OXFORD University engineering student Carl Turpie took top spot in final exams this summer, and on Friday his proud family watched him graduate at the historic seat of learning.

Cambs Times: Carl Turpie graduationCarl Turpie graduation (Image: © Allan Turpie)

Carl, 22, from Chatteris, was presented with a first class masters degree in engineering science after being top student of Jesus College for all four years of his studies, and abeating about 168 other students to get the highest marks in the Engineering School’s final exams.

Carl attended Burnsfield School, King Edward School and Cromwell School in Chatteris, before doing his A-levels at Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge. He has already been offered a job with Frazer Nash, an engineering consultancy in Bristol.

Dad Allan said this week: “We are hugely proud of Carl. It shows that bright students can come from state schools. It was quite emotional at the graduation ceremony, and a fantastic day. Studying at Oxford was hard work, but a wonderful experience for Carl.”

Mum Julie added: “Carl always wanted to go to one of he top universities. He has worked very hard, and used his talents. All you need is to be clever, and have a bit of focus.”

Also accompanying parents Allan and Julie to the graduation ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre was Carl’s 20-year-old sister Rebekah.

Carl played rugby for Ely from the age of 12-17, and played rugby for Cambridgeshire under 15s and under 16s.

He is a keen photographer, and was president of the Oxford University Photographic Society, having pictures published by local newspapers and taking photos of Oxford University events.

After completing a second internship with Frazer Nash, Carl intends to go off travelling for seven months in October, before taking up his new full time job in Bristol.