Twenty-three exceptional students from Xaverian College have received offers to study at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.
Following months of intensive preparation, students recently received the news that they had gained offers of places at both universities which have been repeatedly ranked first and second in the UK, and both are currently in the top 10 universities in the world.
Gaining their places was the culmination of significant additional work over two years by the students, who were all part of the College’s specialist ‘Oxbridge Programme’, a unique and tailored programme that prepares students to apply to these universities.
Rose Jameson, former Chorlton High School pupil, is currently studying A Levels in English Literature, History and Politics and has received an offer to study History and Politics at the University of Oxford. She said: “Over the past few years, I've had a few teachers suggest that I consider making an application to Oxbridge, but the first time I fully considered what that might look like was in year 11 when I met a Cambridge History graduate who spoke about her experience at the university and encouraged as many state school students as possible to apply.
“Mrs Ayres and the Oxbridge Programme has been brilliant, and I couldn't have made it through the process without all their constant support and guidance. I'm so grateful to all the members of staff at Xaverian who have helped me, and for all the encouragement that I've received.”
Rene Bektashi-Brown plans to join his brother, and Xaverian Alumni, Anree, who is currently studying Biology at the University of Oxford, later this year to study Chemistry. Commenting on his experience of applying to Oxbridge, he said: “After visiting Oxford and seeing how beautiful the university and the colleges are, I knew that I would absolutely love to study there, and the academic challenge made it all the more appealing! The College’s Oxbridge Programme has always been extremely helpful in providing support and creating opportunities, and teachers put on plenty of sessions to help guide us through the entire process.”
Salvatore Tognarelli, who completed his GCSEs at The Barlow RC High School, before joining the College in September 2023 to study A Levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Philosophy, Ethics and Theology, said: “When I first started my A Level studies, I aspired to study at one of the greatest universities in the world... I pushed myself, and often tested my limits, but here we are! The admissions test was definitely the most challenging part, largely due to the high time pressure and my unfamiliarity with the questions, however I found the writing portions thoroughly enjoyable. The interview was also something I liked, I feel like it played into my strengths of being able to better verbally communicate my thought process and the tutors gave me thought provoking ideas.”
Rosa Bolton, who has received an offer to study Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, added: “The admissions tests and interviews extremely difficult, but I'd say my advice is to treat it as a lesson/conversation where you are learning rather than a test. If you get something wrong that is completely fine, I got loads wrong, just make sure you are engaged and don't be scared to ask questions if you are unsure about what you have been asked.”
Amna Waheed, former Whalley Range 11-18 High School pupil, commented: “I knew when I was in Year 10 that I wanted to apply to the University of Cambridge. When I visited Xaverian’s Open Days, they directed us to specific Oxbridge talks and I met Mrs Ayres, the most incredible woman, who was incredibly reassuring that we would be thoroughly supported. Mrs Ayres is forthcoming about the challenging realities of applying to Oxbridge, which can be somewhat daunting, but if you truly set out to achieve it, she will be there every step of the way.
“One really good piece of advice I heard the day before my interview from a tutor at Cambridge on a podcast was to “expect the unexpected”- this was relating to interview but I think it is true of each stage. It seems like everyone has a plan when you are surrounded by other Oxbridge applicants, but truthfully, we all grapple with the same challenges.”
Other students with offers include:
Abigail Branney, St Monica's RC High School - University of Oxford, Classics with English, Latin and Greek
Archie Robertson-Gill, Parrs Wood High School - University of Oxford, History and Politics
Avery Gunn, Marple Hall School - University of Oxford, English and Spanish
Belle Bridget, Manchester Enterprise Academy Central - University of Oxford, History
Clementine Jenkins, Marple Hall School - University of Oxford, History
Dylan Porter, The Barlow RC High School - University of Oxford, English Language and Literature
Finley Hettrick, Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School - University of Cambridge, Modern and Medieval Languages
Grace Cooke, Denton Community College - University of Cambridge, Human, Social, and Political Sciences
Jessica Scully, St Monica's RC High School - University of Oxford, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History
Libby Haslin, Glossopdale School - University of Oxford, Psychology and Philosophy
Lila Maddock, Chorlton High School - University of Cambridge, Medicine
Maia Biddle-Mogg, Hollingworth Academy - University of Cambridge, English
Max Blackburn, Parrs Wood High School - University of Cambridge, Mathematics
Mya Aslam, ‘Class of 2024’, Withington Girls' School - University of Oxford, English Language and Literature
Roselynn Gumbo, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls - University of Oxford, Classics
Sam Bishton, Trinity Church of England High School - University of Oxford, Music
Sebastian Kinsey, ‘Class of 2024’, St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy - University of Oxford, Geography
Thirsa Horrocks, Marple Hall School - University of Cambridge, Mathematics
The breadth of subjects students have chosen to study, including Mathematics, History and Medicine, demonstrates the diversity of interests across the College.
All students were delighted to receive their offers and are excited about the prospect of meeting new people passionate about their subjects and learning from the universities’ expert lecturers.
Jenny Ayres, Oxbridge Coordinator, said: “It’s a really exciting time of year, as our students’ offers come in and once again, they have done exceptionally well to secure highly competitive offers on such a diverse range of subjects.
“Our Oxbridge Programme really is like no other! Working in partnership with our careers team and the universities, our students receive bespoke support and excellent opportunities to give them the best possible chance of gaining a place, however our continued success is due to the hard work and academic rigor of our students!”
Tony Knowles, Principal, said: "On behalf of the entire College community, I am incredibly proud and delighted to share the news that twenty-three of our students have received offers from Oxbridge. This achievement reflects not only the exceptional academic abilities of these individuals but also the dedication and hard work of our staff who support, challenge, and inspire them every day. I look forward to seeing these students continue to shine in their academic pursuits at Oxford and Cambridge. Congratulations to all involved!"
As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers exciting opportunities to over 3000 students. To find out more, visit xaverian.ac.uk – Learning Without Limits!