Our latest education related articles

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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