TWO students from Bridgwater and Taunton College (BTC) have been offered places at the University of Oxford.
Todd Watts and Bradley Croucher are both 17, live in Bridgwater, and are former Haygrove School pupils.
Todd, who studies A Levels in Maths, Chemistry and Biology at BTC, has been offered a place at the prestigious university's Worcester College to study medicine.
He hopes to become the first person in his family to become a doctor.
"I’m really over the moon," he said.
"I can’t really believe that I’ve got into Oxford University, especially as Medicine is so competitive, but I’m so excited about the next step in my educational journey.
"The Pathway to Medicine and Oxbridge support at BTC were really helpful.
"We were able to meet guest speakers who talked about what different careers entailed.
"How the Oxbridge group is set up, the trips and everything else available to support students who want to go to these amazing universities is good.
"I’m also grateful for the support Karen Crowley and my Biology teacher Dave Solomon gave me."
Bradley is currently studying Maths, Further Maths, and Psychology.
He has been offered a place at St John's College to study Experimental Psychology.
He said he feels "overwhelmed" and "ecstatic" after being offered a place at Oxford.
"It’s always been in my mind that I wanted to work towards going to Oxford and now everything has started to pay off," he said.
"The Honours Academy at BTC definitely helped me.
"The extra support helped with my confidence, especially public speaking and learning how to get across what I wanted to get across.
"For example, I had to do a presentation at college, which was helpful because it was more experience and good preparation for the interview, where I had to explain my ideas.
"Performing with ACTS theatre group has also helped, as well as being head boy at Haygrove."
Members of staff at the college have congratulated Todd and Bradley on their fantastic achievements.
A Level course leader Karen Crowley said: "The whole A Level department and I are overwhelmingly proud of Todd and Bradley's offers from Oxford University.
"They were members of our Pathways to Oxbridge programme, which supported them through the application process from the early days of writing their personal statements to mock Oxbridge interviews.
"We had an amazing talent apply this year, and, while some applicants didn't receive an offer, they should also be very proud of their achievements.
"I am certain that all the students involved will do amazingly well at university, and I am so pleased to have got to know them over the last few years and support their journey."
Andy Berry, principal and chief executive of BTC, added: "I could not be prouder of Todd, Bradley and the amazing staff team here at BTC.
"This is a huge achievement, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the students progress.
"Our enrichment programme, which is part of the BTC Advantage, is invaluable, with programmes such as Pathway to Medicine and Pathway to Oxbridge ensuring that students are supported and encouraged in their aspirations and goals.
"Each year, our Oxbridge students set the bar high!"
For more information about A Levels at BTC and the extracurricular activities available to help students achieve their aims, visit www.btc.ac.uk.
Read more: BTC Nursing students start work experience at Musgrove Park Hospital
Read more: Bridgwater & Taunton College students learn from screen industry professionals
Read more: Taunton pioneer T Level student 'really enjoying' undertaking new qualification
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here