Ranked second in the world by Times Higher Education, the University of Oxford is renowned for its rigorous application and selection process.

18-year-old Anna, a budding linguist, currently studies English Literature, French and Mathematics A Levels at Rendcomb College and will attend a four-day selection process at The Queen’s College, Oxford to study French Literature. With just two places on offer, she said: “I am really looking forward to meeting so many people; it will be a really interesting experience even if I am not offered a place.”

Robert, who is also 18-years-old, has been invited to interview at Exeter College, Oxford to compete for one of only four places to study Physics. Robert is currently studying Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics A Levels. Speaking about being selected for the interview, he said: “I am really excited about attending the interview; I will have the chance to meet and speak to so many world experts who have been studying Physics for many years.”

Both Anna and Robert had to complete tests set by the University before being selected. Robert sat a two-hour Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) while Anna submitted three pieces of written work and also sat the English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT) and Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT).

Head of Sixth Form at Rendcomb College, Jacqui Noel said: “We are very proud of Anna and Robert’s achievements; they have both worked very hard preparing personal statements, studying for the tests, completing the written work required and preparing for their interviews. As always at Rendcomb College, this has been a team effort and they have been supported by their tutors and subject teachers. The school Governors have even been involved in the students’ mock interviews.”

Jacqui continued: “As a Sixth Form, we are proud of the personalised support we give to all our students whatever their goals; university, apprenticeships, gap years or employment.”

Anna has studied Italian, Spanish, French and English and hopes to become a lecturer in Modern Languages while Robert hopes to continue with researching the application of Physics in daily life.

News of the students being selected for the interviews comes after last year’s cohort of students achieved an excellent average of three As at A Level with 95% going on to secure places at their chosen university. The fees for Sixth Form day pupils at Rendcomb College have also been reduced by 30%.