Queen Mary’s College is delighted to celebrate its 2025 student offers from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge (Oxbridge). This year, QMC students have received offers across an impressive range of subjects.

Notably, 24% of QMC’s Oxbridge applicants received offers, surpassing the recent global success rates published by both universities. By comparison, only 15–16% of Oxford applicants and 19-21% of Cambridge applicants worldwide receive offers.

Upon receiving an offer to study Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular) at the University of Oxford, second-year student Ollie said:

“I received incredible support from the Oxbridge sessions at QMC, and they definitely led me to receiving my Oxford offer. QMC stood out to me because of its unique teaching approach, the variety of opportunities available, and the exceptional extracurricular activities and trips that you wouldn’t find anywhere else.

 I took the Chemistry for University enrichment, where I learned interesting topics beyond the standard curriculum and took on chemistry challenges. These experiences played a significant role in receiving offers from my chosen universities. The college also provides plenty of resources to help you excel in your final exams, alongside offering a wide range of practicals that many other places don’t offer. Learning Spanish here has been amazing too, due to the small, friendly classes and a caring teacher.

One of the best experiences I’ve had was going to Panama with the Biology department. It was life-changing. We planted trees to help restore ecosystems and got to see everything we’d been learning about come to life!”

Ollie’s success, along with the achievements of other students’ success is a testament to the dedicated support and guidance provided by QMC’s Oxbridge programme, designed specifically to prepare students for their Oxbridge journey.

QMC’s comprehensive Oxbridge support package is led by two alumni of the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge; Tom Featherstone (Director of Learning for Humanities) and Jason Yeomons (Director of Learning for Modern Foreign Languages). 

Students enrolled in the programme receive specialised support throughout their Oxbridge journey, including:

• Preparation and application stage: Weekly advice to build a super-curricular portfolio, as well as personal statement workshops and support.
• Subject-specific support: Subject specialist mentoring and advice to help prepare for admission tests.
• Interview preparation: Mock interviews and constructive feedback.

Those enrolled in the programme typically receive an offer from at least one Russell Group university, and usually from several.

The Oxbridge programme at QMC continues to grow, with:

• 29 applicants in 2024 (an increase of more than a third compared to 2023).
• Two Oxbridge specialists leading the programme.
• Weekly Oxbridge sessions to provide consistent support.
• A strong team of QMC subject specialists.
• Extensive use of volunteer mentors from the Oxford University Society.

Additional Support and Super-Curricular Activities

In addition to the specialist Oxbridge Support, QMC’s Triple A+ Programme at QMC helps high-achieving students to reach their academic aspirations and future goals by providing opportunities for challenging academic work and further development.

To complement the academic Oxbridge programme, students participate in a diverse range of super-curricular enrichment activities. Taking part in enrichment activities is highly encouraged to:

• Broaden their horizons.
• Build confidence.
• Gain additional qualifications.
• Meet and make new friends who share similar interests.

These activities help them become well-rounded individuals by the time they leave college. 

Recent QMC student Magnus Page (now studying Human Sciences at the University of Oxford) credits these opportunities as integral to their university applications and overall college experience:

“From advice on super-curricular activities and my personal statement to help with admissions tests and mock interviews, the level of support at QMC was outstanding.

I took advantage of various opportunities, such as the Challenges Abroad scheme, where I taught school children in Tanzania; DofE, which was new and refreshing; EPQ, which improved my academic skills; creative writing, where I gained more insight into an area of my interest; and Core Maths, which allowed me to attain an extra maths qualification after my GCSEs. QMC helped me grow significantly as a person while setting me up for a successful future!”

Offer holders for 2025 include:

University of Cambridge:

• Harry: Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic
• Meghna: Human, Social and Political Sciences 
• Alison: Human, Social and Political Sciences 
• Katherine: Natural Sciences

University of Oxford:

• Aidan: Law 
• Amy: Mathematics and Statistics 
• Ollie: Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular)

A Word from QMC’s Oxbridge leads

In response to this year’s outstanding Oxbridge offer outcomes, Tom Featherstone and Jason Yeomons commented:

“We are thrilled that almost a quarter of our applicants to Oxford and Cambridge received offers this year. This compares very well to the recent offer rates published by Oxford and Cambridge. 

It is such a pleasure to work with every one of our Oxbridge applicants, who demonstrate such commitment to their chosen fields, stretching themselves well beyond what might be expected of an A Level student. It is equally rewarding to see their confidence grow throughout the process and to see this rewarded with so many offers from Oxford, Cambridge, and many other elite universities besides.

Our advice to students in secondary schools: Firstly, push for the very best GCSE results you can—these will really help! Secondly, sign up for our Oxbridge Triple A+ Programme, where we will help you identify the university courses that are right for you, direct you toward activities to stretch and inspire you, and prepare you every step of the way toward applying to Oxford and Cambridge. Then, as you find your genuine academic passion, follow every strand that deeply interests you, and talk about them to anyone who will listen. Good luck!”