The first sixth formers to complete their studies at UTC Oxfordshire are celebrating receiving offers from some of the country’s top universities. A total of 18 Year 13 students – the first to complete their A-level and BTEC programmes since the UTC opened in 2015 – have applied to study at university next year.

The group, referred to as ‘pioneers’ for taking up places before the school launched, have secured offers from Russell Group universities including Cambridge, Liverpool, Cardiff, Southampton and Warwick.

Student Will Barnes received an offer to study computer science at the University of Cambridge. Speaking about his offer, Will said:

The interview was less stressful than I had expected it to be. I actually found it really interesting. In the interview itself I was asked lots of difficult maths and logic questions, before I had to sit a computer science admissions test. I’ve had to wait over a month for the result and am very excited to have been given an offer.

Will also talked about the facilities at UTC Oxfordshire and how this allowed him to further his education in Computer Science:

Studying at UTC Oxfordshire has given me an experience I wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere else. The facilities are fantastic and I’ve been able to learn computer science in a very practical and relevant way, rather than everything just being theoretical. Having lots of independent study time throughout the day has helped me to learn how to manage my time effectively, which will definitely help me when I go to university.

Having specialised in science and engineering at UTC Oxfordshire, many students are going on to study related subjects at university, including maths and economics, computer science, mechanical and civil engineering, microbiology, physics and chemistry.

Sue Lea, Vice Principal at UTC Oxfordshire, said:

We are extremely proud to hear that our students are receiving offers of their choice from some of the country’s leading universities. It is satisfying to hear how their experiences at UTC Oxfordshire have prepared them for their next step, and how well that has been received by the universities they are applying to. We look forward to working with all of our Year 13 students over the next few months as they complete their studies and take the next steps to university, apprenticeships and employment.

For more information about UTC Oxfordshire, please visit: www.utcoxfordshire.org.uk