But two pupils at Lanark Grammar School have just been accepted by that hallowed institution.

Katrina Hughes (17), from Lanark, and Angus Anning (16), from Hazelbank, have both received conditional acceptances after sailing through the interviews.

As one of the world's top universities, Oxford takes the academic qualifications for granted and candidates are chosen on the basis of interviews long regarded as gruelling.

Katrina and Angus both gained five Highers at A grade last year, and providing they both gain two As and one B in Advanced Highers this year, they will be off to Oxford — Katrina to University College and Angus to New College, although he will be taking a gap year first.

Both were thrilled and are looking forward to the future.

"I don't really have a long-term career plan," said Katrina. "I will be doing politics, philosophy and economics, and that degree will open a lot of doors. The degree itself is what appealed to me."

Angus also sees the degree as an end in itself. Impressed by Oxford's dramatic architecture as a child, he has always hoped to go there.

He will be studying law but will then look at doing a further degree or post-graduate work.

And Angus sees the diplomatic service as one possible future option.

For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week's Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.