Samantha Ponting

As the Digital Engagement Officer for the Access and Outreach Team, it’s my job to design and produce visually exciting graphics that will inspire and attract students from all backgrounds to attend events at St John’s College, Oxford. 

Communication has always been at the core of my career, which began with a BA (Hons) degree in Graphic Design. After university, I travelled to Hong Kong to take up my first design role. This helped to kick start my commercial career and taught me how to stretch and challenge myself. 

I then worked for over 16 years in design agencies abroad and in the UK, before moving into the education sector. For the past ten years, I’ve been teaching art and graphics in state schools, working closely with students across years 7-13. 

I have first-hand experience of state school students attending Oxford colleges, where they’ve thrived academically and personally. This has helped me really appreciate the critical role outreach events play in engaging students who might not otherwise have considered Oxford as an option. 

I want to see talented pupils, whatever their backgrounds, believe in themselves and access all the educational and life opportunities available to them. So, I’m excited to be using my experience and skills to engage, inspire and encourage students to explore their higher education choices, and perhaps change their lives.