Record-Breaking Year as 11 RSFC Students Secure Oxbridge Places

We are celebrating a landmark achievement after a record number of students secured places at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford for the upcoming academic year.

Of the 13 students who received offers from the prestigious institutions, 11 will be taking up their places this September, representing the college's highest ever number of successful Oxbridge applicants. The success comes after an exceptional year which saw 23 students interviewed - a testament to their hard work and academic excellence.

The students will be reading a diverse range of subjects across both universities including Engineering, English Literature and History, History, Mathematics, Natural science, PPE, Theology and Veterinary Science.

Karl Smith, Principal, shared ‘We are incredibly proud of our students at RSFC for securing a record number of places at Oxbridge this year. This achievement is a testament to their exceptional hard work, resilience, and ambition. It also reflects the unwavering dedication of our staff, whose commitment to excellence and personalised support continues to transform lives. As part of our Memorandum of Understanding, this success highlights a shared vision for academic excellence and progression.’

The remarkable success follows the college's Aspire+ provision, with expertise given in tutorials by SPDLs and Aspire+ co-ordinators, who have supported students with super-curricular opportunities and application guidance around assessments and interviews.

Former Cardinal Langley RC High School student, Alexander Tobalase, who achieved AAA in Law, Sociology and Theology, Philosophy and Ethics, will be pursuing a degree in Theology at the University of Cambridge. Alex commented ‘I am incredibly excited to begin my studies at Cambridge and to explore Theology in greater depth alongside similarly passionate peers and academics. I’m so grateful for the support I received throughout the application process, from help with my personal statement to preparations for interviews. My time at college has been transformative; it not only helped me grow academically but also gave me the confidence and encouragement to aim high. I personally think that I couldn't have made a better choice than coming to Rochdale Sixth Form College.’

Emilia Booth, former Hollingworth Academy student, who achieved A*A*A*A, in History, Law, EPQ and Maths, is progressing to the University of Oxford to read, History. Emilia said, ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at RSFC. It is a friendly and welcoming environment with incredibly supportive staff, who have gone above and beyond to help me with my learning and university application. The support extended beyond my subjects through university workshops, or extracurricular activities which highly enriched my college experience.’

The college is part of a unique memorandum of understanding with both Oxford and Cambridge universities which represents a significant recognition of the college's commitment to academic excellence and has been instrumental in providing students with unparalleled levels of support to help them reach their full potential.

The success represents a significant milestone for Rochdale Sixth Form College and is once again testament to the reputation for academic excellence and university preparation, with 28% of all grades at the college an A* or A and more students than ever progressing to Sutton 30 universities.