SEVENTEEN gifted and talented students at Hereford Sixth Form College have moved a step closer to achieving their Oxbridge dreams.

The students have received coveted offers to study at the prestigious universities, with their chosen subjects ranging from Philosophy, Politics and Economics to Natural Sciences and Music.

Julia Trim, who will be reading Archaeology at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, said: "I feel so honoured and lucky to be offered a place at what I consider to be the best university in the world.

"As the first person in my family to go to university, I feel that I have been given the most amazing opportunity and I can't wait to see where it takes me.

"I truly couldn't have done it without my tutors, who have given constant support and an unwavering confidence in my ability.

"I have never felt so supported or looked after in my life and I definitely wouldn't have been able to do it without Hereford Sixth Form College."

As the regional hub for Cambridge's HE+ programme, providing extension sessions to stimulate academic interest beyond the confines of A-Level study, the college has strong links with the universities.

It also offers students considering applying for Oxbridge access to a bespoke 'Reach' programme, which encourages students to be aspirational and to challenge themselves to equal or surpass national standards of excellence.

College Principal Peter Cooper said: "The students deserve so much credit for the efforts they have made to gain these fantastic opportunities, but I must thank all the staff involved who give their time and support to make this super programme possible.

"To be up there with the top state and private schools in the country is a real achievement."