A new cohort of undergraduates from across the UK and beyond is preparing to begin life at St John’s College, University of Cambridge, this autumn.
The College received 1,501 applications in the 2026 admissions round. Among UK entrants, 73.4 per cent are from state-sector schools and colleges, with just over two-thirds coming from non-grammar schools. Students from Free School Meal backgrounds make-up nine per cent of UK entrants.
Our UK cohort comes from across the country. More than half are from regions beyond London and the south-east, with Wales and the north of England accounting for just over seven and 15 per cent, respectively.
A total of 79.3 per cent of entrants have home fee status, the new freshers come from 22 different countries, and 142 schools and colleges. Women make up 52.2 per cent of the cohort.
Academic attainment is high. A-level entrants average just over three A*s each - a little lower in arts, humanities, and social sciences; a little higher in sciences, engineering, and mathematics - while International Baccalaureate entrants average 44 overall.
Dr Jonathan Padley, Tutor for Undergraduate Admissions, said: “Our incoming freshers are remarkable and have demonstrated exceptional academic attainment and strong potential for the future.
“Each has been performing right at the top of their cohorts at school or college, and we’re excited for them to bring their intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for their subjects to St John’s.
“Among our UK entrants, it is fantastic to see academic talent coming through from so many different schools and colleges. Universities often recruit locally, particularly nowadays, but here at St John’s we’re privileged that brilliant students apply to us successfully from all over the country and a range of educational backgrounds.
“We want to make sure that such young people, with the potential to thrive here at St John’s, see us as a destination they should seriously consider”
“Such standards and diversity are very much what we would wish for our community, and they do not happen by accident. Building long-term relationships with teachers, schools, and colleges is central to our outreach work, because these help talented young people receive good information and encouragement well before they apply.
"Teachers should always feel free to get in touch, we’re delighted to foster connections and provide support and guidance.
“St John’s is fortunate to receive genuinely outstanding applications every year, and we do not take this for granted. Our job is to identify the very strongest candidates, in every context - innovative problem-solvers who are passionate about their subjects, enjoy tackling difficult questions, and are willing to think independently.
“We want to make sure that such young people, with the potential to thrive here at St John’s, see us as a destination they should seriously consider.”
St John’s is one of the largest colleges at the University of Cambridge, with around 650 undergraduates studying across a wide range of subjects. Undergraduates benefit from dedicated teaching and academic support, alongside opportunities for scholarships, bursaries, and individualised learning experiences.
College life also includes a wide range of clubs, societies, and sports, as well as an active student community.
The College’s outreach work builds long-term relationships with schools, colleges, and teachers, and gives prospective applicants opportunities to visit St John’s, meet current students and academics, and find out more about undergraduate study at Cambridge.
Prospective students and their supporters can explore St John’s for themselves at the next Cambridge Colleges Open Day on Friday 11 September 2026, from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
The open day is mainly for prospective undergraduates about to apply in October 2026 for entry in 2027.
Visitors can meet academics and subject specialists, find out more about courses, student life, the Cambridge application process, and financial support, as well as tour St John’s with current students.
Our Admissions Tutor, Jonathan, will deliver free admissions talks on making a competitive Cambridge application at 10am and 2pm, as well as the night before, Thursday 10 September, at 7.30pm.
