A HAMPSHIRE college is celebrating after a record number of students secured offers at Oxbridge universities.

Winchester’s Peter Symonds College confirmed 62 students received offers to study at either Oxford or Cambridge universities, making it one of only two to secure more than 60 Oxbridge offers in an academic year.

The teenagers have come from 31 different secondary schools, the majority of which are based in Hampshire.

Principal Sara Russell said: “This is a truly remarkable performance by students at a non-selective state sixth form college and we are delighted to share in our students’ success.

“Many of them will have been working towards an Oxbridge place for several years and it is fantastic to see them succeed in their ambition.

“With competition for places at Oxford and Cambridge notoriously fierce this is a real achievement for our students and a testament to their hard work and the dedication of their inspirational teachers.

“We are extremely proud of them.”

Peter Symonds’ specialist Oxbridge tutor Sabina Labrow added: “I am delighted that we have been able to support students from such a wide range of backgrounds through the demanding application and selection process.

“Their teachers and tutors are very proud of their hard work and the way in which they have taken advantage of the many extension opportunities we offer.

“These students have gone above and beyond their A-level studies in order to demonstrate their suitability to study at Oxford or Cambridge university.”

Student Maya Berglin is one of those to secure an offer at Oxford, where she plans to read English Literature and Language.

She said “I am really excited and grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given – it feels very surreal.

“I definitely have to thank the staff who have taught me over the past two years, helping me to improve, as well as my tutor, for getting me through the whole process”

The college currently boasts a pass rate of 99%, and is the top sixth form college in Hampshire for students achieving ‘AAB’ grades – 367 students were awarded these last year.

In 2018, 1,603 students progressed to university, with 612 students accepting places at the top ‘Russell Group’ universities.

The college says since 2000, an average of 47 Peter Symonds students per year have been offered places at Oxbridge.