EARLIER this month, Year 12 students at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School celebrated the conclusion of the inaugural Habs Elevate Programme with a residential visit to Murray Edwards College Cambridge.

Created by the Haberdashers’ Company, Elevate is designed to empower ambitious young women, raising aspirations, building confidence and encouraging students to think boldly about their futures.

Delivered in partnership with Murray Edwards College, the programme provides participants with access inspiring role models, guidance on academic pathways and valuable insight into university life.

The residential visit coincided with the University of Cambridge Open Days, giving students the opportunity to stay in college accommodation, explore Cambridge’s historic colleges and hear directly from current undergraduates about their experiences.

Immersing themselves in one of the world’s leading academic environments allowed students to move beyond perceptions and gain a genuine understanding of what studying at Cambridge can be like.

A defining aspect of the programme is its focus on female empowerment. Founded to create more opportunities for women at Cambridge, Murray Edwards College provided an inspiring setting in which students could connect with female role models and see first-hand how women are encouraged to pursue academic excellence and ambitious goals.

The experience reinforced the programme’s core message: That talent, curiosity and determination can open doors to exceptional opportunities.

Alongside the academic enrichment, the visit encouraged Haberdashers’ Monmouth School students to broaden their horizons, challenge misconceptions and reflect on their aspirations.

Conversations with current students provided honest insight into university life, while exploring the colleges and city helped make the prospect of studying at a world-leading institution feel more tangible and achievable.

As the first year of the Habs Elevate Programme comes to a close, students, students leave with greater confidence, fresh perspectives and a renewed belief in their potential.

The residential at Murray Edwards College was a fitting conclusion to a programme dedicated to empowering young women to aim high, embrace opportunity and pursue their ambitious with confidence.