Teenagers at sixth forms across Norfolk have a particularly good reason to work hard ahead of this summer's exams after being offered a chance to study at some of the country's top universities.

Students at Norwich School, Dereham Sixth Form College, City of Norwich School and many others are celebrating earning conditional places at Cambridge and Oxford.

At the cathedral-based Norwich School, a record number of students have Oxbridge offers.

With 18 upper sixth formers in the running, it is the highest number for more than 25 years.

Steffan Griffiths, headmaster, said: 'We are delighted to have such a high number of offers for Oxbridge this year. It is a reflection of the hard work put in by students, our staff and the support of their parents. I am particularly pleased that many of them have contributed to school life in different ways. Indeed, I am sure that the self-discipline encouraged by their busy co-curricular schedules contributes significantly to their success in academic studies.'

Gill Meigh, who supports Dereham Sixth Form College's 'gifted and talented' students, said three year 13 pupils had been offered an Oxbridge place.

If they achieve the required A-level grades, Tom Clarke will study theology and Niamh Healy will study law at Oxford University, and Alex Duthie will study natural sciences at the University of Cambridge.

She said: 'Obviously we are extremely proud of all our students; they all undertake a great deal of research about courses and universities in order to select the best and most appropriate ones to match their talents and aspirations.'

She said many other students had been offered places at universities and colleges 'which are national and sometime world leaders in their field'.

City of Norwich school could have five students at Cambridge and Oxford universities this September.

Headteacher Jim Nixon said: 'We are extremely proud of their achievement in securing offers from these highly competitive institutions and it is a credit to their hard work, determination and drive.'

Four students have been offered places to study linguistics, medieval and modern languages, and natural sciences in Cambridge. One student could go on to study geography at Oxford.

At Reepham College, three students have beecome the site's first ever to be offered places at Cambridge University while six Wymondham High School sixth formers could follow them to study courses ranging from maths and veterinary medicine to English and modern languages.

Is your school celebrating students' Oxbridge offers? Email victoria.leggett@archant.co.uk