A-level results: congratulations to Oxford's new undergraduates
For students across the country, exam results mark the culmination of years of hard work and the start of something new. This autumn, a new cohort of undergraduates will arrive in Oxford from across the UK. We meet some of those preparing to start their Oxford journey and hear what earning their place means to them.
Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, Professor Irene Tracey, CBE, FRS, FMedSci., said, 'My warmest congratulations to all those who have secured a place at Oxford. This is a terrific achievement, reflecting your academic excellence, commitment to learning and the encouragement of your teachers, families, carers and friends. We are excited to welcome you to our wonderful academic community - one that will support but also challenge you in order that you fulfil the potential we see in you. I wish you every success as you begin this exciting new chapter.'
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Franklin and Matilda will be joining Oxford from Seaford Head Sixth Form in East Sussex.
Franklin, from Eastbourne, achieved an A* in Mathematics, A* in Further Mathematics, and A* in Physics in his A-levels and confirmed his place at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he will study Physics.
On receiving his results, Franklin said, ‘I’m incredibly proud of my A-level results and grateful for the support I’ve received from my teachers, family and friends.
'Achieving a place at Oxford is a dream come true, and I’m excited to begin the next chapter studying alongside such talented people.’
Matilda, from Seaford, will join Brasenose College in the autumn and will read Biochemistry.
She achieved an A* in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. ‘I’m delighted with my results and incredibly excited to be going to Oxford’, she said.
‘All the hard work has paid off, and I’m looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead.’
Lucy, 18, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire studied for A-levels in History, Law and Psychology at New College Pontefract where she achieved an A* and two As.
Last year Lucy attended UNIQ, Oxford’s free flagship access programme for UK state school students in Year 12 with high academic potential.
She describes it as an ‘incredible experience that made me sure I wanted to apply to Oxford’. She will be studying History at University College Oxford.
Lucy said: ‘I’m so thrilled to be able to study at Oxford as there have been many times when I wasn’t sure I would be able to. But if I had to reflect, I would say that it’s important to never doubt yourself as your hard work will always see you through in the end. I’m so excited to pursue something I am so passionate about at such an incredible place.’
Ailsa, from Bolton, attended The Sixth Form Bolton and achieved 3 A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. She also attended the UNIQ summer residential last summer and will be reading Biochemistry at Wadham College.
Reflecting on her achievement, she said, ‘I feel extremely grateful to have the opportunity to study at Oxford and I am so proud that the hours of hard work paid off to get these results. I can’t wait to further my studies and meet some incredible people at Oxford very soon!’
Poppy, who is 18 and from South Wales, will be reading English Language and Literature at Magdalen College.
She studied at Cowbridge Comprehensive School, where she secured A* grades in English Literature and German, and A grades in Ethics and Philosophy and Government and Politics. She has previously attended a Seren-Jesus College Summer School in Oxford, an initiative designed to support the education pathways of Welsh students into leading universities.
Poppy said: 'I’m incredibly proud to have made it to Oxford, especially after all the hard work that went into getting here. It still feels slightly surreal, but I’m so excited to begin this new chapter at Magdalen.’
Elliott, 18, attended The Manchester Grammar School and achieved four A* grades in his A-level subjects: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
He will be joining Wadham College to read Economics and Management, and says, ‘I am immensely proud to have secured a place for Economics and Management, one of the most competitive courses at Oxford.
'I am glad to see that all my hard work paid off. I would like to thank my school, friends, family, and everyone who has supported me throughout my UCAS application and A-levels.’
Elliott attended Explore Oxbridge, a programme run by the charity IntoUniversity in partnership with Christ Church to support students to develop skills, explore their academic interests, and prepare their university applications. Elliot says the programme ‘helped a lot’ during his application to Oxford.
Will and Rachel from Cumbria will be coming to Oxford from Ulverston Victoria High School Sixth Form.
