A PROGRAMME that has helped 81 black students gain places at Oxford or Cambridge universities is set to expand 'dramatically'.

'Target Oxbridge', which helps talented students with application support and advice, will triple the number of people it works with this year.

Created and run by diversity recruitment specialist, Rare, the programme aims to increase the number of black African and Caribbean students at the universities.

It had 45 funded places in 2017 but due to 'unprecedented demand' this year will offer 160 spaces in 2018.

The year-long programme involves visits to each university, subject sessions delivered by academics, admissions advice from experts, and mentoring by current and former Oxbridge students.

This year both Oxford and Cambridge will host an Easter residential during which students will get a taste of living and studying at Oxford and Cambridge.

Fis Noibi, who is studying French and Arabic at Somerville College, Oxford after attending the Target Oxbridge course said: "Target Oxbridge provided me with an invaluable experience when it came to preparing not only for admissions into Oxford, but also life once there.

"With this expansion, I can honestly see the face of Oxford changing for the better, to become a much more inclusive, open and diverse space.

"I'm sure that this will be a real game-changer in the lives of many brilliant and more than capable students who otherwise may not have applied."

Find out more at targetoxbridge.co.uk