NEW findings show the percentage of students from schools in and around Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea that make it into an 'Oxbridge' or Russell Group university.

The figures have been published by the Department for Education as sixth form and college students begin applying for higher education.

The King Alfred School in Highbridge was found to be the best local school for both Oxbridge and Russell Group university admissions.

37% of students get into a Russell Group university, and 2% make it into Oxford or Cambridge.

This is over double the national average in both respects, with only 18% of British students getting into a Russell Group member, and 1% being accepted into Oxbridge.

Bridgwater and Taunton College sees an average of 4% of its students receiving a successful offer to a Russell Group uni, but none of their students make it into Oxbridge.

For comparison, 39% of The Blue School (Wells) students are accepted into a Russell Group University, and 1% achieve Oxbridge status.

The Huish Episcopi Academy in Langport has one of the highest Oxbridge admission rates in the county, with 3% of all students going on to study at Oxford or Cambridge.