Fourteen Exeter College students have been offered places at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge for September 2016.

The offers are across a wide range of subjects including Engineering, Maths, Biology, Music, Law and Philosophy.

Seven students have won places at Oxford and seven at Cambridge, beating off tough competition from across the country. The students went through an intensive and challenging selection process, including formal interviews and additional entry exams to win their places at Oxford and Cambridge (Oxbridge).

All students at the college are supported with dedicated and personalised support and advice with their university applications. Those who are wishing to apply to Oxbridge universities are able to benefit from the college’s close links with Oxford and Cambridge, including an Information Day held at the college by the two universities every year and bespoke Open Days.

Richard Atkins CBE, Principal, said: “I am delighted that so many of our students have been successful with their Oxford and Cambridge university applications this year.

“Exeter College has a dedicated careers service and a specialist Reach Academy which attracts students of the highest academic abilities and provides them with the necessary support and encouragement to progress to our top universities. Our excellent A Level and International Baccalaureate results mean that increasing numbers of students from the college move on to leading universities and successful careers.”

Emma Fielding, Assistant Principal at Exeter College, said: “I'd like to pay tribute to the hard work, dedication and ambition of our students in winning their offers to go to these world class universities. Their achievements are exceptional.

“We are truly passionate at Exeter College about supporting all our students to achieve their potential and it is fantastic to see our students realising their ambitions in this way.”

Ben Fisk, from Exeter, who has won a place to read Biological Sciences at the University of Oxford, said: “The college has been supportive, they have lots of staff in place to help with the application process, and there are plenty of people to go to for advice.”

Hannah Munday, from Tedburn St Mary, who will be reading Music at the University of Oxford, said: “I was really shocked but excited to receive an offer of a place at the University of Oxford. I have very much enjoyed being at Exeter College and found the staff really supportive with the application process for university. There was a lot of guidance available, especially with interview techniques.”

Oliver Bilbie, from Uplyme, East Devon, who is set to study Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, said: “I never really expected to get a place at one of these top universities but I’m really glad that the college has been there to support me and other students to get the places.”

Out of the 14 students who have been offered places at Oxbridge, 10 are members of the college’s Reach Academy for the academically gifted. This programme, supported by the Met Office and other Exeter-based firms, provides the students with opportunities designed to stretch and challenge the college’s most able students. In doing so, students are inspired to reach or even surpass their academic potential.