Kit’s Story

Name: Kit Renshaw-Hammond

Hometown: Penzance

Former School: Mounts Bay Academy

Course: A Level History, Politics and English Literature

Academies: Academic Academy

What’s Next: History and Politics at University of Oxford

Going from strength to strength, Kit’s academic success at Penwith College has enabled him to go further in his studies at the University of Oxford.

In his first year at college, Kit competed in the History Association local Great Debate, representing Penwith College, against a number of students from schools and colleges across the county. After winning the local competition, Kit then progressed onto the 2022 Great Debate Final held on 26th March 2022 in the Vicars’ Hall at Windsor Castle. Kit prepared and executed a powerful debate mainly focusing on the housing crisis in Cornwall and was crowned champion of the national competition.

One of the competition’s judges, Dr G H Bennett of the history programme at Plymouth University, commented: “The passion, skill, and knowledge of all those that took part in the debate was noteworthy with Mr Kit Renshaw-Hammond from Penzance emerging as the worthy winner.”

Throughout his time at College, Kit showed a huge commitment towards his subjects, achieving A*s in A Level Politics, History and English Literature; unlocking many new opportunities for his future.

Kit joined the Academic Academy, a popular choice for Oxbridge hopefuls. The Academy forms part of the College’s leading Enrichment programme, where students select an extra-curricular option designed to encourage them to look further, reach further and go further, with options including academic support, recreation, health, and hobbies.

When considering his next steps after college, Kit was interested in studying at the University of Oxford and took full advantage of the College’s Oxbridge Support Programme. Entering the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge is particularly competitive, so the intensive programme offers students super-curricular and enrichment opportunities, dedicated Oxbridge events, pre-interview tests, application support, one-to-one mentoring and mock interviews delivered by subject specialists.

Kit enjoyed his experience and said: “The Oxbridge trip really helped me make up my mind where to apply. It was great that the trip was free which widens access to all relevant students, no matter their economic circumstances.”

After receiving his outstanding A Level results, Kit accepted an offer at the University of Oxford to read History and Politics. Kit felt that the Oxbridge programme and his A Level lecturers had set him up for success to achieve his goals. Kit’s advice for prospective students is: “Talk to your lecturers if you need help, they are the most well-informed people about the subjects around.”

Penwith College welcomed Kit back to the English Literature class in January 2024 to share his experience at University of Oxford and his best advice when examining Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. Kit’s knowledge and expertise with achieving full marks in the Hamlet exam questions proved to be extremely valuable for the students preparing for their upcoming exams.