Xaverian celebrates outstanding Oxbridge success

Xaverian College is celebrating an exceptional year of Oxbridge success, with 13 Year 13 students securing places at the prestigious universities.

Nine students have gained places at the University of Oxford and four at the University of Cambridge, across a wide range of highly competitive subjects including Medicine, Law, History, Classics, Computer Science and Archaeology.

All 13 students were members of Xaverian’s Oxbridge Programme, a dedicated support pathway designed to demystify the application process and ensure students from all backgrounds can aspire to and succeed at the highest academic level.

For many, the programme transformed what once felt like a distant ambition into a realistic goal. Riches Uko, who secured a place to study Law at Oxford, said: “Xaverian’s Oxbridge Programme is what initially inspired me to apply – it gave me the confidence to believe I was capable.”

Students consistently highlighted the structured guidance, personalised feedback and strong pastoral support that underpin the programme. From tailored personal statement advice and admissions test preparation to mock interviews, admissions events and guest speaker talks, students are supported at every stage of the process.

Ollie Hartley, a former pupil at Bramhall High School, said: “The Oxbridge Programme gave me all the information, support and motivation I needed. Mock interviews and practice papers really helped calm my nerves and allowed me to enjoy the process.”

A key strength of the programme is its focus on super-curricular exploration, encouraging students to read widely, attend lectures, visit both universities and engage deeply with their chosen subjects. John Liddell, who gained a place to study History at Oxford, described the impact: “Reading extensively around my subject and accessing outreach opportunities, like OxNet and mentoring, made a massive difference. The interview was the most difficult part, but also the most enjoyable.”

The programme also plays a crucial role in widening participation, ensuring talented students do not rule themselves out. Many said they had not originally considered Oxbridge before joining Xaverian.

Delilah Stokes-Mariner, who has an offer to study Archaeology at Cambridge, reflected: “I didn’t even think it was a possibility for me. After gaining my GCSEs, enrolling at Xaverian and learning about the Oxbridge Programme, it all clicked into place.”

Students were keen to praise the dedication of staff across the college, particularly Jenny Ayres, who leads the Oxbridge Programme. Tara Kapor, who joined Xaverian after studying at Didsbury High School, said: “Jenny worked tirelessly to support us, explaining every step of the process and giving invaluable feedback.”

Beyond academic achievement, students spoke warmly of Xaverian’s inclusive culture, vibrant campus life and supportive community, which helped them grow in confidence and independence. Yilei Chen, who has been offered a place to study Medicine at Cambridge, said: “Xaverian has a large, diverse community with high-quality teaching and incredible support. Having others going through the same process made a huge difference.”

Among those celebrating is Jet Foxwell-Jones, formerly of Alder Community High School, who studied A Levels in Ancient History, Mathematics and Physics, alongside an AS Level in Further Mathematics and an EPQ. Jet has secured a place at Oxford to study Archaeology & Anthropology.

Tony Knowles, Principal of Xaverian College, said: “We are immensely proud of our students’ outstanding success in securing places at Oxford and Cambridge. Their achievements reflect not only exceptional academic ability, but also resilience, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning.

“Xaverian’s Oxbridge Programme is designed to raise aspirations and remove barriers, and it is wonderful to see students from such a diverse range of backgrounds flourishing as a result. I would like to congratulate each student on this remarkable accomplishment and thank our dedicated staff for the expertise, encouragement and belief they show in our students every day.”

All 13 students said they were delighted to receive their offers and are excited about meeting like-minded peers and learning from world-leading academics as they begin the next chapter of their educational journeys.

Xaverian’s Cambridge group.