16 Jan 2025
Academic momentum and success continues at Seaford with three students gaining impressive places at the University of Oxford
Huge congratulations to Freya, Amy and Ollie on your Oxford offers.
Congratulations to Freya Austin, Amy Allison and Ollie Bagley on your offers from the University of Oxford. Freya and Ollie are planning to read Biology and Amy is planning to read Law. Freya and Amy also have offers from other Russell Group universities. Freya has offers from Durham, Exeter, Nottingham and Southampton, and Amy has offers from Durham, Exeter, Leeds and Nottingham.
Freya said: “I am really pleased with the offers I have received. I honestly didn’t expect it to go this well! I ought to thank Mr Gisby for his help and advice in my application, as he helped take me through it, so it didn’t become too overwhelming. Studying the sciences and music can sometimes be hard to balance, especially since I have been involved in music performances and the school play, but it’s been very rewarding. I’m starting to look forward to the future and reading Biology at university and whatever else life has in store.”
Amy said: “I joined Seaford in Year 7, and I’ve enjoyed my time here. I’m learning a lot in my leadership role as Head Girl. I’d like to thank Mr Gisby and Mrs Low for preparing me for my interviews and for their advice in choosing my subject. My offer is from St Hugh’s College, which I liked because it has the biggest library and was a significant place during the suffragette movement. It has a very warm and friendly environment, much like Seaford.
I started taking part in public speaking competitions in Year 9 and won the ESU Churchill Public Speaking Competition in Year 10. Last year, I reached the finals of the ESU International Public Speaking Competition in London, which was an amazing experience. I’ve also enjoyed writing my EPQ, titled ‘The limitations and benefits of juries in trials’. Being part of the Performing Arts family has been a highlight of my time at Seaford. I’ve had roles in Macbeth, Find Me and Pygmalion. I’m looking forward to studying Law, and my ambition is to become a barrister in the future.”
James Gisby, Director of Teaching and Learning, has guided Freya and Amy through the Oxbridge process. He said: “Seaford offers a bespoke programme to support each student through the Oxbridge process. Everyone requires different support, and we’re here to make the journey as seamless as possible – whether that’s through weekly mentoring meetings, tailored advice or interview practice.
I’m incredibly proud of Freya, Amy and Ollie. These offers reflect their passion for their subjects and the hard work they have dedicated to their studies.”
Ollie Bagley is currently on his gap year and deferred his UCAS application for a year. He has used Seaford’s post-examination service to support his university applications. Andy Richardson, Head of Science, taught Ollie for five years, was his tutor for four years and supported him through the Oxbridge application process. Andy said: “I’m thrilled for Ollie. He has been at Seaford since Year 9 and has worked hard throughout his academic career. I wish him a productive and enjoyable gap year, and I’m sure he’ll love this fantastic course at Oxford, as well as life in the beautiful city.”
Seb d’Agar, Deputy Head, added: “It’s fantastic to see these offers in both Science and Law. They reflect our ability to support all students with the breadth and expertise of teaching across our entire curriculum. Thank you to all our teachers who have supported these students throughout their academic journey.”
Ash Arya, Deputy Head, said: “Amy, Freya and Ollie have truly embodied our Ad Alta characteristics for personal development by showing impressive ambition and resilience in their journey to ‘the heights’. They have an infectious work ethic and have shown what is truly possible when you give it your all and always love to learn.”
Emma Low has started a new role as Academic Scholars and Oxbridge Coordinator, supporting our current Year 12 students through the Oxbridge process. She said: “I’m taking our Year 12 Academic Scholars to a Cambridge Open Day at the end of January. Students will have the opportunity to visit the colleges, attend lectures and experience what life is like at Cambridge.”
All students in our Sixth Form are supported throughout the Oxbridge and UCAS process. James Kimber, Director of Sixth Form, said: “Alongside Will Yates (Senior Deputy Head who heads up the UCAS process), Matthew Pitteway (UCAS Coordinator), Isobel Robertson and Phil Whelpton (Heads of Year 12 and 13), Emma Low (Academic Scholars and Oxbridge Coordinator) and Angela Loten (Careers Advisor), I support students with their next steps after Sixth Form. Whether it’s through the Oxbridge process, advising on the best university for their chosen course, pursuing an apprenticeship or entering the world of work, the team are here to help. Huge congratulations to Freya, Amy and Ollie.”
John Green, Headmaster, said: “This is tremendous news. I’m so happy for them all – it’s very well deserved. They have fully embraced our ethos of achieving personal bests both inside and outside the classroom. They have studied hard, taken advantage of our co-curricular opportunities, and enjoyed their time at Seaford. I wish them all the best for their studies.”