Master in Charge of Oxbridge applicants and Classics teacher, Tim Morrison commented, “With Oxford and Cambridge both reporting a further rise in the number of applicants, competition for places was fiercer than ever. Indeed it is becomingly increasingly difficult even to be offered an interview, with candidates being asked to sit a range of very difficult pre-tests in certain subjects as part of their application.”
The offers were evenly spread across the two universities (12 from Cambridge and 12 from Oxford), and were made in a pleasing range of subjects across both the sciences and the arts. Amongst the subjects to be studied by the pupils are Arabic, French and Italian, Economics, Maths, History, English and Education, Classics, Medicine, Law, Land Economy, Physics and Philosophy.
Tim added, “As ever, a number of very strong candidates were not awarded a place, and the twelve students who waited unsuccessfully in the Cambridge ‘pool’ can consider themselves particularly unlucky.”
The 'pool' is for candidates who are considered of a high enough standard to be admitted to the university, but for whom college places cannot be found.
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 tremendous 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 was an Oxbridge Conference for the Lower Sixth held on 4 February which was attended by an admissions tutor from Oxford, as well as a selection of current undergraduates and pupils from The King’s School, Peterborough, Prince William School, Oundle and The Thomas Deacon Academy.