Ripon Grammar School, the North's top-performing state school, is celebrating an unprecedented achievement as twelve of its students have received offers from the prestigious universities of Oxford and Cambridge. This remarkable figure represents 8% of the school's sixth form, which has been rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted, underscoring the institution's commitment to academic excellence.
A Diverse Range of Academic Pursuits
The successful candidates will be embarking on studies across a wide spectrum of disciplines, reflecting the breadth of talent at the school. The subjects include classics, English literature, geography, languages, law, mathematics, medicine, natural sciences, and philosophy. This diversity highlights the school's ability to nurture students in both the arts and sciences.
Leadership and Staff Recognition
Terry Fell, Head of the RGS Sixth Form, extended his congratulations to both the students and the dedicated staff who supported them through the highly demanding selection process. He emphasised the rigorous nature of the Oxbridge application, which is among the most competitive in the country.
Mr Fell also noted that many other students at Ripon Grammar School are awaiting offers from other highly competitive universities and top-level apprenticeship placements across the UK. He expressed immense pride in the students' dedication and high aspirations as they prepare for the next stages of their futures beyond school.
“We are so proud of our students' dedication and their high aspirations as they prepare for the next stage of their exciting futures beyond school,” said Mr Fell. “They are entering a world where competition is high, but they are resourceful, determined and well prepared for whatever is to come next.”
Inspiring Student Stories
Among the standout achievers is head boy Monty Bleiker, an 18-year-old from Ripon, who has secured an offer to study natural sciences at Cambridge. Monty harbours ambitious dreams of pursuing a PhD in quantum physics and eventually working with organisations like NASA or SpaceX to venture into space. As chair of the school’s Astronomy Society, he is currently leading a project to construct an autonomous sub-orbital telemetry platform for a national competition.
He will be joined at Cambridge by several peers, including Zara Ali, who plans to study philosophy; William Keens, mathematics; Aria Writer and Evy Reed, law; Anson Fong, medicine; and Lottie Nicol, geography.
Oxford-Bound Scholars
The students who have received offers from the University of Oxford are equally impressive. Annabel Cochrane will be taking English and German; Nancy Manners, English and French; Mia Clarkson, classics and English; Olympia Dunn, English; and Katelyn Lim, medicine.
Zara Ali, a 17-year-old Ripon Cathedral chorister and head girl, also hopes to secure a choral scholarship to study at Cambridge’s Clare College. She remarked, “I am very excited about my offer but realise there is still much work to be done.”
Personal Reactions and Future Aspirations
William Keens, an 18-year-old mathematician and musician from Easingwold who plays piano and saxophone in various school bands, described himself as ecstatic upon receiving his offer from Cambridge. “I had to read the letter multiple times before I believed what it said,” he admitted.
Aria Writer, a 17-year-old aspiring lawyer from Ripon and chair of the school’s bar mock society, was surprised by her offer from Peterhouse College. “I was fairly certain after the interviews that I wouldn't get an offer, so I was incredibly surprised that I did,” she said.
Annabel Cochrane, an 18-year-old from Darlington and co-chair of the school’s debating society, is creating a new student magazine and aims to become a journalist. She received an offer from Merton College and said, “I was over the moon when I got my offer - it really felt like the work I'd put in was worth it.”
Nancy Manners, a 17-year-old musician and co-chair of the debating society from outside Ripon, plans to study French and English at New College, Oxford, with ambitions to later pursue a law conversion and become a barrister.
Olympia Dunn, a 17-year-old chair of the school’s History Society from Ripon, who also swims and sings in school choirs, received an offer from Somerville College. “I had to read the email twice to make sure it was real,” she recalled.
Mia Clarkson, an 18-year-old from Masham who received an offer from Oriel College, expressed her joy, saying, “Receiving my offer has made my year, there is nothing better than seeing years of hard work pay off.”
Katelyn Lim, a 17-year-old from Knaresborough, was delighted with her offer to study medicine, acknowledging the competitiveness of the course. “I'm mostly feeling very grateful to my teachers who spent time to help me prepare for interviews,” she added.
A Testament to Hard Work and Support
This record-breaking achievement at Ripon Grammar School not only highlights the individual talents and hard work of the students but also underscores the effective support system provided by the school's staff. As these students prepare to take their next steps, they carry with them the skills and determination needed to thrive in highly competitive environments, setting a shining example for future cohorts.
