ASHTON Sixth Form College has received eight confirmed offers to Oxford and Cambridge universities, believed to be the most of any education establishment in Tameside.
One student who has received an offer to study Medicine at Oxford (Queens) is Katy Hallas, who said she was ‘in shock’ when she found out.
“After hours of dedication and consistent revision, this has been my proudest achievement,” the former All Saints Catholic College pupil said.
Teo Balmus has been offered a place at the University of Oxford (Pembroke College) to study Theology and Philosophy.
Frank Duffy, who previously went to St Damian’s RC Science College in Ashton-under-Lyne, has received an offer to study History and Politics at the University of Oxford (St Peter’s).
Another student bound for Oxford (Brasenose) to study Biology is Diya Mistry, who used to go to Droylsden Academy.
Shahed Abrik, an alumni of Fairfield High School For Girls in Droylsden, has received an offer to study Medicine at Oxford (St Anne’s).
Arlo Turner has been studying Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics at Ashton. He has been offered a place at the University of Cambridge (St John’s) to study Mathematics.
Following in Arlo’s footsteps of studying Mathematics at Cambridge (Pembroke) is another former Glossopdale School pupil, James Mcdonald.
And Tamsin Daly, who used to go to Mossley Hollins High School, is set to continue studying Geography – one of her subjects at Ashton – at Cambridge (Homerton).
Ashton Sixth Form’s principal says she is thrilled to see more Oxbridge success across a range of courses at the college.
“To stand out in such a competitive arena is very impressive indeed,” said Lisa Richards. “So, a massive congratulations from me to these eight students who now go on to join the 30 ex-ASFC students currently studying at Oxford or Cambridge.
“University and apprenticeship offers are also flooding in for hundreds of other students across college, so an exciting time all-round and I am very proud of our students’ achievements.
“A big well done to them, and to our fantastic staff and wonderful families who are supporting them in taking these next steps.”
Ashton Sixth Form College’s XL Academy (formerly known as the XL Programme) was established in 2011, aiming to give high-achieving students a space to express themselves, share their thoughts and openly discuss their ambitions.
The programme, which now enrols over 500 students each year, ensures students can meet and surpass the demanding entry requirements of Oxbridge, Russell Group Universities and premium degree apprenticeships.
Head of the XL Academy, Damian Windle, commented: “The 2023-24 academic year has already been a special year with the launch of The XL Academy and these eight Oxbridge offers represent a fantastic achievement and showcase the excellence that goes on.
“I am thrilled for these students as they have worked so hard and I’m so pleased for all the members of staff who have supported them on the way in helping gain a place at some of the best universities in the world.”