SCHOOLS often go to great lengths to help their pupils win places to study amid Oxford’s dreaming spires.

But one sixth-form college in London has gone even further – creating a replica of an Oxford University don’s study to help Oxbridge candidates prepare for university interviews and find out about Oxford’s tutorial system.

Brooke House Sixth Form College spent £10,000 on the ‘Red Room’.

Headteacher Ken Warman said: “The aim is to boost Oxbridge entry and give them the skills to flourish when they get there, but it is also about raising people’s aspirations.

“It includes a year-long preparation for our pupils to go to university and there are at least 100 people in that programme. There are about 40 students who use the room and they love it.”

The programme sees the school working with Oxford’s Pembroke College.

Dr Mark Fricker, Pembroke’s academic director, said: “Working with schools and colleges to support bright students thinking about applying to Oxford is incredibly important.

“Especially those students who might not have even considered Oxford or other selective universities within their reach.

“Addressing some of the myths about Oxford, helping students and teachers to understand what the application and admissions process is about, and taking this message directly to them are central to this work.”

Dr Peter Claus, a senior research fellow in history at Pembroke College, has been using the room as an office, where he holds lectures and debates.