University preparation Cambridge does not start in the final year of A-Level. At St Andrew’s College Cambridge, it begins from the moment a student joins us, with personal tutors guiding subject choice, super-curricular activity and extension reading from the first term. As a specialist UCAS preparation school and Top schools UK provider for international applicants, we run a structured 18-month university preparation programme alongside the academic curriculum. The programme covers UCAS, Oxbridge, US Ivy League, Medics, Law and a range of extension routes, and is supported by the wider Dukes Plus partnership. The results speak for themselves. Around 90% of students secure their first-choice university place; more than 20 students each year receive G5 offers; and we have a long track record of Oxbridge and US Ivy League admissions.
St Andrews has excellent connections with universities admissions departments. The college offers tailored advice and support for each individual student through group university preparation sessions. Every student has a personal tutor who works with them on a weekly basis to prepare them in applying to university over an 18-month period and is given access to Unifrog, an invaluable online tool to help students compare every university course and apply successfully.
How does university preparation work at St Andrew’s College Cambridge?
Our university preparation programme runs on an 18-month timeline that starts in the spring of the year before UCAS submission. Stage one is subject choice, where students confirm which A-Levels or Foundation pathway best supports their target degree. Stage two is super-curricular work: extension reading, summer schools, MOOC courses, essay competitions and academic prizes that bring depth beyond the syllabus. Stage three is the personal statement, drafted in the summer term and refined through the autumn. Stage four is admissions tests, where applicable, with structured preparation for the LNAT, UCAT, BMAT replacement tests, ENGAA, NSAA, MAT and TMUA. Stage five is interview preparation in November and December for Oxbridge and Medicine applicants. Stage six is decisions, where personal tutors help students compare offers and choose firm and insurance places.
Can St Andrew’s help me apply to Oxbridge or the Ivy League?
Yes. Our university preparation programme connects every student with the Dukes Plus partner network, which is one of the strongest education-services groups in the UK. Oxbridge Applications supports Oxbridge applicants with subject mentoring, mock interviews and admissions-test preparation. The Medic Portal supports applicants to Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine. The Lawyer Portal supports Law applicants through the LNAT and personal statement. A-List Education supports US university applicants through the SAT, ACT and Common Application. You can read more on our dedicated Oxbridge Support page.
What support do international students get with UCAS?
International applicants get the same 18-month programme as UK applicants, with additional support layered on top. English support is built into Pre A-Level and Foundation pathways. Country-specific guidance covers UK universities that have particular requirements for students from particular education systems. Scholarship application help covers university-specific scholarships for international students. Reference letters are written by personal tutors who know the student academically and pastorally, which produces stronger references than those written by subject teachers alone.
What do St Andrew’s students achieve in university applications?
Around 55% of our A-Level students progress to G5 universities and 84% to a Russell Group institution. 100% of Foundation students progress to UK higher education with 87% going to Russell Group destinations. Around 90% of all students secure their first-choice university place. Full breakdowns by course and year are on our University Destinations page.
