DOZENS of teenagers at college in Winchester are celebrating after learning that they have been offered places at either Oxford or Cambridge.

There are 42 A-level scholars at Peter Symonds who can now look forward to continuing their studies at one of the top universities, provided they get the necessary grades in this summer’s exams.

Last year, the college set a record when 52 of its students won Oxbridge places.

Peter Symonds has that performance to thank for its latest ranking as one of the most successful of schools, state or private, at getting students into Oxbridge or Cambridge.

The college came fifth in a table based on statistics for 2007 and 2008, ahead of highly-regarded establishments such as Manchester Grammar, Latymer and Haberdashers Askes Schools.

Kalpana Shenoi, one of the co-ordinators in the college who look after the Oxbridge applicants, said: “We are immensely proud of them all.

“At this time of year, we have a large, extended family of teenagers who look to us for advice on how to make the best academic impression at interview as well as asking for help choosing what to wear for their college stay .”

Following their first taste of uni life, the majority of students are hungry for more.

One said: “I will never forget the experience of dining in at Christ Church, Oxford, and the incredible three-course meal we were served.