Supporting Your Child with an Oxbridge Application
If your child is thinking of applying to Oxford or Cambridge, you may feel both proud and unsure of how to help. The Oxbridge application process is different from other universities: the deadlines are earlier, the entry requirements are intense, and there are more steps involved. Here’s how you can support your child through the journey.
Understand the Timeline and Commitment
Oxbridge applications must be submitted by 15 October, several months earlier than most university choices. That means preparation should begin well before Year 13 starts, especially for subjects that require admissions tests or submitted work.
At Ashbourne, students interested in Oxbridge receive guidance starting in Year 12, with structured support for personal statements, admissions test prep, and interview practice.
Encourage Subject Exploration
Oxford and Cambridge are looking for students who are truly engaged in their subject. This goes beyond schoolwork. Encourage your child to read more deeply, attend relevant lectures, listen to academic podcasts or take on extra research. These activities not only build genuine interest, but also give substance to their personal statement and interview answers. Notably, it would be good to encourage your child to visit both universities.
Support Without Pressure
The application process is rigorous, and it’s natural for children to feel pressure. Your role can be to keep them calm, grounded and focused. Help them stay organised with timelines, but avoid adding extra stress. Remember that not getting into Oxbridge is not a failure, many brilliant students end up choosing other top universities.
Encourage Your Child to Research the Colleges Carefully
When it comes to Oxbridge applications, helping your child make informed decisions is key. Each college at Oxford and Cambridge has its own character, atmosphere and academic focus, and understanding these differences can make a real impact on how comfortable and motivated a student feels once they arrive.
Encourage your child to explore the colleges in detail, not only through their websites but also by looking at student experiences, course structures and accommodation options. It’s also worth reviewing admissions statistics, which can give a sense of how competitive certain courses or colleges might be. While these figures shouldn’t determine their choice, they can help manage expectations and guide conversations about where your child may feel most confident applying.
If possible, visiting the universities together can be invaluable. Open days and college tours allow students to meet current undergraduates, ask questions and get a sense of the academic and social environment. These visits often make the Oxbridge experience feel more tangible, helping students visualise where they might thrive and build their confidence before applying.
Ashbourne’s Oxbridge Preparation Programme: A Proven Track Record
Ashbourne has a strong tradition of helping students gain places at top universities including Oxford and Cambridge. Our dedicated Oxbridge programme is carefully designed to challenge students academically while offering the structured guidance they need throughout every stage of the application process.
For parents, this means peace of mind. Your child will receive tailored academic enrichment in their chosen subject, and individual mentoring from expert teachers, and step-by-step support to keep their application on track and stress levels low. We provide detailed advice on crafting compelling personal statements and run thorough interview preparation, including mock interviews to build confidence and sharpen communication skills.
This comprehensive, personalised support has helped many Ashbourne students gain places to study at both Oxford and Cambridge. With Ashbourne’s guidance, your child will be well-prepared, not just to apply, but to thrive in the demanding Oxbridge environment.
In Summary
Supporting your child through an Oxbridge application means helping them stay focused, confident and realistic. With the right encouragement at home and targeted support from school, your child can make the most of this opportunity, and come away stronger, regardless of the result.
1. What qualities do Oxford and Cambridge look for in students?
Oxford and Cambridge want students who are genuinely passionate about their subject, not just those with top grades. Strong applicants usually show curiosity through wider reading, independent projects, or attending subject-related lectures, which demonstrates real enthusiasm for learning.
2. Can my child apply to both Oxford and Cambridge at once?
No. UCAS rules mean students can only apply to one of the two universities in a single application cycle. It’s important to research carefully to decide which university and course best matches your child’s interests and strengths.
3. Will my child need to take an admissions test for Oxbridge?
Yes, for most courses. Oxford and Cambridge often require an admissions test, and sometimes a written submission as well. These assessments help tutors see how students think and apply knowledge beyond exam grades.
4. Does an EPQ or wider reading help with Oxbridge applications?
Absolutely. An Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or independent project can show that your child is self-motivated, capable of independent research, and deeply engaged with their chosen subject. Wider reading, such as academic books or debates, also demonstrates intellectual curiosity, something Oxbridge values highly.