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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. 

Exeter College student smiling

“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 student smiling

“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. 

Success for Exeter College Medical and Oxbridge Applicants

Students from Exeter College applying to study medical-based courses at university are celebrating, as a massive 70% of applicants to these highly sought-after courses have been successful in securing offers.

“These courses are incredibly tough to get in to and achieving an offer to study any of them is a great achievement that is a result of months of hard work on the part of students,”

Jade Otty, Exeter College Vice Principal.

Applications to study medical-related classes at university typically begin earlier in the academic year than normal courses, and it can be a demanding process as students outline their ambitions in the field. 

Fortunately, thanks in part to the work of Exeter College’s exemplary Reach Academy, students have excelled in their applications, with 22 students holding offers to study medicine, two for veterinary medicine and one for dentistry. This means that 25 of the 36 applications made have been successful, which is a great result.  

The College’s Medical Society, which specifically focuses on students seeking careers in veterinary, dentistry or medicine has also supported these students to achieve their goals. This has included specific talks from medical professionals and university admissions teams. Find out about the Medical Interview Masterclass the society attended in January 2020.  

Exeter College Vice Principal Jade Otty, who leads on academic performance at the College, said, “I’m thrilled we’ve been able to support these incredibly talented students to achieve their goal of going on to study their chosen courses at university.  

“These courses are incredibly tough to get in to and achieving an offer to study any of them is a great achievement that is a result of months of hard work on the part of students.” 

The Reach Academy at Exeter College supports academically gifted students to achieve their aim of getting into their first choice university with a range of skill-building workshops, seminars and application-building sessions. During the exceptional circumstances of the Coronavirus pandemic, support from the Reach Academy moved online and worked with students through online seminars and activities to support their university applications.  

Jade said, “The Reach Academy has done tremendous work in helping these students to achieve their goals. It’s great that it has had such an impact for these students and helped them to go on to their chosen universities. I can’t wait to see what they go on to achieve in the future.” 

Students with Exeter College also get the chance to take Extend an option alongside their academic studies to build skills outside of the curriculum. The Medical Technologies Extend option allows medically minded students to develop background knowledge on all things medicine, including diagnostic and therapy techniques.  

Oxbridge Success 

The medical application success follows on the heels of Exeter College’s Oxbridge applicants having received the news of their offers to study with the world leading universities.  

Rose Smith has been offered a place to study Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Oxford.

Over half of students invited to interview at Oxford and Cambridge were offered a place, with a total of 14 students offered a place at one of the world leading universities. These students were also supported by the Reach Academy, helping students to navigate the lengthy process of applying to these universities.  

Eight students hold offers to study with the University of Oxford, with courses ranging from Biochemistry to Ruskin Art. Six students have been given offers to study with the University of Cambridge, which is a remarkable conversion rate of 75% from the eight students who were invited for an interview. 

Rose Smith, who studied the International Baccalaureate with Exeter College, has been offered a place to study Archaeology and Anthropology at Oxford. She said, “It’s great to have an offer to study with Oxford. There has been a lot of hard work, but the support from the College has been second-to-none.” 

Tom Matthew has an offer to study Human, Social and Political Science with the University of Cambridge.

Bideford’s Tom Matthew has an offer to study Human, Social and Political Science with Cambridge having studied A Levels in Geography, Sociology and Politics with Exeter College. He said, “It feels quite surreal to have got an offer, to be honest. 

“Going to Cambridge is always something I’ve had in the back of my mind but didn’t always think it would be realistic. However, I’ve been helped by the teachers at Exeter College to put together a competitive application, and I am really happy to say that I’ve got an offer to study at Cambridge.” 

The outstanding Oxbridge application success follows on from the news that International Baccalaureate student Charlie McNamara has received an offer to study Liberal Arts at Harvard University.  

Exeter College Vice Principal Jade Otty said, “I would like to congratulate each and every student that has been offered one of these highly sought-after places at world leading universities. 

“To receive an offer to study at an Oxbridge university is an incredible achievement and the result of years of hard work on the part of the students. 

