Five students from Tadcaster Grammar School have been offered places at Oxford University, with three offers coming from Brasenose College.
Head Girl, Eleanor Dodd, is hoping to get the grades to study History at Brasenose and said she was “very surprised but really looking forward to it.” Eleanor, who is currently studying English Literature, History and Biology, enjoys netball and plays flute in the school Concert Band.
Rhys Evans and Tamsyn Dawson are also bound for Brasenose to take Mathematics and Biology respectively.
“I didn’t expect to get an interview or an offer,” said Tamsyn, who was inspired by her Biology teacher Mrs Lumley. Tamsyn was a member of the Operation Wallacea visit last summer and enjoys painting and playing the piano in her spare time.
“I am feeling hopeful, excited and nervous for the offer,” said Rhys who is taking Maths, Further Maths and Physics this year and eventually wants to pursue a career in academia/teaching. Away from his studies he enjoys gymnastics and playing guitar.
Following in his sister’s footsteps is Mark Perry. Whilst Laura studied Biology at Brasenose, Mark is heading for University College to take Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. “The next step is to get the grades, but I am excited for it,” said Mark, whose studies include Biology, History and Maths. Model soldiers, playing the piano and reading are some of Mark’s hobbies.
Distance runner Gabriel Stephenson was “shocked and excited by the offer” to take up his place at Lincoln College to study Biochemistry (Cellular and Molecular). His subjects this year include Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths, but he also enjoys playing the piano and reading.
“I am so proud that five of our students have received offers from Oxford,” said Ros Knapton, Director of Sixth Form. “It was a pleasure reading their personal statements. They were inspirational and it is no wonder they were offered places,” she added. “I am also really pleased that one of our students from last year, Harry Rodgers, has been offered a place at Oxford, having taken a year out. Six students in all is a remarkable achievement – well done to everyone!”
Communication from Dr Joe Organ, Brasenose College, Oxford University:
“It’s always been a pleasure to work with Tadcaster Grammar these last seven years, and it is terrific to see the hard work the school puts into supporting bright students, and this coming to fruition most clearly with your recent success. None of us here at Brasenose can remember an instance of three students from the same school all holding offers with us at the same time – so we salute you and your students for this feat.”