Kingswood School is celebrating a record year for Oxbridge success, with all seven students who received offers from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge securing their places. The seven places represent the highest number of Oxbridge places secured by Kingswood students in a single year, with the successful students now preparing to begin their university studies this autumn.
Headmaster Andrew Gordon-Brown said: “Seven Oxbridge places in one year is a wonderful achievement and a real reflection of the dedication of these students to mastering their subjects. What makes this success particularly special is hearing the different ways in which they have approached their studies and the opportunities available to them at Kingswood. From exploring ideas beyond the curriculum to preparing for interviews and challenging examinations, they have made the most of the support around them while developing the independence they will need for the next stage of their education.”
Kingswood students who aspire to apply to Oxford, Cambridge or other highly selective universities are offered a programme of preparation, advice and support. Throughout Year 12, visits to Oxford and Cambridge and meetings with admissions tutors help students to prepare step by step and evaluate their progress. In Year 13, applicants are offered weekly preparation sessions with subject teachers, alongside a number of mock interviews to help them prepare for all elements of the entrance assessments.
For the students themselves, securing their places marks the culmination of months of preparation, alongside years of developing their interests and confidence at Kingswood. We asked them to reflect on their time at Kingswood, and their thoughts on the next chapter:
“I’m absolutely delighted to have secured my place. It’s incredibly rewarding to see all the hard work pay off, and I’m hugely grateful for all the support I’ve received from Kingswood along the way. I think Kingswood has prepared me not just academically but also helped me grow as an individual. The huge range of opportunities and experiences I’ve had here has encouraged me to get involved, try new things and be curious.” Charlie W, Medicine, University of Cambridge.
“It feels like the exciting, if intimidating, beginning to a new chapter of my educational career and I look forward to seeing how it plays out. Kingswood gave me the support to step out of my comfort zone and begin exploring my subjects critically and beyond what was taught in the classroom.” Tom T-H, History and French, University of Cambridge.
“Kingswood prepared me very well for the academic demands of Oxbridge, while also giving me the confidence to work independently. The support and encouragement from my teachers played a huge part in helping me achieve the results I needed.” Rei H, Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge.
“I’m very happy to have secured a place at Cambridge. Creating strong relationships with teachers, where I could get help with deepening understanding, is one of the things I’ve really enjoyed about Kingswood, so I’m glad to experience that at the university level.
“A large part of it is the wonderful staff. The school’s Oxbridge Coordinator organised trips to the unis, talks with Kingswood alumni studying there, presentations by admission officers, a rigorous personal statement process (which of course is a benefit beyond just Oxbridge), and much more!” Ivor B, University of Cambridge.
“I’m very excited to study maths at one of the world’s leading institutions in this field! My teachers at Kingswood helped me to explore various topics in maths, and I found their support with my STEP preparation particularly helpful.” Isane S, Mathematics, University of Cambridge.
The seven successful students will now join a new generation of Kingswood alumni studying at two of the UK’s most renowned universities.