Former North Walsham High School student wins place at Oxford

Seven Paston Sixth Form College students, a record for the College, received a very special New Year’s present this year when they learned that they had won a place at the prestigious Oxford and Cambridge Universities for September 2015.

The seven had to demonstrate outstanding academic ability in their GCSE and AS results and in their predicted A level grades. These together with their personal statement and College reference, got them an interview. Winning a place was down to their own performance in the highly competitive interviews. They clearly were successful in convincing interviewers of their academic credentials and potential. Being part of the College A+ and Oxbridge programmes supported the students in their ambition to aim for the very top. The scheme has been very successful, increasing the numbers each year aiming for Oxbridge or the top Russell group universities. Each year James Keeler, an ex Paston student who is a Senior Admissions Tutor at Cambridge, visits the College to talk to parents and students about life at Oxbridge and how to apply and be successful. A number of ex Paston students who are currently studying at Oxford or Cambridge also return to support and mentor students. Paston’s conversion of applications to places is 45% compared to the national average of just 11%.

Elise Page, former North Walsham High School student has won a place to read English at St Hugh’s College, Oxford.

“I am extremely proud of their achievement in winning places at Oxford and Cambridge and on courses which are highly competitive” said Principal Kevin Grieve.

Photograph: Sally Webster