching a brand new residential programme, in collaboration with our student Ethnic Diversity Officer, for Year 12 students who identify as having Black heritage - Corpus Black Brilliance Residential. 

From 1 to 2 April 2026, aspiring students will get to immerse themselves into what academic, and non-academic, life is like at Cambridge University and Corpus Christi College. Open to all humanities, social sciences, and STEM students, you will experience academic taster sessions, a Q&A with students from the Cambridge African Caribbean Society, a three-course formal dinner, and sleeping and eating like a Cambridge student! You will also receive dedicated application support sessions with the Outreach and Admissions Team and a chance to ask questions about the Cambridge application process. 

Kemi, second-year Law student and JCR Ethnic Diversity Officer, tells us about her experience attending a similar residential at Corpus in Sixth Form: 

As an eager and ambitious Year 12 student, having the chance to come to Corpus on a free residential programme was what pushed me to apply here. Despite my background as a black, state-educated scouser, I could really see myself living, eating and sleeping as a Corpus student. The academic sessions also made me much more confident about the quality of my application.

When is the residential? 

Wednesday 1 April - Thursday 2 April 2026 (overnight accommodation is provided in College)

Who is it for? 

Students in Year 12 (Year 13 in Northern Ireland / S5 in Scotland) who identify as having Black heritage, and who are interested in any Arts & Humanities or STEM subject. 

What's the cost? 

There is no cost while you're staying with us at Corpus - accommodation and food are covered. All you need to cover is your travel to and from Cambridge, with travel bursaries available for students who are eligible for government-funded Free School Meals. If travel costs are a barrier to you being nominated, then please do get in touch with us. 

Eligibility requirements: 

  • In Year 12 (England & Wales), Year 13 (Northern Ireland), S5 (Scotland) at a UK maintained school
  • Be on track for A*AA if interested in humanities/social sciences, or A*A*A if interested in STEM subjects (or equivalent) 
  • Identify as having Black or mixed Black heritage (African, Caribbean or Other) 

If the residential is oversubscribed, priority will be given to students who meet several 'Widening Participation' criteria. 

How to apply: 

A teacher needs to complete this nomination form for each individual student they are recommending for the programme (students cannot nominate themselves). As part of this form, you will need: 

  • The student's written response to why they would like to take part in the residential and what subject(s) they are currently interested in applying for at university (max 250 words) 
  • Student's predicted A Level grades and demographic data (including ethnicity, home postcode, and date of birth) 
  • A short teacher reference recommending the student for the residential 

Teachers are welcome to nominate more than one eligible student from the same school.  

The deadline to submit nominations is Monday 2 March (6pm), and we will notify all nominees of the outcome of their application in March. If you have any queries about the nomination process or the residential, please don't hesitate to contact Lucy.