HARD work and dedication has paid off for a group of talented students at Marling and Stroud High Sixth Form who have secured places at top universities this year.

After excelling in their A level exams this summer, an impressive seventeen pupils are off to Oxford University, Cambridge University, Imperial College London and University College London, which have all recently been ranked in the top six institutions in the world.

Among the students is 18-year-old James Gosling, from Stroud, whose two A*s and two As gained him a place at Imperial College London to study maths.

“It was such a relief that I got the grades I needed as it was my first choice university,” he said.
“I am looking forward to experiencing new things. It will be an adventure.”

Joining him at Imperial College is Sam Coldrick, who will study physics, Dan Lee-Lane, who will study chemical engineering and Rose Teague, who will study politics of the international economy.

Six pupils have secured a place at Oxford University this year while five pupils will go to Cambridge University.

Miranda Hewkin Smith, 18, who will read French and Portuguese at Cambridge University, said: “I want to be an interpreter so this course is great for me.

“It has always been my aim to go to Cambridge and I am looking forward to studying languages as it is my passion.”

Also off to Cambridge University is Martha Norton-Saunders, who will study human, social and political sciences, Katie Harrison, who will study history, Louis Shankar, who will study history of art and Cameron Ferguson, who will study English.

Cameron, 18, from Cainscross, said: “I just scrapped in by one point.

“I didn’t really think it was a possibility for me to get into Cambridge so I am very happy.”

Those attending Oxford University are Katherine Davis, who will study biology, Anna Corderoy, who will study English literature, Becky Field who will study English, Harry Bush, who will study chemistry, Alex Clarke, who will study, philosophy, politics and economics and Alex Corry, who will study economics and management.

Meanwhile, Jack Lee and Peter Price, both 18, have secured places at University College London to study biochemisty and biology respectively.

Head of sixth form Tim Byford said: “We are delighted by any success but we are doubly delighted that so many of our students have got into world renowned universities.

“It is a tremendous achievement.”