The Oxbridge Five: Class of 2023

Congratulations to the Class of 2023 for yet another outstanding year of academic results! Our students performed magnificently at both IB and A Levels, and we are very proud of their accomplishments. Tanglin placed these students at exceptional global destinations such as the University of California, Carnegie Mellon University, New York University, Pomona College, Tufts University, Wellesley College, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Amsterdam, University of Nicosia Cyprus, University of Sydney, Imperial College London, London School of Economics, University of St Andrews and Ecole Hotelier Lausanne. 

Oxford and Cambridge also benefitted from Tanglin’s splendid output - for the second year, no less! Here are the five students who made it to two of the world’s top 10 universities and the subjects they plan to study:

Oxford

• Harvey Gorman: Chemistry
• Sophia Giblett: Philosophy, Politics and Economics
• Youran Luo: Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Cambridge

• Suzanne Goveas: Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
• Elaine Alexander: Computer Science

Sophia, one of the five who placed at Oxbridge told us, “It feels like a dream come true - after my offer it was amazing, but there was still a sense of uncertainty. Now having received my results and having made the offer, it's an incredible end to 15 years at Tanglin! I made it to the finish line, and there's another exciting journey ahead.”

Youran, who is taking PPE at Oxford, also feels the same. She tole us, "Even though I’m nervous, I’m so excited to be going to my dream university and I’m very thankful for how supportive all my teachers were throughout the entire process. I definitely think that it would have been a lot scarier without all the skills that Tanglin has taught me."

Andy Goodliffe, Head of Sixth Form, said, “Whilst these students represent our academic elite in terms of grades and future destinations, I firmly believe that the outcomes we can be most proud of are the people we produce. What makes me especially proud of these 5 students is that they have managed to demonstrate their sharp academic calibre to Oxford and Cambridge whilst simultaneously being fantastic members of our community who have thrown themselves at the broad range of experiences Tanglin offers. In a classroom, they excel. Beyond that, they have still found time for the rugby pitch, the stage, the swimming pool, student leadership projects, debating competitions, MUN, Hackathons and so much more. We wish them well as Tanglin alumni.”

Zoë Williams, Head of Careers & University Counselling said, “Oxford and Cambridge’s rigorous selection process and commitment to providing students with a world-class education results in only the most academic students securing a converted spot in their institutions. Students must demonstrate maturity, grit, and determination to pursue academia at its most competitive level. It is a testament to the individual's hard work and the collective support they have received during their time at Tanglin, which is now catapulting them to the next adventure in their lifelong educational journeys and we can’t wait to see where it takes them.” 

Chris Seal, Head of Senior School, added, ‘Securing a place at Oxford or Cambridge is a life-changing moment and one that our students can be incredibly proud of. The willingness to risk failure through the application process is not only a reflection of the draw of the prestigious universities and the character the students have developed but also exactly what the colleges at Oxford and Cambridge are looking for - the capacity to accept that you might be wrong and that there is more than one way to look at a problem drives the culture of these amazing places.  Good luck to the Class of 2023.”

They are now off to their next adventure at Oxbridge and we are certain the Tanglin values they’d nurtured here at Tanglin Trust School will see them through any number of challenges ahead. All the best, everyone!