Fixed term assured shorthold tenancy agreement

Tenancy Types and Management

My query is about how many students can legally appear on a fixed term assured shorthold tenancy agreement. The fixed term is just for one academic year

Our local University student Advice Centre is quoting on their own lease that:- legally only the first four named tenants are legal joint tenants and only these are liable for any rent arrears or any damage to a property. The other four are known an equitable tenants for whom it is less clear what they are liable for

I do not use their lease but - I have 8 students to a house and who appear on a fixed term assured shorthold tenancy agreement. Having all 8 named with a named lead tenant for My Deposit purposes(as they require a lead tenant per property).

Am I legally ok to continue with 7 or 8 students to such an agreement.

I look forward to your response.