Three Loughborough College students have taken a step closer to studying at world leading universities Oxford and Cambridge, which occupy the global top spots in the latest Times Higher Education rankings.
The trio have been shortlisted and invited for interview and are hoping to study Economics and Management at Oxford and to read Engineering and Natural Sciences at Cambridge.
The Loughborough College Sixth Form students have been busy preparing for the early December interviews, with assistance from their teachers and progress tutor Gemma Jeffs.
“We identified students interested in applying to Oxbridge before the summer and asked them to fully research the application process and colleges during the break. I also attended an Advisor Conference at Oxford and briefing sessions led by representatives from Cambridge in order to gain as much information as possible to support this year’s applicants. We followed this with intensive one on one support for their Personal Statements and registered for the relevant admissions tests.
“The interview offers are really down to the hard work of the students, as they have shown the dedication and ability to achieve the excellent grades required for entry to these prestigious institutions. When we heard they had secured interviews, there were many cheers and beaming smiles from an incredibly proud teaching team here in the Sixth Form.
“We have since sent the Cambridge applicants to a specific preparation day hosted at Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth College and organised mock interviews very kindly offered by Loughborough Grammar School.
“Securing these interviews is a testament to our students’ incredible ability and determination to succeed, and we are behind them 110% wishing them all the best during their interviews in early December.”
Matthew Brailsford, 17, who studies Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics A-levels at Loughborough College, said: “I already wanted to go to Cambridge but after visiting on an open day I wanted to go even more – so when I found out I’d been offered an interview I felt very excited. My parents are really happy and they’ll be taking me on the day.
“I’m hoping to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge and the College has been really helpful in supporting me through my application and preparation and I’ve done lots of reading.
“I’ve already had an interview at Imperial in London and they have given me an offer, alongside UCL, Bristol and Exeter.
“It’s great to have my parents going through questions with me and the teachers at Loughborough College wishing me well. I feel good going into it – and I hope I’m a good role model for my younger brother.”
Mickail Hemono, 17, who is studying for A-levels in Maths, Further Maths , Physics and Computer Science at Loughborough College and has also been offered an interview with Cambridge.
During the summer Mickail was selected to join global technology company 3M for a coveted work experience opportunity and he recently took part in the national Physics Olympiad.
“I’m so happy to have been offered an interview at Cambridge. I’d like to study Engineering there. Everyone at the College has been so helpful all the way through – especially Gemma. It’s all felt really valuable and I’m sure that’s why I feel confident.”
The three Loughborough College students will discover if they have been offered a place in January.
Pictured: Two of the three Loughborough College students taking a step closer to Oxbridge (from left) Mickail Hemono and Matthew Brailsford