A record number of students on the XL programme at Ashton Sixth Form College have received offers from Cambridge and Oxford University.

While studying at Ashton these students have shown tremendous commitment to their studies and a passion for learning. As a result, 7 students have received offers to study at the prestigious Oxbridge institutions. The students who have successfully secured offers have completed one of the most competitive application processes in the world. Currently Oxford University and Cambridge University are ranked the top two universities, both in the UK and worldwide.

The students who have received Oxbridge offers are currently supported by the well-established XL programme at Ashton. The XL programme is dedicated to high achieving students and pushes them to achieve both academically and personally. The programme provides students with specialist tutorials to stretch and challenge them, led by our experienced XL Manager. Students have access to a number of opportunities that further develop their skills and interests.

Damian Windle, XL Manager said,

“Congratulations to our 7 Oxbridge offer holders this year - equalling the college record. This achievement is testament to the hard work and effort that these students and the staff have put in. It is huge recognition of how being part of the XL program can produce amazing opportunities such as these.”

XL students who aim to gain a place at the most competitive institutions across the country take part in mock interviews, Cambridge shadowing schemes, Oxbridge road shows, master classes, consultancy days and more. These support sessions ensure the students applying to Oxford and Cambridge are given the best possible chance to succeed, alongside their outstanding academic record of achievement. Ashton Sixth Form College is currently home to the Stewart Sutherland Centre for Philosophy & World Religions in partnership with Pembroke College, Oxford. 

While at Ashton students are able to take additional qualifications such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), developing their analytical and research skills and preparing for university-level thinking. The Realising Aspirations programme at Ashton allows students to experience lectures and seminars from leading professors in their chosen field in the first year of their A Level studies, alongside a wealth of enrichment activities and extra-curricular, including guest speakers, visits and trips. The opportunities for students to build their profile and ensure they stand out to both universities and employers is constantly expanding. 

Vincent Allott from Alder Community High School is currently studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics and the EPQ. He has received an offer to study Medicine at St Catherine’s College, Oxford University. 

Maxim Burchill has received an offer to study Classical Archaeology and Ancient History at Oxford University. He currently studies History, Law, Maths and the EPQ and began his education at Mossley Hollins High School. 

Ronnie Ellison-Walsh began his early education at St. Damian’s RC Science College. At Ashton he studies Chemistry, Geography and Physics and has received an offer to study Geography at Hertford College Oxford. 

Ethan Prince has received an offer to study Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular) at New College Oxford. He is studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics and began his early education at Droylsden Academy.

Esan Shafiq studies Biology, Chemistry, History and the EPQ. He studied at Great Academy Ashton and has received an offer to study Law at University College Oxford.

Ben Speakman studies Business, Economics and Geography, after beginning at Great Academy Ashton. He has an offer to study Geography at St. Johns, Cambridge University.

Brent Norris studied Biology, Chemistry, Maths and the EPQ at Ashton. He has gained a place at Robinson College, Cambridge University to study Veterinary Medicine. He began his high school education at Audenshaw School.

Ashton Sixth Form College are extremely proud of the students and their achievements. Securing offers from Cambridge and Oxford University is only achieved by hard work and dedication.