Oxbridge Admissions Support
Gaining admission to Oxford or Cambridge demands more than excellent grades — it requires strategic preparation, deep subject insight, and familiarity with the Oxbridge process. Our experienced tutors will support you comprehensively — from the personal statement to interview. Many of our tutors are Oxbridge alumni, offering first-hand perspective and proven strategies.
The Oxbridge Application Journey
What Makes Oxford and Cambridge Special
Oxford and Cambridge require additional components beyond the UCAS application, which set them apart:
- Earlier deadline – Applications must be submitted by 15 October, a month earlier than for most universities.
- Admissions tests – Many courses require subject-specific or broader aptitude tests.
- Interviews – Shortlisted candidates are invited to academic interviews designed to probe reasoning and depth.
- College system – You normally apply to a particular college (or make an open application), making your college choice significant.
- Written work – Some courses request pre-submitted essays, projects or drafts of academic work.
These elements demand rigorous preparation — and that's where targeted expert support can make a real difference.
How We Help
Our services are tailored to the demands of Oxbridge admissions and include:
- Crafting and refining your personal statement
- Diagnosis and coaching for required admissions tests
- Mock interviews and feedback
- Strategy for college choice or open application
- Review and improvement of submitted work
- Subject-specific extension or depth sessions
We aim to help you present the most confident, coherent, and compelling application possible.
Guide to Admissions Tests
Below is a refined overview of the key admissions tests in recent cycles (as of 2025). Because test requirements and names evolve, always cross-check the Oxford and Cambridge admissions pages for your application year.
| Subject / Course | Oxford Test(s) | Cambridge Test(s) / Assessment | Notes and Timing* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics / Mathematics-intensive courses | MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) | TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admissions); sometimes STEP (for more advanced applicants) | Oxford's tests are delivered online via Pearson VUE. STEP is often used in conditional offers (June) and is now administered by OCR. |
| Physics / Engineering | PAT (Physics Admissions Test) | ESAT (Engineering & Science Admissions Test) | Cambridge introduced ESAT, replacing legacy tests like ENGAA and NSAA. |
| Medicine / Biomedical Sciences | UCAT (in many cycles) | UCAT | Oxford has moved away from BMAT for many medical courses. |
| Economics / PPE / Social Sciences | TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment) | ECAA (Economics Admissions Assessment) | TSA also required for PPE (Philosophy, Politics & Economics) at Oxford. |
| English Literature | Written work submission (no longer ELAT) | Post-shortlisting assessment | Oxford discontinued ELAT from 2024 entry onwards, now relying more on submitted written work and interviews. |
| History | HAT (History Aptitude Test) | Post-shortlisting assessment | Cambridge often uses written assessments during the interview process rather than pre-interview tests. |
Timing & Important Notes
- Oxford's admissions tests are bookable in the summer and sat in October via Pearson VUE.
- Cambridge's ESAT is held early in October.
- Some Cambridge assessments are taken only after shortlisting (at college level).
- Test formats, names, and requirements change regularly — always confirm for your specific application cycle.
What Our Parents and Students Have to Say
"Once again, I would like to thank you most sincerely for all the support until how have made to my son. He has enjoyed working with you on the Maths and has made this clear. His experience with you has brought about a transformation in his attitude and approach to Maths. Well done!"
"Also thank you for recommending tutors for Biology and Chemistry. They have been great too!"
"James was such a great help with my Maths A level. He was patient and understanding and made working through the material we went over very asking interesting questions when we were going over topics I had found difficult in class and his explanations were always very thorough. I always walked away from our sessions much more confident about my Maths than before and occasionally having explored interesting material that went slightly beyond the specification."
"An outstanding tutor. Responsive, encouraging, supportive and kind. Thanks for all your help!"
"James is helping my son prepare for his STEP exams. According to my son, James has been teaching methods for solving problems in a similar way and standard to which they did on the Cambridge STEP day. James "knows his stuff", is friendly and teaches well. My son looks forward to the sessions, has advanced in his Maths and feels more confident afterwards."