STUDENTS from Oxford Spires Academy will head to Oxbridge for the first time ever this September.

Maar-Noor Ali and Lewis Thorne, both 18, worked hard in their final year at the school in Glanville Road to secure places at Oxford and Cambridge universities.

Yesterday Maar-Noor received the life-changing news that her grades had won her a place at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford to take a foundation course in English literature. Lewis, from Florence Park, will move from his city of origin to Cambridge to study chemical engineering.

He said: "I am feeling pretty good. The school was really supportive with the whole application process, particularly my further maths teacher.

"They sorted out lots of practice interviews and we just paid attention in class and did homework."

Head of sixth form Jackie Watson said: "It has been a pleasure to work with Oxford Spires’ year 13 students and see individuals flourish.

"I am pleased that this year’s excellent results allow so many of them to progress to the university courses of their choice."