Oxbridge Applications
If you're applying to Oxford or Cambridge, our team of entrance consultants work with you to maximise your chances of success and help you to stand out from the crowd.
Oxford and Cambridge universities are two of the most prestigious universities in the world
As such, Oxbridge applications require careful preparation and forward thinking if you are to stand out from the competition.
From the 2026 entry cycle, there will be a new format for the personal statement. UCAS has announced that students must answer three questions about their motivation to study a course, preparedness, and experiences. The total length will remain the same at 4000 characters or about 650 words. Students will now need to supply a precise and compelling account of extracurricular and personal experiences to convincingly demonstrate suitability for a course. The need for wider reading remains key to demonstrating enthusiasm and preparedness for a course.
For starters, you need to ensure that you choose the right course if you are considering Oxbridge, and choosing the right college is just as important.
What’s more, once you have completed the initial application (a challenging process in of itself), many courses at Oxford and Cambridge now require candidates to sit rigorous admissions tests, sometimes subject specific and sometimes more general in nature.
William Clarence Education is here to help
Our team of Oxbridge entrance consultants – all Oxbridge graduates themselves – will work tirelessly with you to maximise your chances of a successful application.
They have first-hand knowledge of the application processes and procedures, and of life in different colleges. They are ideally placed to advise you on these issues and debunk the myths you may have heard every step of the way.
Your allocated tutor will also work with you on course and college selection, personal statements, wider reading and work experience advice, face to face interview and admissions test practice, as well as providing access to our academic tutors for any exam preparation.
Your tutor will also be fully up to date with Oxbridge entrance exam requirements and will be assigned to you for the duration of your application process.
Explore our Oxbridge applications expertise in more detail
At William Clarence, we are fortunate to be home to some of the most experienced and knowledgeable Oxbridge consultants in the UK, who have helped a multitude of prospective students achieve a place on their desired course over the years. Meet our team here.
But don’t just take our word for it...
Discover how our Oxbridge entrance consultant guided one student towards a successful application to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge in our case study.
Ready to begin your journey to a successful Oxbridge application?
Contact our Oxbridge entrance consultants at William Clarence today and they will arrange a time to discuss the range of options available with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a competitive Oxbridge application?
There is no single formula for success. Strong applicants combine academic excellence with genuine intellectual curiosity and a clear understanding of why they have chosen their subject.
We encourage our students to move beyond simply achieving high grades by developing independent thinking, engaging critically with their chosen discipline, and demonstrating the qualities that admissions tutors value throughout the application process.
How do I know whether Oxford or Cambridge is the better choice for me?
Every student has different ambitions, learning preferences and academic interests. Rather than focusing on reputation alone, we help you explore which university, course structure and teaching style best align with your goals.
Our advice is always tailored to your individual profile, ensuring every decision supports your long-term success rather than simply following convention.
How important is super-curricular learning?
Super-curricular activities often distinguish exceptional candidates from strong ones. Reading beyond the school curriculum, attending lectures, listening to academic podcasts, completing independent research or exploring subject-specific projects all demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for learning.
We help students identify meaningful opportunities that strengthen their academic profile and provide valuable discussion points throughout the application process.
How do you personalise your Oxbridge application support?
No two applications are the same, so neither is our approach. From your first consultation, we build a strategy around your academic strengths, aspirations and timeline.
As your application develops, we adapt our guidance to reflect your progress, ensuring you receive practical advice that remains relevant at every stage. Our aim is to help you submit an application that feels authentic, confident and distinctive.
Can you support international students applying to Oxford or Cambridge?
Absolutely. We work with families from around the world and understand that international applicants often face additional considerations, including qualification equivalencies, application timelines and adapting to the UK admissions process.
Our consultants provide clear, expert guidance to ensure every student understands what is expected and feels fully prepared throughout their journey.
What happens after my application has been submitted?
Submitting your UCAS application is only one milestone. We continue supporting students through admissions testing where required, interview preparation and the period leading up to university decisions.
We also provide advice on next steps, whether you receive an offer, are placed in a college pool or wish to consider alternative pathways. Our support extends beyond application submission because successful outcomes are built on sustained preparation and informed decision-making.
Do extracurricular activities matter when applying to Oxbridge?
Academic ability will always be at the heart of a successful Oxbridge application, but extracurricular activities can still add value when they demonstrate commitment, initiative or transferable skills. The key is relevance.
Rather than building an extensive list of achievements, we encourage students to focus on experiences that genuinely complement their academic interests and allow them to reflect thoughtfully on what they have learned. Quality of engagement is far more important than quantity.
What if I am unsure whether I am a realistic Oxbridge candidate?
Many students underestimate their potential. While strong academic performance is important, admissions tutors also look for intellectual curiosity, resilience and the ability to think critically.
We take the time to understand your strengths, ambitions and current academic profile before offering honest, constructive advice.
If Oxbridge is the right fit, we'll help you build the strongest possible application. If another pathway is better suited to your goals, we'll explain why and help you explore your options with confidence.
Why choose a specialist Oxbridge consultancy?
An Oxbridge application requires far more than meeting entry requirements. Success often comes down to making informed decisions, presenting your academic interests effectively and preparing thoroughly for every stage of the process.
Our consultants draw on first-hand experience and years of supporting successful applicants to provide tailored guidance that gives students the confidence to showcase their full academic potential.
Next Steps
Our Head of Consulting will be able to outline how we have effectively advised families in past cases and their results, the school's and academic programmes we work with; and ultimately how we could help your family giving you a range of options to think on prior to making a decision on how to proceed.