Rachel will be studying Law at St Peter's College having achieved A*, A*, A*, B in Law, Psychology, History, and English Literature.
Will, who will be studying History at St Hugh’s College, having achieved three As at A level in English Literature, History and Law, said, ‘Seeing that I’d met the conditions of my offer on results day was a huge relief. After all the effort I’d put into preparing for exams, it was nice to see it all pay off and reflect on how far I’ve come since starting Sixth Form, as gaining a place at Oxford wasn’t always something I thought I could achieve.
'I’m now very excited to start in October and look forward to the opportunities and experiences ahead.’
Farhan, 18 from Tower Hamlets East London, attended Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre where he achieved 4 A* grades in Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry.
'I have previously attended UNIQ where I gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of collaborative work within Engineering, as well as an understanding of the mathematical depth of the course.
'It was an incredibly valuable experience.’
He will be studying Engineering at Keble College. ‘Success is given through effort, not given by chance’, says Farhan.
Penelope, 18, attended Croydon High School and opened her A-level results alongside her grandmother.
She secured three A* grades in French, Spanish, Government and Politics and an A in English Literature.
Penelope, who will be reading French and Spanish at New College, Oxford, said, ‘Going to Oxford has long been a goal of mine and I am so happy that all of my hard work paid off. I can't wait to start in October!’.
Gabrielle, who moved to the UK at the age of 14 from Hong Kong and attended Sutton High School, will also study French and Spanish when she joins Christ Church. She achieved five A* grades in French, Spanish, Chinese, DT Product Design and EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).
She said, ‘I’ve always been passionate about languages since I was young and being able to further pursue this in such an inspiring environment really is a dream come true! I’m extremely grateful for my family, friends and teachers who have supported me and I’m really happy that all my hard work and perseverance paid off. I’m very excited to study here and can’t wait to start the next chapter of my life at Oxford!”
Adam, who is 18 years old and from London, went to George Green's School in Tower Hamlets. He achieved three A* in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Computer Science.
Adam will be studying Mathematics at University College Oxford.
He says: ‘I'm super happy to have achieved the grades that I needed to get into my dream university, even getting an A* in the bane of my existence (Computer Science) and super high marks in further maths (290/300).
‘I documented my journey to Oxford online (@adamlovesmaths) and I think that my biggest achievement is showing others that it is possible to achieve their dreams if they work for them. I can't wait to meet new people and make new friends while learning my favourite subject at the best university in the world.’
Cole from East London is the first student from the Bobby Moore Academy to go on to Oxford. He secured three A* at A-level in History, Politics and Economics and will be reading History and Politics at Wadham College.
He attended Opportunity Oxford, an academic transition programme designed to support talented Oxford offer holders as they move from school or college to undergraduate study at Oxford.
‘Studying history and politics at Oxford has been a long-held aspiration of mine and it feels gratifying to be able to pursue my dream as my hard work has paid off. I’m looking forward to the challenges and opportunities provided by studying at such a historic and prestigious university.’
Martha and Scarlett, who both attended The Canterbury Academy, will also begin their studies at Oxford in the autumn. Martha will be reading History at St Anne’s College and Scarlett will be reading Geography at Brasenose College.
Martha, said, ‘My favourite moment of my time at Sixth Form was opening my offer letter with my friends, and then calling my family to tell them the news! It was a really exciting moment that I will not forget.
‘I would particularly like to thank my amazing teachers, who encouraged me to believe in myself and view Oxford as an option for my future, something I had not considered possible before. Their support throughout my application and A Levels made a huge difference which I will always be grateful for. I'm now looking forward to studying for my History degree and experiencing college life at St Anne's!’
Scarlett, added, ‘I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved. I never once thought that it was possible to aim for Oxford as a student from a state school, but now I have reached that seemingly impossible goal through my hard work. I am looking forward to study Geography to make an impact on our current climate crisis and make a change within our society for the better. I'm looking forward to this new chapter in my life!