Two Taunton School students have gained prestigious Oxbridge offers, with Tilly gaining a conditional offer to study History at the University of Oxford and Jack gaining an unconditional offer to study Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge.
Year 13 Tilly is currently studying English Literature, History and Mathematics A-Levels, while Jack graduated from Taunton School in 2025 after receiving four A*s in Biology, Chemistry, Latin and Mathematics, plus a further A* in his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), before taking a gap year.
Tilly, a proud academic scholar, joined Taunton School in Year 7, while Jack, also an academic scholar, joined in Nursery.
Head of Sixth Form, Jennifer Taylor, said: “I am delighted for Jack and Tilly for these incredibly prestigious offers to study at Oxford and Cambridge. They both approach everyday life with intellectual curiosity, a genuine love of learning, and an impressive academic foundation. Their achievements are a testament not only to their outstanding ability, but also to the perseverance, ambition, and passion they bring to their studies.”
Both students have had a significant impact on the School’s co-curricular provision, with Tilly heavily involved in the LISK History Society, debating, and tennis, all while training for her second half marathon. Jack was a key member of the School’s science department, attending a UK-Japan young scientist exchange trip at the University of Cambridge in July 2024, and its music department where he played the trumpet as part of the dance band and sang in the choir.
Tilly said: “I’m very excited to be going to Oxford. I love History and feel really lucky to have the opportunity to learn from and study amongst people who are equally as passionate, particularly at a college as beautiful as Christ Church, with such a rich history itself.
“Taunton School was immensely helpful in getting me to this point, especially the teachers in the History department, the Futures team, and Dr Mallard, Deputy Head Academic, who went above and beyond to help me with my interview techniques, even organising a range of internal and external mock interviews. Gaining familiarity with such an intense experience was invaluable.”
Each year, Sixth Form students aspiring to study at Oxford or Cambridge are able to take part in a programme of specialist sessions organised by academic staff and the Futures team to help boost their Oxbridge applications and interview techniques.
Taunton School Sixth Form is a vibrant community based on the School’s 56-acre campus. It uniquely offers four academic pathways: A-Level, BTEC, International Baccalaureate, and the International Foundation Year. Its in-house Futures team offers a bespoke service tailored to the unique educational and career needs of every student, recognising and playing to their strengths and interests, with career and education advice and guidance starting in Pre-Prep.
