The City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College is proud to have supported yet another year of students in gaining offers from the most prestigious universities from across the country including Oxford and Cambridge, studying an array of competitive courses.

The studious students are members of the College’s High Achievers Programme, which aims to support gifted students in fulfilling their potential. Designed by College staff, who are Oxbridge Graduates, the programme offers students specialist preparation for competitive university courses, which includes mock interviews, masterclasses and university visits.

Five students were elated to receive offers from the top two universities in the world, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge: Alexandra Harrison (formerly of Blythe Bridge High School), Izaak Fairclough (formerly of Clayton Hall Academy), Thomas Williams (formerly of Endon High School), Emily Corne (formerly of Thistley Hough Academy) and Josh Colclough (formerly of University Academy Kidsgrove).

Emily Borne, aged 17, formerly of Thistley Hough Academy, applied to study English Language and Literature. Emily’s offer has come from University College, University of Oxford, and is for AAA.

It has always been Emily’s ambition to research the English Language. Being apart of the High Achievers Programme has helped Emily to feel more confident and focused in her studies and ability.

Emily said: “I am grateful to the support that has been offered to me at the Sixth Form College. My subject teachers have given up their time to help me with extra reading and interview prep, being able to talk to experienced teachers who have also attended top universities themselves has been a great inspiration to me.”

“To younger students who are thinking about applying for Oxbridge I say give it a shot. You really have nothing to lose and everything to gain; believe in yourself.”

Future Oxbridge hopeful, Izaak Fairclough  formerly of Clayton Hall Academy, received an offer of A*AA to study Mathematics at University of Cambridge said: “Taking part in the college’s High Achievers Programme has encouraged me to aim high and apply to universities like Cambridge, something I never would have considered before joining the Sixth Form College.”

This year the College is also pleased to announce an increase in students choosing to apply to competitive universities such as Durham University and specialist universities such as Loughborough University.

Former Endon High School student, Sam Edwards, age 18, has been offered a place at Loughborough University to study Sport and Exercise Psychology. To secure his place Sam needs to achieve AAB in his A Levels.

Sam, from Milton said: “The college provides a great mix of academic and sporting excellence that have both helped me in gaining my offer from Loughborough University. The facilities are excellent and the College is a nice environment to learn in.”

“I’d like to see where a career in sports psychology can take me and staff at the College have been really supportive of my decisions and aspirations. I also play football as part of the college Talented Athlete Programme which has helped me to develop as an athlete as well as academically through my studies by attending additional sessions to aid my knowledge and understanding of my subjects. ”

“Now I have even more motivation to ensure that I do the best I can in my exams to make sure I secure the grades I need.”

Holli Davies, aged 17 and former Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy student, has an offer from Durham University, to study English. Holli’s offer is for AAA.

Holli said: “I applied to study at Durham University because of their amazing reputation and the outstanding quality of their courses. During my time at the College I was given the opportunity to take an Extended Project Qualification which has helped me to work more effectively and research my subjects beyond the usual A Level content and has increased my confidence and belief that I am capable of studying at Durham.”

Holli continued: “When I saw that I had got an offer I was ecstatic, and relieved. Knowing that the University considers me Durham material is an honour.”

Receiving an offer from these institutions is an impressive achievement that is a result of hard work and commitment, and affirms the College’s ability to support high aspirations.

Director of Teaching, Learning and Assessment, Edward Swann, who oversees the College’s High Achievers Programme said that he was proud of this achievement: “It’s a major accomplishment for each of our students and once again validates the success of the College’s High Achievers Programme.”

Gemanie Hassall-Dendy, who coordinates the College’s High Achievers Programme added; “Having students receiving offers from top universities in the country is outstanding, particularly in a city that has traditionally seen small numbers of Oxbridge applicants. This number of offers is a result of student hard-work and the combined efforts of Sixth Form staff, trustees, and local employers.”

The Russell Group represent some of the UK’s most prestigious universities including Oxford and Cambridge and aim to attract able and talented students from all backgrounds. Each year Sixth Form College students successfully secure places on undergraduate courses. Gaining a place at these universities can be very competitive.