Oundle's Oxbridge Successes

Published on isbi School News dated Friday 24th of January 2014

Seventeen pupils from Oundle School have received offers to Oxford and Cambridge this year. Fourteen of these are conditional offers based on A level and Pre U results with three former pupils receiving unconditional offers.

Master in Charge of Oxbridge applicants and Classics teacher, Mark Parry commented, 'The seventeen Oundelians who received offers of places at Oxford and Cambridge this year can be extremely proud of their efforts; the competition for places becomes more intense year upon year as our candidates compete against other very able applicants within an uncertain political climate. All credit must go to the successful candidates for their excellent preparation.'

The offers this year were spread across the two universities (7 from Cambridge and 10 from Oxford), and were made in a pleasing range of subjects across both the Sciences (6 offers) and the Arts (11 offers). Amongst the subjects to be studied by the pupils are Archaeology and Anthropology, Chemistry, English, Classics, History, Law, Maths, Maths and Statistics, Medicine, MML French and Spanish, Music, Natural Sciences, Philosophy, Physics and PPE.

Upper Sixth Form pupil, Heidy Kang (18), who is currently studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and History and has received a conditional offer from Oxford to study Maths commented, 'I joined Oundle in my Third Form (Year 9) and fell in love with the School immediately. It has made my Oxford dream come true and the teachers are very supportive both in academic matters and personal issues. You can choose any subjects you want to learn, any sports you want to participate in and join any societies you want to be involved in.'

Headmaster, Charles Bush commented, 'We are delighted by this success. Winning a place at Oxford or Cambridge University has become increasingly difficult. Candidates need to demonstrate significant ability and show great motivation, knowledge and enthusiasm for their chosen courses. We are delighted that so many of this hard-working and able year group have won places. This achievement continues to enhance Oundle's academic reputation. It is testimony to the hard work and approach of Oundle's pupils and teachers.'

Thoughts have turned to next year's applicants. There will be an Oxbridge Conference for the Lower Sixth on 7 February which will be attended by Dr Andrew Thompson, Admissions Tutor at Queens' College, Cambridge, as well as a selection of current undergraduates and pupils from other local schools.