Exeter College Success Rate for Oxbridge is Ahead of Private Institutions

Exeter College is celebrating another strong year of Oxbridge success, with 16 students receiving offers from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Despite a competitive admissions process, Exeter College continues to surpass national averages, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence and student support.

This year, 60 students applied to Oxbridge (37 to Oxford and 23 to Cambridge). Of these, 36 were shortlisted for interviews—representing 60% of applicants (49% for Oxford and 78% for Cambridge). Following the rigorous selection process, 16 students secured offers, achieving an impressive 27% success rate (29% Oxford, 22% Cambridge). Notably, this remains above the national averages for both Further Education (FE) colleges (21%) and independent schools (25%).

However, the most impressive statistic is Exeter College’s interview-to-offer conversion rate. Of those shortlisted for interviews, 44% received offers—an exceptional achievement. At Oxford, this figure stands at an outstanding 61%, underscoring the strength of Exeter College’s preparation and support for its students.

Student Success Stories

A young man smiles holding a University of Cambridge sign

Among the successful applicants is A Level student Ved Kumar (pictured above), who has received an offer from Clare College, Cambridge, to read Natural Sciences. Studying Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, Ved expressed his excitement about the opportunity:

“I stayed at the university for a residential last year and I loved every aspect of it—the people, the city, the mindset. Now that I’m months away from potentially securing that as my environment for the next three years, I’m completely ecstatic! Aside from the incredible experience of studying at Cambridge itself, I’m so glad that I will be in a very musical environment in my college—the regular gigs and jam sessions are the main reason I chose Clare.”

Reflecting on the application process, Ved highlighted the support he received:

“The application process for Oxbridge felt pretty daunting at times, but I felt really supported by my tutor and my teachers. All the dates, deadlines, and next steps were really clearly laid out from the start. I got a lot of really useful personal statement feedback, mock interviews for both Biology and Chemistry, plus some more informal interview preparation.”

Niamh McLaughlin (pictured above), from Barnstaple, also received an offer to read English at Cambridge. Studying English Literature, English Language, and Philosophy, she spoke about how the process helped her grow academically and personally:

“It was definitely a long process, but it wasn’t all stress and hard work. In many ways, it made me grow to like my subject more. I’ve found some new favourite books in the personal statement-making process! I’m also a part of the Reach Academy, which has been really helpful since the start of the first year. They’ve taken us on university visits, held talks with guest speakers, and have offered sessions on how to build a personal statement. The mock interview process offered by college was also really helpful; the whole style of a Cambridge interview isn’t something you get to practice much in everyday life, so having a taste of the sort of questions they might ask was a great opportunity.”

Elena Carey (pictured above), from near Barnstaple, has secured an offer to study Chemistry at Oxford after achieving A*s in Physics, Maths, and Chemistry last summer. She has spent the past year on a gap year, using the time to further explore her academic interests:

“I’m really happy. I’m so glad that I decided to apply this year. I feel like it paid off. It’s definitely a difficult process, but a wholly rewarding experience. I applied quite late, and the college was great at getting my references in and arranging mock interviews for me, even though I had already left.”

Looking ahead, Elena is particularly interested in nanotechnology:

“Currently, I’m really interested in nanotechnology, and I want to research more about that. I’ve had a few lab placements which were really interesting. I’m sure my interests will change at university, so I’m looking forward to exploring that.”

Billie Stokes, Assistant Principal at Exeter College, expressed her pride in the students and staff:

“ We’re so proud of these students and everyone who applied to Oxbridge this year, their hard work and dedication have been truly inspiring. A huge thank you to Martin Gilbert and our fantastic teaching staff, whose support and commitment provide our learners with invaluable guidance and experiences. Their dedication has been instrumental in helping our students secure such an incredible number of Oxbridge offers across a wide range of courses, from the sciences and humanities to social sciences and linguistics. It’s fantastic to see our learners pursuing such diverse and exciting academic pathways!“

Martin Gilbert, Head of Academic Aspiration, praised the students’ achievements:

“I am so pleased for the Oxbridge offer holders; they have worked so hard to gain the skills and academic evidence that these world-class universities are looking for. The application process is long and rigorous, and the range of subjects they hold offers in, from Physics to Classics, highlights the breadth of specialists that we have here at Exeter College. With the help and guidance from all our outstanding staff, these learners have shown themselves to be independent, explorative, and capable of critical and analytical thinking.”

