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Application to top UK universities is highly competitive. It is often not enough to simply have strong set of academic grades; admissions tutors will expect you to be able to communicate your enthusiasm and commitment to study your chosen subject at undergraduate level. This can be done most prominently in your personal statement, and also at interview, for those courses and institutions that do so.

One of the ways in which you can demonstrate that you are passionate about your subject is to explain how you have explored it beyond the curriculum you have been taught at school. This type of learning is often referred to as super-curricular learning.

‘What shall I do when I leave school?’ is just one of a number of important questions students make during their final three years at school. But, it is one that they shouldn’t feel daunted by as this is an exciting time and, typically, the final step in their formal education. The most salient point to remember is that there is a spider’s web of people from whom they can seek advice: teachers, parents, friends and even current university students. Importantly, the final decision must be the student’s, and one that they are ultimately happy with.

On average, only 18-20% of applicants are successful at Oxford and Cambridge but this varies course by course. Making your application stand out requires more than just exceptional grades—it demands a personal statement that demonstrates not only your academic achievements but also your passion for your subject and your readiness for the rigours of Oxbridge’s academic environment. 

Crafting a standout personal statement for an Oxbridge application can be challenging. Admissions tutors at Oxford and Cambridge are looking for evidence of engagement with your chosen subject and an ability to reflect on your academic pursuit of your chosen subject.  

This guide is designed to help you articulate your passion for your subject, align your experiences with the expectations of Oxbridge and present a compelling case for why you deserve a place at their institution. 

What is the Quest Assessment?

The Quest Assessment is an online entrance assessment used by an increasing number of schools in the UK as part of their admissions process, most commonly for students applying for Year 7 entry at 11+. The assessment is designed to measure academic potential, problem-solving skills and reasoning ability, rather than testing students’ ability to memorise the curriculum.

Unlike traditional entrance exams, where all candidates sit the same paper, the Quest Assessment uses adaptive technology. As pupils answer questions, the level of difficulty is adjusted in response to their performance. Candidates answering correctly are given more challenging questions, while those answering incorrectly receive easier ones. This allows schools to establish a more accurate picture of each pupil's ability.

The assessment is completed entirely on a computer under timed conditions and consists primarily of multiple-choice questions. As every pupil receives a different set of questions, schools are able to determine ability without simply counting the number of correct answers.

Quest has become an increasingly popular admissions tool as it provides schools with a reliable measure of academic potential while reducing the influence of coached responses or memorised answers. 

What is the London 11 Plus Consortium?

The London 11 Plus Consortium, formerly known as the North London Girls’ Consortium, is a group of girls’ day schools. The consortium was originally founded to reduce the number of examinations girls would be required to sit as a part of the 11 plus entrance process. To that end, the London 11 Plus Consortium developed an application process whereby only one test would have to be taken, no matter how many schools within the Consortium the student has applied to. 

At present the London 11 Plus Consortium is made up of the following schools:

• Channing School
• Francis Holland School (Regent’s Park)
• Francis Holland School (Sloane Square)
• Godolphin & Latymer
• More House School
• Northwood College for Girls
• Notting Hill & Ealing High School
• Queen’s College School
• Queen’s Gate School
• South Hampstead High School
• St Augustine’s Priory
• St Helen’s School London
• St James Senior Girl’s School
• St Margaret’s School

Interviews are often considered to be the most intimidating and mysterious elements of the Oxford admissions process. This guide is designed to demystify the Oxford interview process so that you can approach your interview as confidently as possible.

With A level Results day almost upon us (Thursday 13th August), here is a helpful guide to ensure you are appropriately prepared.  

GCSE Results Day 2026 is almost upon us (Thursday 20th August) so we thought it might be helpful to share some top tips to help you to navigate the day. 

Competition for a place to study at undergraduate level at Oxford University is fierce. Every year, Oxford receives over 23,000 undergraduate applications for around 3,300 places, making it one of the most competitive universities in the world. This of course should not put off the prospective Oxford student, who will be well used to competition and accustomed to embracing a challenge.  

The UCAS application deadline for Oxford is typically 15 October each year, although applicants should always check the current admissions timetable before applying. 

Choosing your course and colleges is in some respects the easy part. 

Some Oxford courses also require applicants to submit written work as part of the admissions process. Where required, this usually consists of one or more pieces of school work that demonstrates analytical thinking, subject knowledge and writing skills, as appropriate for your chosen course. Deadlines vary by course and college, so applicants should check the requirements carefully.

It is also possible that the entrance process for your chosen course will include some kind of admissions test – though the number of courses requiring you to sit a test has decreased over the last few years, as has the number of individual tests. These tests however form just a part of Oxford's admissions process and are used alongside a range of information – your UCAS application, personal statement, written work and interview - to help assess academic potential and suitability. Admissions tests are rigorous but Oxford University provides a range of information and support materials that are accessible and revisable to help candidates prepare. 

