Oxbridge awaits Isle’s talented student

World class researchers and facilities could be just around the corner for one Isle student - who has his sight set on Oxford University.
John Leggott College students who have been offered places at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, (back, L-R) Alex Merrills (18), Ellie Jaques (18), Ethan Tonks (18), William Crosby (18), Tiansi Jing (19), (front, L-R) Chloe Cliff (18) and Faryal Amir (18).John Leggott College students who have been offered places at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, (back, L-R) Alex Merrills (18), Ellie Jaques (18), Ethan Tonks (18), William Crosby (18), Tiansi Jing (19), (front, L-R) Chloe Cliff (18) and Faryal Amir (18).
John Leggott College students who have been offered places at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, (back, L-R) Alex Merrills (18), Ellie Jaques (18), Ethan Tonks (18), William Crosby (18), Tiansi Jing (19), (front, L-R) Chloe Cliff (18) and Faryal Amir (18).

John Leggott College’s Ethan Tonks of Epworth is one of seven at the Scunthorpe site who have been offered places at Oxbridge.

Budding geologist Ethan, who attended South Axholme Academy, is hoping to fulfil the dream of studying at Oxford since first visiting in year nine.

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“I had been on three visits to Oxford sponsored by college, and the first was what initially made me fall in love with both the University and the city as a whole. Another visit, courtesy of the Sutton Trust, involved an overnight stay in Corpus Christi College,” said Ethan.

“I was impressed with the staff and facilities as well as the whole working environment. I find the chance to be taught by world-leading researchers in world-class facilities very exciting.

“I chose to read Earth Sciences because A Level Geology became my favourite subject as soon as I started the course at JLC.”

He added: “What also fascinates me is the fact I am actually able to physically see what I am taught about.

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“This is unique for a science subject where things are usually on a microscopic level.

“I received strong support from College, particularly in re-drafting my Personal Statement tailoring it specifically to the needs of Oxford. I also undertook mock interviews which, having now experienced the real thing, were a huge help in terms of preparation and allowing me to relax during the two interviews I attended.​”

All seven of the Oxbridge successes are part of John Leggott College’s A*spire Programme, which aims to challenge the college’s most able students.

Throughout the year they are offered help and advice, as well as a range of extra-curricular activities, to help them stand out from the crowd.

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JLC spokesman Emily Hughes said: “It is great to see so many of our students challenging themselves and even getting to the offer stage is a great achievement as the application process is demanding.

“Five of our students received Oxbridge offers last year, so the increase this year is fantastic news.”

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