SEVEN students from Carmel College could be heading to Oxbridge this autumn after securing provisional offers from the leading universities.

The teenagers have come through the highly challenging application process, which Carmel leaders say is a fantastic achievement in itself.

They will now have to make the A-level grades requested by the offer if they are to study at Oxford or Cambridge.

Six students have all been offered places at Cambridge. They are: William Neal, former De La Salle, from Rainhill. Course: natural sciences Adam Roberts, ex-Sutton Academy, from Clock Face. Course: computer science Liam Simister, ex-De La Salle, from Eccleston. Course: law at Selwyn College, Cambridge Jessica Taylor, former De La Salle, from Grange Park. Course: English Jack Clough, from Warrington. Course: natural sciences Daniel Thorpe, ex-Tower College. Course: law Meanwhile, Aaron Brown, Hope Academy, from Warrington, has been offered a place at Oxford to study computer science.

Low aspiration is often identified as problem among young people in St Helens and education leaders believe it is important to show students they have the capabilities to reach top universities.

The students were supported along via the sixth form college’s High Achievers Programme, which included shadowing students at Cambridge and attending talks from visiting speakers from the top educational institutions in the country.

More than 20 Carmel students attended a two-day visit to both Oxford and Cambridge Universities, staying overnight at Magdalene College. Those who decided to go ahead with their applications received support from teaching staff at Carmel who specialise in making Oxbridge applications.