With continued success in Oxbridge admissions, Exeter College remains a leading institution for students aiming to study at the most prestigious universities in the world.

Exeter College Beats National Average with Oxbridge Applicant Success Rates

Students at Exeter College are celebrating their offers from two of the UK’s most prestigious universities, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Sixteen students hold offers for a wide range of subjects including; Veterinary Medicine, Biomedical Science, English Literature, Natural Sciences, Classical Civilisation, and History, reflecting the broad curriculum available at Exeter College.

In total, 66 students applied to these two top UK universities, commonly known as Oxbridge. Seven hold offers for the University of Oxford and nine for the University of Cambridge. To obtain an offer they have had to stand out through a rigorous application and interview process.

The national average success rate for independent schools applying to Oxbridge is approximately 20%. Exeter College applicants have exceeded this by a strong margin, with an overall success rate of 24%.

Exeter College Lecturer Martin Gilbert, who leads on the Reach Academy, said;

“I am so pleased for the students; they have worked so hard to gain the skills and academic evidence that these world-class universities are looking for. With the help and guidance from all the outstanding staff at Exeter College these learners have shown themselves to be independent, explorative, with the ability to think critically and analytically.”

Abby Williams, previously from Chulmleigh School, is studying A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, and English Literature, and has been offered a place to study English Literature at the University of Cambridge. Reflecting on the application process, she said;

“The application process was quite rigorous, first I filled out my questionnaires from Cambridge, then I had to do my interview. I had a mock interview at college prior to this with a subject specialist, which was helpful to get feedback on, as I hadn’t experienced that before.

“The College, and particularly Martin, were so helpful, I feel I wouldn’t have got anywhere near to an offer without them.”

Jade Otty, Vice Principal, said;

“We are so proud and delighted for these learners, and of everyone who made an application for Oxbridge this year. I would like to thank Martin and all our amazing teachers; a huge amount of extra support and wider curriculum experiences go into helping our young people to gain such a great number of Oxbridge offers.”

Therese Walsh speaks about her experience at Exeter College.

Therese Walsh, previously from Torquay Girls Grammar School, is studying A Levels in Politics, English Literature and Film Studies. She said;

“I received an offer to study English Literature at the University of Cambridge and honestly, I am still shocked. I’m the first in my family to go to Oxbridge, so it’s quite hard to wrap my head around it. I feel very grateful and honoured to have this opportunity. From my secondary school education to all the support at college, I’m in a really privileged position that this was a door open to me and to have a place I can go on and study.

“I’ve absolutely loved college. I have loved the freedom of it. I love the academic culture, all the opportunities and extra things you can do. It’s a fantastic step between secondary school and university, it’s a great place to be as a young adult and has been a great step into adult life.”

Students with offers to study will find out if they are guaranteed a place after their 2023 exam results.

Want to join Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College? Apply online today.

Exeter College among the best in the country for getting into Oxford

Exeter College is proud to announce the success of 15 students who have applied successfully to two of the UK’s top universities, with 12 receiving offers from the University of Oxford and three from the University of Cambridge.

Students gain a place at the prestigious institutions, commonly known as Oxbridge, by passing a rigorous application and interview process that can take months.

This year, 65 students from Exeter College applied to Oxbridge, with 15 receiving an offer to study, meaning that 23% of students who applied got offers. The successful students will be studying a range of subjects, from Fine Art and Philosophy to Medicine, Architecture and Physics, reflecting the broad curriculum available at Exeter College.

