SCOTT Crawford is set to be the first Carrick Academy pupil in 40 years to land a place at Oxford University.  The bright pupil has the choice of six universities who would love to have him. But ancient and prestigious Oxford is the 17-year-old's preferred choice. Scott said: "I had an interview at St Peter's College, Oxford, and they certainly gave me a good grilling!" But St Peter's later offered Scott a place, subject to his achieving the required passes in Advanced Highers he'll be sitting. Scott already has five Highers - all `A' passes - but stayed on at Carrick for the advanced exams. St Peter's have stipulated he must get at least two `A' passes and one `B' from the four he will sit. Scott is Carrick Academy's school captain, and has brought credit to his school and town with outstanding performances in debating competitions. He was national champion in the Rotary `Youth Speaks' competition as a Third Year pupil in 1999. And he followed this up with by taking the South Ayrshire district title in 2000. Scott aims to do a three-year degree in biology at Oxford, then follow it up with another three years, to gain a doctorate. He said: "Ideally, I would like an academic career, as this would give me the opportunity to do research work, as well as teaching and lecturing. "St Peter's is one of the newer Oxford colleges, dating from 1929, and it seems to have a modern, progressive outlook." Scott is the only son of Tom and Arlene Crawford of Queen's Terrace. Tom works locally for Interpak and Arlene is a playleader at the Tiny Tots playgroup.