Gaining entry to Cambridge University is a process that requires you to be curious and committed from day one. It is a multi-facetted process and you must be across all elements of your application. You may even want to choose your A Levels with your Cambridge course in mind!  Cambridge requires you to apply earlier than you would if applying elsewhere, finesse your subject knowledge and think outside of the box. This all before you sit your exams - and achieve top grades.  

Applying to Cambridge involves other elements that it is possible to get a head start on, such as preparing your UCAS application and personal statement, preparing for interview and finding out more about the university admission tests and assessments. 

Because getting into Cambridge is so competitive - on average across all subjects, they typically receive six applications per place - most subjects require prospective students to sit an entrance test of one sort or another, either before or as a part of the interview process. Your result will form part of a suite of impressions and information that colleges will use to decide on the suitability of candidates. 

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a medical and dental course admissions test used, and created by, multiple universities across the UK, Australia and New Zealand. It is used to assess candidates in conjunction with your UCAS application and is an important part of your application. Make sure to check the entry criteria for your desired course to see if the test is a requirement. 

The importance of your UCAT score varies across universities. Some universities weigh UCAT and school grades equally, while others place more importance on it than your grades. Similarly, some universities only use UCAT to shortlist pupils that meet the predicted grades for interview, while other universities use other parts of the application process, as long as the required UCAT score has been met.

It is your responsibility to book the test. Full details of the application process and test dates can be found on the UCAT website. The test costs £70 if taken in the UK, and £115 if taken internationally. Bursaries are available for UK candidates so definitely check these out if they’re applicable! In the UK, tests are sat in multiple Pearson VUE test centres.

This guide will help answer any questions you may have about the structure of the UCAT, where to access practice tests, and help you prepare effectively.

The UCAT website also provides a comprehensive checklist that you can use to help plan and prepare for your test.

How has the UCAS Personal Statement Changed?

The UCAS personal statement has undergone significant changes for applicants seeking university entry in 2026. Instead of submitting a single 4000-character, one-page document, applicants will now complete a statement divided into three separate sections. UCAS refers to the new format as having a ‘scaffolded structure,’ where applicants will respond to a series of free-text questions. The aim is to provide clearer guidance and structure, helping to ensure fairness for all applicants. 

Personal Statement Masterclass

To help students understand these changes and prepare effectively, Jenny McGowan (Director, Asia) hosted a Personal Statement Masterclass aimed at Year 12 students planning to write their personal statement over the summer. In the webinar below, Jenny explains the three new questions, discusses what students should include in each section, and shares practical examples and expert advice. She also highlights key steps students can take over the summer to develop a strong first draft before returning to school in September.

The  Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is used by several leading UK universities, including Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London and UCL, for selected engineering and science courses. Applicants should always check the admissions requirements for their chosen course, as these can change from year to year.

The ESAT is used to assess candidates in conjunction with your UCAS application and is an important part of your application. 

This guide will help answer any questions you may have about the structure of the ESAT, where to access practice tests, and help you prepare effectively. 

The ESAT website also provides very helpful information on how to prepare for the ESAT.

Here are details of our upcoming webinars. Do join us live to ask any questions you might have or register below to receive a recording after the event.

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In recent years, there has been a significant broadening of the post-18 options available to students. Degree apprenticeships, once seen by many high-aspiration applicants as a niche or ‘backup’ pathway, are increasingly becoming an attractive alternative to the traditional university route. They offer students the opportunity to work towards a fully funded degree while earning a salary from day one, gaining sustained experience in a target sector and building professional skills at the beginning of their career.

At a time when tuition fees, student debt, graduate outcomes and employability are regularly in the news, it is easy to understand their appeal. However, degree apprenticeships should not be seen simply as a cheaper or easier version of university. While apprenticeships have sometimes been viewed as a lower-tariff option compared with a traditional degree, degree apprenticeship programmes offer a full degree-level qualification — at bachelor’s or master’s level depending on the scheme — alongside the career benefits of structured employment.

Indeed, the attraction of these pathways, including routes into fields such as finance, law, engineering, technology and consulting, has made many degree apprenticeships highly competitive. The application process is often much closer to a graduate recruitment process than to a standard UCAS application, involving application forms, competency-based interviews, psychometric testing and assessment centres. For many students, degree apprenticeships now sit alongside university applications as part of a serious post-18 plan.

Overall, degree apprenticeships offer significant benefits, but successful applicants need to research carefully, begin their preparations early and develop a clear understanding of the requirements of the programmes they are applying for. This guide explores what degree apprenticeships are, how the application process works, and how students can strengthen their chances of success.