St Andrew’s College Cambridge

A university foundation programme built around the student

For ambitious students who need the right structure, guidance, and academic pathway to thrive — with personalised support, small classes, and clear progression to university in the UK and beyond.

100%
University progression
8
Average students per class
1:1
Personal tutor support
95%+
Universities accept St. Andrew’s Foundation programme
NCFE
Level 3 Diploma awarding body
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Home | University Foundation LP

University Foundation LP

University Foundation Programme

Why choose the St. Andrew’s Foundation Programme?

Small classes. Personal guidance. Excellent results.

At St. Andrew’s, education is personal. Students are taught in small, focused classes where teachers know their ambitions and support them every step of the way.

Small, focused classes

6–8 students per class with individual attention and a dedicated personal academic tutor providing weekly guidance.

Cambridge PhD tutors · 40% more teaching

Daily tutorial sessions delivered by Cambridge University PhD tutors, with 40% more contact hours than standard foundation providers.

Expert UCAS & university guidance

Full UCAS application support plus integrated English and IELTS preparation built directly into the timetable.

Kenneth — St. Andrew's Foundation student

Kenneth

Foundation Programme · Since 1991 · Accredited by NCFE

100%University Progression

Student stories

Hear from Foundation students as they build confidence, find direction, and progress to university.

Foundation Programme
A supported route to university
Foundation Programme
Belonging, ambition, progress

Enrolment open — September 2026

Your pathway to a UK university with St. Andrew’s Foundation Programme

Apply Now
Request a Prospectus

How St. Andrew’s Compares

A more personalised, higher-support pathway than a typical university foundation — with clearer progression and better outcomes.

St. Andrew’s Foundation
8
Average class size
Individual attention and tailored support
1:1
Personal tutor
Daily academic and personal guidance
+40%
Teaching time
More contact hours to consolidate learning
Typical university foundation
~25
Typical class size
Larger cohorts, less individual attention
Group
Support model
Shared guidance across bigger groups
Standard
Contact hours
Less time to master subjects
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87%
Russell Group success rate
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IELTS
Integrated preparation in the timetable
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Cambridge
Libraries, lectures, facilities, inspiration
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UCAS
Multiple offers, best-fit choices
Exclusive Cambridge opportunities and resources
  • Cambridge University Library — iconic resource hub for deeper study.
  • Sports Centre — modern facilities to support wellbeing.
  • Access to Cambridge University lectures — intellectual stimulation and wider perspectives.
  • Research exposure — opportunity to work with Cambridge PhD students after school.
  • Convenient location — 50-minutes from London
  • Tutoring — tuition from Cambridge University PhD students
Progression routes for high ambitions
  • Strong progression to Russell Group universities (including York and Leeds).
  • Art and Architecture progression to UAL, including Central Saint Martins.
  • If needed, students can retake Foundation subjects in July to protect ambitious firm choices.
Flexible academic options
  • Option to supplement Foundation with GCSEs or A-Levels.
  • Opportunity to take an A-Level in your local language.
  • Choose from our one-year or six-month fast track options.
Academic enrichment that helps you stand out
  • EPQ research project.
  • British Olympiad competitions with tutor support.
Personalised university guidance (UCAS + visits)
  • Apply via UCAS to multiple universities.
  • Choose the best-fit course and destination.
  • University visits and open days included.
A supportive boarding environment and student life
  • Home-away-from-home boarding with pastoral care.
  • Ideal for 16–17s not ready for full independence.
  • Wide range of extra-curricular sports, music, clubs and activities build confidence.
  • Single and double en-suite boarding and homestay options.

Exclusive private education in Cambridge since 1976.

University Foundation Course Pathways

The University Foundation Programme at St. Andrew’s College Cambridge offers a range of premier pathways to university, offering a personalised and highly supportive experience tailored for international students. Designed with their success in mind, these 9 programmes consistently deliver exceptional results for those aspiring to join top universities, including the prestigious Russell Group.

Choose from our specialised routes designed to prepare you for your future degree.

Humanities
  • Business
  • Economics
  • International Relations
Science
  • Science
  • Engineering
  • Computer Science / AI
  • Medics & Life Sciences
Art
  • Art & Design
  • Architecture

Examples of Where Our Students Progress

Real examples of university offers our Foundation students receive including typical grade and IELTS requirements for progression.

UNIVERSITY COURSE ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS IELT REQUIREMENTS
Queen Mary, University of London Business Management 70% overall 7.0 with at least 5.5 in each component
University of Manchester Management 75% overall 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component
University of Bristol Economics 80% overall with 80% in advanced mathematics 7.0 overall with 7.0 in writing and at least 6.5 in reading, speaking and listening
City, University of London Banking and International Finance 75% with nothing less than 65% 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component
The University of Edinburgh Linguistics and Social Anthropology 70% overall with nothing less than 50% 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component
Durham University Business and Management 75% overall 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component
University of Exeter Business and Management 70% overall with nothing less than 60% 7.0 overall with at least 6.0 in each component
University of Sussex Accounting and Finance 65% overall with 65% in Mathematics 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component
Kings College London International Relations 70% overall 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component

Enquire Now to Find Out More

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