ONE of the highest numbers of students from a college in Taunton have been offered university places to Oxford and Cambridge.

In total, 13 students have been offered places to study at two of the top universities in the world.

Seven students from have their sights set on Oxford and another six are aiming for Cambridge.

Richard Jones, careers officer, said: “An application to Oxford or Cambridge Universities requires dedication to academic studies and a commitment to a significant amount time spent on Academic Enrichment. This Enrichment is open to students as soon as they have their interview at Huish.

"Throughout the two years spent studying with us, they have the opportunity to complete an Extended Project Qualification, develop their critical thinking skills, participate in residential trips to both Oxford and Cambridge Universities, take part in specific medical preparation classes and hone their interview skills with mock interviews by visiting academics.

"This support from day one certainly helps our students make a competitive application.”

Of those hoping to attend Oxford, Kate Aston, who lives near Taunton, has an offer to read German at Wadham College. Kate, a former Kings College pupil, studies German, French and English Literature. Megan Cox, from Minehead, will read Biology at Brasenose College. The former West Somerset pupil studies Maths, Biology and History. Ethan Sampson, from Taunton, will read Chemistry at University College. The former Heathfield School pupil studies Maths, Chemistry and Physics. Tom Bryan, from Bridgwater, has an open offer to read Chemistry. Tom, a former Queens College pupil, studies Biology, Chemistry and Maths. Emily Adams, from Taunton, has an offer to read Music at Christ Church College. Emily previously attended The Castle School and studies Biology, English Literature and Music. Kinga Nesselfeld, also from Taunton, has an offer to read Classics at Lady Margaret Hall. Kinga, who is a former Taunton Academy pupil, studies Classical Civilisation, History and Maths. Sam Padfield, who lives in Tiverton, has an offer to read Music at St Anne’s College. Sam, a former Tiverton High School pupil studies Music, Maths and English Literature.

Those headed to Cambridge include Isaac Hicks, from Cullompton, has an offer to read Maths at St John’s College. The former Uffculme pupil studies Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths and Physics. Also heading for St John’s is Rachael Speed, from Minehead. The former West Somerset College pupil has an offer to read Land Economy. Rachael studies Biology, Business and Chemistry. Luke Tutton, from Martock, will read Classics at Wolfson College. The former Huish Episcopi pupil studied Biology, Chemistry, Maths and History. Grace Pellegrinelli, from Cossington, has an offer to read French and Spanish at Gonville and Caius College. Grace, also from Huish Episcopi, studies French, Maths and Spanish. Josh Morley, from Tiverton, has an open offer to study French and German. Josh, a former Christ’s Hospital pupil, studies French, German and Maths. Reuben Morris, from Crewkerne, will read Human, Social & Political Science at Homerton College. The former Wadham School pupil studies Economics, Geography and History.

Principal John Abbott said: "We are extremely proud of what these students have achieved. Thirteen is an outstanding number of students. They have progressed to Huish from a diverse range of secondary schools and their success is down to their hard work and the commitment from specialist support tutors at Huish who ensure all students achieve beyond what they might expect."