Carmel College in St Helens is celebrating an exceptional year of university success after nine students secured offers from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge for September 2026 entry.

Gaining a place at Oxbridge is widely recognised as a significant academic achievement, requiring outstanding grades, a rigorous application process and challenging interviews. The offers reflect both the dedication of the students and the strength of the college’s academic support.

Six students received offers from Oxford: Stephen Higginson (Wade Deacon High School) – law at New College; Kofi Holden (The Liverpool Blue Coat School) – biomedical science at St John’s College; Tobias McWilliams (St Gregory’s Catholic High School) – mathematics and statistics at Christ Church; Stephen Pennington (De La Salle School) – engineering at Hertford College; Libby Pye (St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School) – classics at Christ Church; and Matthew Sharma (Tower College) – engineering at Oriel College.

Offers from Cambridge were awarded to: Ava Boylan (Archbishop Blanch High School) – classics at Peterhouse; Isla Ebbrell (Rainhill High School) – English literature at Newnham College; and Anais Wood (The Prescot School) – medicine at Newnham College.

Students praised the support they received at Carmel, particularly through the High Achievers+ Programme, which provides tailored guidance, mock interviews and opportunities to develop advanced academic skills.

Stephen Higginson said the programme helped him realise what was possible after college, while Ava Boylan added that her teachers gave her the confidence to apply to Cambridge.

The High Achievers+ Programme supports ambitious students aiming for Oxbridge, Russell Group and other leading universities through specialist tutoring, one-to-one guidance and enrichment opportunities including the extended project qualification.

Dan Saunders, head of the High Achievers+ Programme, said: “We are incredibly proud of all the students who have secured Oxbridge offers this year. They have worked hard for many months and made the most of the support available to them. It is a fantastic achievement.”

The college has congratulated all offer-holders and thanked staff and families who supported them throughout the process.