Has anyone heard of a case where someone has gotten into CLS with a high 2(1)?

Or does CLS only take people with a 1st class degree?

The way I understood admission is that it is not only about grades but rather a whole picture of your application where grades are part of that larger picture. I know someone who got into CLS with not perfect grades so I would assume it pends other things too such as recommendation letters, TOEFL results, profile, publications, work experience etc.

Meme,

Just wondering, where did your friend go to school and what kind of 'not perfect grades' said he/she receive?

Yes it is possible...According to the CLS admissions, they rarely see 1sts, and normally take 2.1.s...but this year and the increase in competition might make it different!