CONGRATULATIONS are in order for a dozen Alton College students who have been offered places at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Following a rigorous application and interview process, the students have been notified of their offers in a range of diverse courses from a plethora of colleges.

A spokesman explained the 12 offers represent a “really successful year” for Alton College students applying to Oxbridge and is testament to the successes of the new Aspire programme. The students were aided in their applications by staff through the Applying to Competitive Courses programme, which prepares students for the challenges of the university admissions process, helping them to deliver an enhanced application to ensure they have the competitive advantage over other applicants, and also includes help with admissions tests.

The Applying to Competitive Courses scheme is part of the college’s Aspire programme which enables high-achieving students to maximise their potential to go on to study at the UK’s top universities and abroad.

Within the Aspire programme, students are encouraged to aim high and meet, or exceed, their targets both within the classroom and in independent study.

Students are stretched and challenged in the classroom and signposted toward opportunities for further learning and development outside the classroom.

This year’s applicants receiving Oxbridge offers include:

Zak Angell, previously at Eggar’s School, offered a place at Merton College, Oxford, to study PPE.

Daniel Beeston, previously at Eggar’s School, offered a place at New College, Oxford, to study PPE.

Katelyn Chelberg, previously at Robert May’s School, offered a place at Queen’s College, Cambridge, to study engineering.

Stella Eyers, previously at Horsell High School, offered a place at Exeter College, Oxford, to study history.

Eva Greatorex, previously at Lord Wandsworth College, offered a place at Magdalene College, Cambridge, to study geography

Martha Kingsley, previously at Eggar’s School, offered a place at St John’s College, Cambridge, to study medicine.

Peter Morris, previously at Eggar’s School, offered a place at Oriel College, Oxford, to study medicine.

Alfie Mowse, previously at Eggar’s School, offered a place at Queen’s College, Oxford, to study PPE.

Eleanor Taylor, previously at Alton School, offered a place at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, to study history and politics.

Jessica Wagstaff, previously at The Petersfield School, offered a place at Downing College, Cambridge, to study archaeology.

Staff offered congratlations to all.