Five students have been offered places at Oxford and Cambridge for 2020.
Our strongly embedded Oxbridge programme has reaped the rewards between 2018 and 2020 with an average of over eight offers per year. In a context where Oxbridge offers to independent schools have gone from nearly 50% in 2010 to nearer 30% in 2020, it is testament to the School’s students and staff that our offers have gone in the reverse direction. We are a School that prides itself on adding value and bringing out the best in everyone; our approach to Oxbridge and university admissions is no exception.
This year sees Cambridge offers being received by Keely, to study Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion, and by Poppy, to study Cambridge’s relatively new and exciting Linguistics degree.
Martha, Aiyla and Rana are all in receipt of offers for Oxford; Martha to study Law and both Aiyla and Rana to study Biology.
Mr Terry McDermott, Director of Careers and Head of Oxbridge, stated: “I am delighted by our Oxbridge offers this year, but regardless of the outcome of a girl’s application, what is even more gratifying is to see is so many of our girls continuing to challenge themselves by applying. It is this endeavour and resilience that will stand them in great stead for their futures.”
Principal, Mrs Rebecca Glover, said: “The introduction of the revamped Oxbridge Programme for the Sixth Form has created an excellent opportunity for students to consider a wide range of colleges and courses. Building on the strong foundation of their education at Surbiton High School, the girls will leave us ready to embrace the academic challenges and rigour that Oxbridge will present to them.”
Rana, Year 13 student, commented: “From personal statement checks to last-minute interview practice, the School really supported me throughout my application process. The skills I developed during mentoring not only aided me in receiving an offer from Oxford, but also prepared me for university life and gave me an idea of what my tutorials might be like in the future. Teachers went above and beyond in their availability and in helping answer my many questions. Thanks to their encouragement, I felt calm and confident going into my interviews.”
Aiyla, Year 13 student, also commented: “Coming into the programme, the support given by Oxbridge mentors at Surbiton High School exceeded my expectations. The sheer number of opportunities available for experiences such as interview preparation is amazing – having weekly one to one sessions tackling challenging content really encouraged me to think outside the box, which was invaluable for the interview itself.”
Find out more about Sixth Form at Surbiton High.
