For students aiming high. Personalised one-to-one preparation for Oxford and Cambridge.
The Lionheart Approach
Building habits Oxbridge looks for
Knowledge alone doesn’t secure an offer. Oxford and Cambridge look for independence of thought, flexible reasoning, and the ability to stay composed when ideas are tested. Our tutors focus on cultivating exactly these habits — encouraging students to question assumptions, articulate their thinking clearly, and explore beyond the obvious.
The outcome: applicants who arrive at interview composed, sharp, and intellectually alive.
Find out more
What makes Oxbridge applications different?
Our Services
Our personalised Oxbridge application programmes
Applying to Oxford or Cambridge isn’t just about grades. Success depends on aligning every element of the application — from the right course and college to how a student thinks under pressure. At Lionheart, we guide applicants through the process step by step.
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Admissions Tests
TSA, ELAT, MAT, NSAA, ENGAA, and more — our tutors demystify each test, teaching strategies for tackling time pressure, interpreting unfamiliar problems, and writing with clarity under exam conditions.
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Personal Statements & Written Work
Oxbridge admissions tutors want to see curiosity and independence of thought. We help students translate their passion for their subject into sharp, authentic writing — avoiding clichés and showcasing genuine engagement beyond the classroom.
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Interview Preparation
Our sessions feel like a real Oxbridge tutorial: unpredictable, rigorous, and conversation-driven. With Oxbridge graduates as mentors, students learn to handle curveball questions, explain their reasoning clearly, and think aloud with confidence.
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Academic Extension
We encourage students to read widely, analyse beyond the syllabus, and pursue independent projects, so their curiosity feels lived — not rehearsed — when interviewers probe deeper.
Unsure which college is right for you – or even whether to choose Oxford or Cambridge?
Choosing between Oxford and Cambridge – or between their colleges – is rarely straightforward. Our consultants bring deep knowledge of each institution to help you understand what distinguishes one college from another, and to ensure your choice aligns with how you like to study, think, and live.
Discover moreOur results in context
Oxbridge admissions are among the most competitive in the world — but with the right preparation, our students stand out.
- 48 degree courses our students have applied to across Oxford and Cambridge in the past five years — from Classics to Computer Science
- 4 to 6 mock interviews most applicants complete with us, each followed by detailed, written feedback and targeted next steps.
Frequently asked questions
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When should we start—and what are the key deadlines?
Aim to begin in Year 12 (Lower Sixth). The UCAS deadline for Oxford and Cambridge are usually in October; most admissions tests require advance registration and are sat in the autumn; interviews typically run in December. We’ll map your preparation to these milestones and handle test/admin reminders for you.
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Oxford vs Cambridge – what’s really different, and can we apply to both?
You apply to Oxford or Cambridge (not both) in the same cycle. Choosing a college is optional; an open application (no preferred college) is fine, and you may be reallocated to balance demand. We’ll help you choose based on course structure, assessment style, and fit.
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Which admissions tests might I need?
Requirements are course-specific. Examples include MAT (Mathematics), TSA/OAT-family tests for certain Oxford courses now delivered through Pearson VUE test centres, and at Cambridge, assessments such as ESAT and TMUA for relevant subjects. We’ll confirm exactly what’s needed and register you on time.
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What actually happens at interview?
Expect 1–2 academic interviews per college (often online) in December. Tutors won’t quiz memorised facts; they test how you think—working through unseen problems, discussing texts/data, and explaining your reasoning under gentle pressure. We rehearse this style so you stay calm, precise, and authentic.
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How do you help with personal statements and written work?
For the statement, we shape a clear academic narrative—reading that influenced you, ideas you’ve pursued, and evidence of independent thought—and tighten structure, tone and specificity. Where courses require submitted written work, we guide piece selection and polish, keeping it genuinely your own.
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What if we’re from a state school or outside the UK system?
Most UK entrants now come from state schools; both universities use contextual data and welcome diverse backgrounds. For international systems (IB, APs, national curricula), there are published equivalences—we’ll map your profile to the required standards and plan any top-ups.
