Oxford Offer for Richard Taunton Student

Richard Taunton student India Say is celebrating after being offered a place to study Classical Archaeology and Ancient History at Magdalen College, University of Oxford.

Formerly from Redbridge Community School, India has had her sights set on Oxford since visiting the city with her family when she was just six years old, and the offer of a place is one step closer to her fulfilling her dream.

A Well-Rounded Education

The History, French and Mathematics student has worked hard throughout her school and college career to ensure she has had the best chances possible and credits her former school, and the college, for supporting and challenging her in not just her academic subjects but across all areas. As captain of the Netball team, vice-captain of the Basketball team for the college and a former Head Girl, India promotes the importance of a well-rounded education and actively encourages anyone interested in applying for Oxford or Cambridge to get involved in the wider activities that school and college can offer.

“It’s so important to not only show your passion for the subject you have applied for but to be able to show so many other skills and attributes through all the other things you do outside of your academic life. During the application and interview process, they want to get to know you as a person. My advice to others would be to get involved, grab all the opportunities you can and be willing to try new things – and always try your best. Which is what I have always aimed to do!”

Tailored Support

Richard Taunton offers tailored support for able and talented students across all subject areas through the college’s Accelerate programme. Accelerate is designed to further develop the skills, knowledge and capabilities of those who aspire to go to the most selective universities, conservatoires, art or drama schools. From specialist talks, workshops and research skills sessions, through to mentoring and support for summer school applications, auditions, and portfolio building. It means that students can easily access the extra support they need for those universities and courses that have earlier application deadlines and a more rigorous application process or entrance exams.

“I’ve been supported in so many ways through the application and interview process here at college, from our careers team and the Oxbridge support tutor, Rachel Powell. I also had practice interviews and access to a 1-2-1 mentoring programme through our link with Queen Mary College, Basingstoke. All these things made me feel much more confident and relaxed about the process, and calmer in the actual interview itself.”

Head of College, Liz Lee said:

“We are all so proud of what India has achieved; her offer from Oxford is a testament to her hard work and dedication.  We do everything possible here at Richard Taunton to support students in reaching their potential, whether they are applying to university, opting for apprenticeship or moving onto employment. India had a very clear idea of what she wanted to do and it’s a privilege to help her work towards her dream.”

Student, India smiling in the RTSFC Library after receiving an Offer from the University of Oxford