I applied for Oxford Law (New College) with 9/8.5/8/8/8/8/7/7/7, got to the interview stage and was then rejected. In my feedback I was told that my GCSE grades were below average compared to other candidates, as well as a 'good but not competitive' interview performance etc. It was definitely the consensus that Oxford weighted GCSEs more than Cambridge, with the alternative focusing more on the interview stage of the application process. If you have a good set of GCSE grades (as you do), it would seem that Oxford would provide you with the best chance of getting an offer. They still consider A-level predicted grades with likely a heavier weight than your GCSEs but, as was the case with me, they do account for something.
In terms of the application process it goes something like this (exact dates will differ between Oxford and Cambridge but this is a rough timeline):
- Summer between y12-y13 you begin preparing your personal statement (ideally beforehand) with supercurriculars and whatnot to be completed sometime in September
- Mid-October is when UCAS applications open, and is when you will need to apply as Oxbridge candidates are early applicants.
- Mid/late-December interview invitations will be given, or rejections if you were unsuccessful in making it to the interview stage. You will have your interview (most likely) in the next few weeks after your invitation
- Early-mid January is when offers are given out to those who were shortlisted for interview. Everyone receives it on the same day for either Oxford or Cambridge
- Take your A-levels in May-June and hopefully secure your place (if offered) in August on results day!
Hope this helps