University Offers are in for Wycombe Abbey Pupils

Wycombe Abbey is delighted to share the excellent outcomes that have been received for Upper Sixth pupils applying to university this year. Applications have been made to over 40 institutions across the UK and over 60 globally.

The School is proud of all the Upper Sixth pupils for their dedication to the higher education application process. Although the 2025 cycle is still ongoing, the School has already received a significant number of offers from prestigious institutions, including Imperial College, UCL, Edinburgh, and Durham. The variety of courses that pupils have chosen to apply for was ranged from the more traditional – such as Medicine (9), Economics (13), History (8) and Law (3) – to newer and more niche courses such as Creative Arts and Humanities, Electronic and Information Engineering, Comparative Literature, Biomedical Technology Ventures and Artificial Intelligence.

Around two-thirds of the 95-strong applicant cohort chose to make an application to Oxbridge, with 21 pupils recieving offers. Particularly notable is the number of offers from Oxford, where 14 of the 22 pupils interviewed were offered a place. Some particularly noteworthy areas of success were four Oxbridge offers to read History, two to read Classics, two to read Human, Social and Political Sciences, and two to read Mathematics. Some particularly competitive courses were also represented, including Medicine, PPE, Economics and Management, Engineering and Natural Sciences.

Throughout the Lower Sixth year at Wycombe Abbey, all pupils undertake University Preparation lessons, providing them with faculty-based undergraduate-level study experience. In addition, the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) or the UPP (University Preparation Project) allows pupils to encounter higher-level reading and research into a chosen area of academic interest. Future Ready Days also provide pupils with the groundwork for making their UCAS applications, a chance to hear from recent alumnae about their university experiences, and a day of focused departmental advice and preparation. Where required, pupils also spend significant time preparing for interviews and admissions tests, with specialist lessons, numerous mock interview opportunities, and the Upper Sixth Academic Forum with pupils from other schools.

Universities will finalise their offers over the next few months, and the Sixth Form Team and Tutors will help pupils decide on their firm and insurance choices.

2024 UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS

Over the past year, applying to US universities has become increasingly competitive, with a rise in global applications and fewer acceptances in Early Decision and Early Action rounds. To support Wycombe Abbey girls in securing spots at their top-choice universities, significant time and effort are dedicated to developing their university lists, refining personal statements, and curating co-curricular profiles.

Weekly group meetings feature guest speakers, university admissions counsellors, and recent Upper Sixth graduates who share valuable strategies. Additionally, each girl receives one-on-one counselling with the Head of US and International Universities to discuss college lists and applications and undergo thorough personal statement reviews.

This year, the Upper Sixth US Cohort of 20 applicants submitted over 180 applications to nearly 60 US colleges and universities. Their hard work has paid off with early acceptances from prestigious institutions such as Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Michigan, University of Southern California, American University, University of Virginia, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The cohort eagerly awaits decisions from over 160 remaining applications, expected between February and April.

US AND OVERSEAS UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS

WYCOMBE ABBEY'S BESPOKE SUPPORT FOR US UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS

Beyond the US and UK, nine pupils submitted 12 applications to universities in Canada, Hong Kong, Italy, and Spain with favourable outcomes from IE University, Hong Kong University, Chinese University of Hong Kong, McGill University and the University of Toronto. With different application timelines, the School anticipates further decisions from Canadian and Italian universities soon.

Director of Sixth Form, Jacky Tidbury said, ‘Wherever they choose to apply, we are incredibly proud of each girl’s achievements, recognising the considerable time and effort invested alongside their rigorous academic and extracurricular schedules. As competition for admissions grows each year, this year’s successes are truly cause for celebration. We remain optimistic that all girls awaiting decisions will receive positive news soon and we look forward to sharing further news later in the academic year.’