“It’s not enough to only show academic excellence to join Oxford or Cambridge, these students have also demonstrated exceptional work outside of the classroom, and I’m thrilled that we have been able to help these talented students on their educational journey.” 

Offers made to students will be subject to them achieving the required grades when results are revealed this summer as part of the Government’s reformed method for calculating grades following the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Find out about the Reach Academy at Exeter College.

We’re preparing for enrolment for students joining us in September. Find out what to expect at enrolment.

University Medical Interview Masterclass for Exeter College Students

Exeter College’s would-be future doctors, dentists and vets have been given the inside track on getting through the interview process universities hold for these professional degrees. A Level and International Baccalaureate learners in the college’s Medics Society practiced their skills in an interview masterclass held in the college’s Maths and Science Centre. 

University applications to study medical-related degrees including veterinary science and dentistry are notoriously challenging, but Exeter College has moved to support these aspiring professionals with an interview masterclass from Dr Alex Harding from the University of Exeter Medical School, who has extensive experience in the admissions process at the University.  

“It’s clear that these sessions are having a genuine impact and helping our students get where they want to go in life,”

Martin Gilbert, Exeter College Lecturer

Dr Harding joined Exeter College’s university applicants for medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses to talk through the interview process before splitting the group up in to smaller focus groups to practice their interview technique.  

Exeter College Lecturer Martin Gilbert, who also leads the college’s Reach Academy for academically gifted students, was delighted to have Dr Harding share his wisdom with the college’s Year 13 students.   

“There is no doubt that what Alex does with our students makes a huge impact on their performance at interview and ultimately on the number of university offers made to our students,” said Martin.  

“Our learners are incredibly successful in gaining offers to study extremely competitive degrees such as medicine thanks to the extra support they get in sessions such as this. 

“Students gain a great deal of confidence through the guidance of our interview masterclass sessions. The first time we ask students why they want to be a medic they nearly always stumble and trip over themselves. But by the time they have finished the sessions with Dr Harding and his team they are able to clearly and professionally express their ideas in a confident and genuine way.” 

In addition to practicing interview-based questions, Dr Harding and his team from the University of Exeter will also discuss important information around the ethics of working in the medical profession; key principles that are discussed during medical interviews for university.  

“The ethical considerations are about learning how to weigh up problems and thinking about things in a different way. They’ve got to practice that process and these sessions help enormously with that,” said Martin.  

“It’s great when we get people like Alex in who can reinforce these key messages and let students know what it’s actually like to go through that interview process. He’s able to give students tips and advice on how to make sure you make the best possible impression and get to study what you want at university. It’s really invaluable to our students.” 

Dr Harding has been facilitating sessions with Exeter College students for the last three years, and Martin confirmed the impact the sessions had made on the success rates of medical, veterinary and dentistry applications. 

Martin continued: “We can see a very clear upward trajectory of our students’ success rates when making these notoriously difficult applications to university since Alex has been coming to help our students. It’s clear that these sessions are having a genuine impact and helping our students get where they want to go in life.” 

Reach Academy Success 

The students who attended Dr Harding’s masterclass sessions were largely made up of Exeter College’s Reach Academy students – an extracurricular group of academically gifted students who build skills with the aim of getting students into their first choice university. As part of the Academy, students get the chance to go on trips, attend stretching extra-curricular lectures and debates, hear from inspirational guest speakers and receive one-to-one guidance around their university application. 

The Reach Academy itself celebrated a hugely successful academic year over summer 2019, with 50 Oxbridge applications made and a massive 28% offered conditional places to study at the prestigious universities.  

In addition, the most recent academic year saw the Reach Academy support 23 applicants for medicine, veterinary science or dentistry and 70% were offered conditional placements, thanks, in part, to the interview preparation supported Reach Academy events like the one supported by Dr Harding of the University of Exeter.  

For the 2018/19 academic year, 100% of Reach Academy students were placed with universities and a remarkable 87% got places at acclaimed Russell Group universities.  

Apply now to study with Exeter College from September 2020.

Find out more about the Reach Academy at Exeter College.

Take a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art Maths and Science Centre.

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