“Exeter College is a really nice environment where you feel like you’re encouraged to aim high and take opportunities. Both students and staff have encouraged me to do my best.”
Thomas Wilkinson, 19, studying UAL Art Foundation Diploma

Exeter College Lecturer Martin Gilbert, who leads on the Reach Academy, said; “I am really proud of all the students that made an application to either Oxford or Cambridge this year.

“At Exeter College we encourage all students to make competitive UCAS applications and it is so nice to see this many students holding offers for two of the top universities in the world after such a rigorous application process. All the applicants have gained a huge amount from the process and the support they get from their teachers, tutors and our Future Steps Team is exceptional.”

For the University of Oxford, over half of the 41 Exeter College students that applied got interviews, with 12 receiving offers to study with them. This equates to a 30% success rate, which is higher than the national average of 21% for state schools and 18% for Further Education colleges, putting Exeter College among the best in the country for getting into Oxford.*

For the University of Cambridge, nearly all students who applied were interviewed, with three students receiving offers to study.

“It’s going to be really exciting studying at such a prestigious place for four years doing the subject I’m passionate about.”
Troy Dale, 18, has an offer to study Physics at Oxford

Jade Otty, Vice Principal, said; “We are so pleased for, and proud of these learners, and everyone who made an application for Oxbridge this year.

“Alongside the support we offer at Exeter College for such competitive university applications, these learners have had the courage and confidence to sit entrance exams as well as multiple interviews whilst staying focused on their study for their A Levels or International Baccalaureate.

“The resilience and dedication this has taken, this year especially, is inspiring. Our teachers at College who have supported their applications could not be prouder of them.”

Many of the students applications were supported by the Exeter College Reach Academy, which helps academically minded students with extra-curricular seminars, support and guidance to help raise aspirations and boost achievement.  

Student Stories

Erin Fraser-Smith is continuing the family tradition of going to Exeter College and getting into Oxford, as her sister Ella received an offer to study Earth Sciences last year. Erin is hoping to study Medicine and work around the world as a doctor.

Erin (pictured below), 17, who studied at Chulmleigh College before coming to Exeter College, said, “The application process was quite stressful but because I had support from Martin and the Reach Academy it was quite clear to me.

“The actual interview itself was quite relaxed and I actually really enjoyed it. They asked me very weird and wonderful questions – I couldn’t even tell you what they were!”

Thomas Wilkinson (pictured below), 19, who studies UAL Art Foundation Diploma and was also named Reach Academy Student of the Year at the Exeter College Student Awards 2022, has been offered a place to study Architecture at the University of Cambridge.

He said, “I applied last year also. I think this year I felt much more prepared and because it was separated from taking my A Levels, I had more time to nail my portfolio and personal statement.

“The Reach Academy has been tremendously helpful. Martin Gilbert really helps elevate everyone’s applications and when you go to him with questions about improving your personal statement or what to put or how to approach interviews, he is always incredibly supportive.

“Exeter College is a really nice environment where you feel like you’re encouraged to aim high and take opportunities. Both students and staff have encouraged me to do my best.”

Troy Dale, 18, studied at St James before coming to Exeter College. His offer to study Physics at Oxford is particularly impressive as he is the first Exeter College student to receive an offer to study Physics for several years.

He said, “It’s going to be really exciting studying at such a prestigious place for four years doing the subject I’m passionate about.

“The application process was challenging. I had never done any academic interviews, so it was an experience. I thought that even if I didn’t get in it would be a good learning experience.

“I only thought about Oxford at the end of last year so it’s not something I had thought about pursuing before. I just thought I would go for it and try my best and perhaps good things would happen.

“Even though I wasn’t part of the Reach Academy, Martin took me in as one of his own, helped me with my personal statement and offered loads of support still. I felt like I had all the support I needed to apply there.”

Students with offers to study will find out if they are guaranteed a place after their 2022 exam results.

Want to join Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College? Apply online now.

*The national averages come from the application data released by the University of Oxford at the end of each application year.