Oxbridge Programme

Personalised university application guidance

Students receive dedicated support from the Head of Higher Education throughout the university application process. Guidance is tailored to each student’s academic strengths, subject interests and university ambitions. Support includes:

• UCAS application guidance
• Personal statement support
• Degree and college selection
• Entry requirements and admissions advice
• Preparation for university admissions tests
• Guidance on work experience
• Advice on super-curricular activities

Students also attend specialist Higher Education sessions alongside their A Level studies. Visiting university admissions representatives provide further insight into the application process and what competitive universities look for in prospective students.

Admissions-test preparation

Admissions tests are an important part of the selection process for many competitive university courses. Depending on their chosen degree, students may receive preparation for:

• Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)
• Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA)
• University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
• National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT)

Support focuses on developing effective exam technique, time management and strategies to help students perform to the best of their ability.

Academic enrichment

Successful Oxbridge applicants need to demonstrate genuine intellectual curiosity and engagement with their chosen subject beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to extend their learning through opportunities such as:

• Independent research projects
• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
• Chemistry, Biology and Physics Olympiads
• Mathematics Challenges
• Subject masterclasses
• Super-curricular lectures

These activities allow students to deepen their subject knowledge, explore their academic interests and strengthen their university applications.

Visits, conferences and expert speakers

Students can take part in a range of university preparation and enrichment events, including:

• Oxford and Cambridge online conferences
• Personal statement webinars
• “Making a Competitive Application” sessions
• Talks from CATS Cambridge alumni studying at Oxford or Cambridge
• Online and in-person subject masterclasses
• Lectures at colleges across the University of Cambridge

These experiences help students understand university life, explore possible degree choices and learn more about the demands of highly competitive applications.

Mock interviews

Interviews are a particularly important part of the Oxford and Cambridge admissions process. Students receive personalised interview preparation from experienced teachers. Preparation can include:

• One-to-one mock interviews
• Subject-specific interview practice
• Guidance on communicating ideas clearly
• Practice responding to challenging academic questions
• Multiple Mini Interview preparation for Medicine applicants

These sessions help students develop confidence, think aloud effectively and prepare for the style of interview used by highly selective universities.

Work experience and volunteering

Relevant experience can help students explore possible careers and demonstrate their commitment to a chosen subject.

Students have access to volunteering opportunities during term time and at weekends with organisations such as Oxfam and the British Red Cross.

Potential Medicine applicants may also have opportunities to undertake work experience or volunteering connected with Addenbrooke’s and Royal Papworth hospitals. Opportunities may include:

• Insight into Medicine
• Insight into Caring in the NHS
• Cambridge Clinical Research Programme
• Healthcare Science Programme

Students are also encouraged to seek further voluntary work and relevant experience during the summer break.

Extracurricular activities and awards

Participation in extracurricular activities helps students develop interests, skills and experiences beyond their academic subjects. Opportunities at CATS Cambridge include:

• Robotics Club
• STEM Club
• Mathematics Club
• Debate Club
• Model United Nations
• Sports and arts clubs

Students may also participate in competitions and awards such as ISA STEAM, Model United Nations conferences and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Academic monitoring and support

Strong academic results remain central to a successful application.

Throughout the first year of study, each student’s academic progress is carefully monitored. Ongoing guidance helps students identify areas for improvement and work towards the grades required for highly competitive university courses.

Commitment to the programme

The Oxbridge Programme is a challenging but highly rewarding pathway for students aspiring to study competitive undergraduate courses.

Students are expected to engage fully with the additional academic, application and enrichment opportunities provided alongside their studies.

In return, they join an intellectually stimulating environment designed to help ambitious students explore their potential and prepare for their future university pathway.