14th May 2026
Students at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College in Bristol are celebrating exceptional university offers, including places at leading Russell Group and Oxbridge institutions.
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535 students have been offered university places for September 2026 with a 98% offer rate
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33% of the offers for St Brendan’s students were to the UK’s group of top performing universities, Russell Groups.
Celebrating student success: Outstanding university offers for 2026 entry
A growing number of students at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College progress to highly selective universities, including Russell Group institutions and the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
Russell Group universities are a group of 24 leading UK universities known for their research, teaching quality, and graduate opportunities. Oxbridge refers to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, which have highly competitive admissions processes. These destinations represent some of the most academically competitive pathways available following Level 3 study.
5 students at St Brendan’s have received Oxbridge offers, including options to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Oxford and Computer Science at the University of Cambridge.
For Russell Groups, the University of Bristol had the most applications with 7% of St Brendan’s students exploring the idea of staying local whilst gaining undergraduate degrees.
“At St Brendan’s, we believe every student’s journey matters, and these exceptional university offer are a celebration of what young people can achieve when ambition is matched with care and support as well as encouragement and belief in their potential as young people”
Marian Curran, Principal
Securing an offer from a Russell Group university or from Oxford or Cambridge is a significant achievement. These universities are known for their academic rigour and competitive entry requirements, and receiving an offer student’s hard work, commitment, and ambition throughout their studies at St Brendan’s. It reflects not only strong academic attainment, but also the development of the independent study skills, critical thinking, and resilience that are required for success in higher education.
Building the South West’s next generation of high achievers
The trend of St Brendan’s students sticking to the region continues, with the top three universities of choice being Bristol UWE, University of Bristol and Cardiff University.
Why university is a valuable pathway after Level 3 study
For many students, progressing to university is a highly valuable next step after studying at a sixth form college in Bristol. It offers the opportunity to specialise in a chosen subject, build independence, and open doors to a wide range of career opportunities.
Going to university can provide:
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Deeper knowledge in a chosen subject
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Access to professional career pathways
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Opportunities for placements, internships, and study abroad
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Development of independence and life skills
Graduates are more likely to progress into skilled employment, supporting strong long-term outcomes.
How does St Brendan’s support positive student destinations?
At St Brendan’s, the focus is on ensuring every student progresses to a sustained and meaningful destination that reflects their strengths and ambitions.
This means:
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Supporting ambitious applications to leading universities
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Providing clear and impartial careers guidance
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Monitoring student progression outcomes carefully
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Preparing students for long-term success beyond college
This provides reassurance that students are supported every step of the way and are equipped to make confident, informed decisions about their future.
What careers support do students receive at St Brendan’s?
The Careers Programme at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College supports students to progress to sustained and appropriate destinations, including university, apprenticeships, and employment.
Students benefit from ongoing careers guidance, including:
- One-to-one careers advice interviews
- Engagement with universities, employers, and industry experts
- Access to work experience and enrichment activities
- Development of key skills such as communication and interview confidence
Careers education is embedded across the student journey, helping students make informed, ambitious decisions about their future. At St Brendan’s, students receive clear, structured support throughout the university application process, ensuring they feel confident and well prepared.
This includes:
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Step-by-step UCAS application guidance
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Support with personal statements and course choices
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Preparation for interviews and admissions tests
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Help understanding entry requirements and deadlines
Students applying to Russell Group and Oxbridge universities benefit from additional targeted support through our Aspire programme to help them meet competitive expectations. This approach ensures students are not only successful in gaining offers, but also ready to succeed at university.
