TWO undergraduates who are currently studying at Oxford have advised their peers in Warrington not to be deterred from applying to the UK’s competitive universities.

Isaac Jones and Charlotte Glover, both former students at Priestley College, are now reading English Literature & Language and Earth Sciences respectively at Oxford.

Isaac said: “I think there’s always a bit of a feeling when you’re in the North that Oxford isn’t really something you even get the chance to seriously consider.

“I did feel a bit like that, but when you actually get to Oxford all of that kind of melts away. I’ve felt really welcomed here, and I’ve not had any problems since I got to the university.”

Both students recorded messages for the current cohort at Priestley College to help inspire the next generation to aim high.

Their video was shown at An Evening With Oxbridge, which was recently hosted by Priestley College. Isaac and Charlotte held a Q&A at the event in front of an audience of prospective new college students.

Charlotte described being at Oxford as a ‘dream come true’ and said the support she received from Priestley was invaluable.

“The support that I got from Priestley every day, I think, really made a difference,” said the former St Peter & Paul Rc College pupil.

“Every teacher is there to support you and help you do the best that you feel that you can do. If you want to get those grades they will absolutely be the best support they can be.”

Both students were on Priestley’s High Achievers’ Programme and said this academic specialism helped demystify the application and interview process for Oxford.

Reflecting on his experience said far, Isaac said: “I think the piece of advice that I would have given myself is that Oxford is nowhere near as inaccessible and mysterious as you think it will be.

“The whole application process is actually much smoother and much more natural than you’re expecting it to be.”