Achieving the best academic outcomes
We understand that the wish to attend a top UK university is a dream of many young people. To give our students the best advantage when applying to university, we have developed an enhanced package of application support that ensures students are fully prepared for admissions interviews, produce the best personal statement and importantly feel confident in their application.
Enhanced Oxbridge Candidate Support
CATS Cambridge students are offered thorough guidance on the university admissions process along with specialist support for applicants to the most competitive elite universities and courses such as Oxford and Cambridge. Through Year 12 and 13, we offer university application workshops, classes and mock interviews, allowing students to feel confident that they are submitting the best application they can. Beginning at GCSE, all students are encouraged to explore where their talents and interests lie, so that they can make an informed decision about their future study.
Higher Education Officers (HEOs)
Our HEOs are dedicated full-time members of staff who offer unlimited university application support from a student’s first day at CATS Cambridge. All students have time-tabled Higher Education lessons along with one-to-one meetings.
Personal Statement
Personal Tutors (PTs) have extensive experience of university admissions and know what will make a student’s application stand out. PTs dedicate time to getting to know each student and their interests to ensure their personal statement is the best reflection of them as an individual.
University Visits
Universities from around the world visit CATS Cambridge throughout the year to present their course offerings and give students the chance to ask any questions they might have.
Open Days
It is important that students know as much as possible about the universities they are applying to. We support students to attend open days so they can get the best insight into their chosen university and decide if they feel that it is the right destination for them.
Our staff are always on hand to answer any questions and provide advice on the university process. Personal Tutors or Higher Education Advisors are available outside of timetabled hours to support students and ensure they are comfortable with the university application process.
Enhanced Application Support
CATS Cambridge students are offered thorough guidance on the university admissions process along with specialist support for applicants to the most competitive elite universities and courses such as Oxford and Cambridge. Throughout years 12 and 13 we offer university applications workshops, classes and mock interviews allowing all students to feel confident that they are submitting the best application they can.
Key Professions Programme
For students wishing to pursue a degree in a competitive field such as law, finance, medicine, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM), or apply to Oxbridge we offer additional tailored support through our Key Professionals Programme (KPP).
This programme is tailored to the ambitions of each student and includes activities and support throughout the application process.
University level presentations
aimed at helping students make an informed decision to which university and degree course they wish to apply to. These presentations also develop students’ higher-level knowledge of a subject and the skills needed for its application.
The Extended Project
is an internally supervised competitive independent research project where prizes are awarded for the best final project. The Extended Project assists students in developing research skills and provides evidence of going beyond the curriculum for use on their university application.
Work Experience and Volunteering
is beneficial to candidates for any degree course as it demonstrates the student’s willingness and ability to make a contribution beyond the school. Work Experience and Volunteering is essential for students applying to study on a medical degree course.
Admissions Test Preparation
Many universities including Oxford and Cambridge use admissions tests to assess a candidate’s merit. We offer specific sessions to assist students in preparing effectively for admissions tests.
Practice Interviews
are used by many top UK universities as part of their selection process. We run a programme of mock interviews with subject matter experts specific to the degree course a student is applying to. We also offer Oxbridge style mock interviews for students applying to Oxford or Cambridge.
Key Professions Programme Tutors
Each student on the KPP is assigned a tutor who has subject knowledge specific to the degree course the student is applying to. The KKP tutors provide advice and support throughout the application process.
UCAT support
Most medical and dentistry schools expect students to take either the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). CATS Cambridge has taught many students who go on to study medicine or related subjects and we offer excellent lab facilities along with tailored one-to-one support including presentations from leading healthcare researchers and medics.
Extra-curricular activities
We offer a range of different extra opportunities designed to stretch student knowledge and passion, including science Olympiads and competitions, Mathematics Challenges, Business days, and the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge competition to name a few.
Our Higher Education Team
CATS Cambridge has dedicated Higher Education Officers (HEOs) who offer support to all students during their university applications. The HEOs are supported by KPP mentors who specialise in particular subject areas, giving students the best advice and support they need when applying to university.
CATS Cambridge University Fair and Oxbridge Admissions Events
CATS Cambridge students have access to our exclusive University Fair which is attended by universities including the University of Cambridge, the London School of Economics, Imperial College of London, as well as world-leading US and Canadian universities. This event gives students a valuable opportunity to talk directly to university admissions teams about their degree programmes, campuses and specific entry criteria.
We also run an annual Oxbridge Applications and Admissions online event. Featuring expert guidance from Oxbridge academics and admissions tutors, alumni who are now at Oxbridge and academic staff from across our school group who have overseen many successful undergraduate application.
Guest Speakers
Each year we offer a programme of guest speakers including visiting academics from UK universities and alumni students. Recent talks have included:
- What qualities are needed for top universities? – Dr David Smith, Selwyn College, Cambridge (and History Faculty)
- Oxbridge applications with special focus on interviews– Sarah Hales, International Admissions Office, University of Cambridge
- Oxbridge: the processes of applying – Dr David Bainbridge, St Catharine’s College, Cambridge (and School of Veterinary Medicine)
- A talk from the Master of Jesus College – Sonita Aleyne, OBE, FRSA
- Careers’ paths at and from university – Lewis Sillett, Global Programmes Officer, UEA
- ‘Psychology: Personality and Crime’ – Dr Vicki McDermott-Thompson and Dr Ian Norman, The School of Psychology, UEA
