THREE Cumbrian students from one school have been accepted into two of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Keswick School is celebrating that three A Level students have secured conditional offers from Oxford and Cambridge.

Charlotte Hignett (from Gilcrux) has been offered a place at Pembroke College, Cambridge, to study Modern and Medieval Languages, Sophie Mackenzie (from Workington), has been offered a place at St Hilda’s College, Oxford, to read History, and Hannah Rumney (from Ennerdale) has been offered a place at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, to study Veterinary Medicine.

Charlotte said: “I am absolutely delighted to have received an offer to study at Pembroke. I hope that, through lots of hard work, I can achieve the conditions of my offer and I am extremely grateful to all of the Keswick School staff who have continuously supported me in both the Cambridge application process and my Sixth Form studies.

"Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, teachers have consistently issued guidance, resources and encouragement to help all students engage with material within and beyond the curriculum”.

Sophie Mackenzie commented: “When I received my offer I was completely surprised and thrilled. The application process is long and difficult so I was just proud of myself for making it to interview; however, to receive an offer was the best reward for the hard work I had put in over the years.

"I have been very fortunate to have been taught by fantastic teachers over the years, and more recently, the guidance of the Sixth Form team allowed me to prepare for the different stages of the application process. Without this support, along with the support of my family and friends, I would not have been as confident in my ability to make a successful application."

Hannah Rumney said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been offered a place. The application process was intense; however, my subject teachers and the Sixth Form staff were incredibly supportive throughout, helping me to arrange mock interviews and prepare for the entrance exam.

"Their encouragement was invaluable and definitely played a significant part in getting an offer. I never expected to get the chance to study at Cambridge - I still can’t quite believe it’s real.”