A YOUNG Knutsfordian has secured a coveted place at the University of Oxford.

18-year-old Marcos Barclay – who is a student at The Manchester Grammar School (MGS) – will move to the prestigious institution in October where he will study Philosophy and Theology.

“I decided on these subjects because they’re of great interest to me,” he said.

“I can’t wait to move to Oxford and start the next chapter of my academic life.

“The support and direction given to us at MGS cannot be rivalled and I thank them for helping me get to this stage.”

His school told the Guardian that Marcos is an all-round student whose extra-curricular achievements reflect his ambition.

This year he competed in the Oxford Union debating competition and is chairman of his School’s Berkeley Society. He has also directed school plays and hopes to become a film director.

Marcos is one of 23 boys at MGS who have been offered an Oxbridge place. Other students have achieved spots on courses including Medicine and Human Sciences courses, language courses, History, Chemistry, Engineering and English.

MGS head of sixth form Patrick Thom, head of sixth form at MGS, added: “Marc chose to follow the demanding International Baccalaureate programme in the Sixth Form, which encourages thought and reflection, and he has developed into a real thinker.

“He thoroughly deserves this place and I am sure that he will flourish at university.”

Congratulate Marcos on our website at knutsfordguardian.co.uk