Preparing for Oxbridge and Russell Group Admissions Tests (2026/2027 Cycle Update)

Evelyn Pike
January 27th 2026

Securing a place at Oxbridge or a top Russell Group university is no small feat. These institutions are renowned for their academic excellence, and admissions tests are a crucial part of their selection process. William Clarence, as the leading provider of higher education consulting, offers bespoke guidance to help our ambitious students succeed.

We strongly recommend to our William Clarence clients that they start early with practice. This is particularly important for students coming from a different educational system from the UK where they may not have studied subjects in great depth. Overseas applicants often face additional challenges, such as adapting to unfamiliar exam formats and mastering subject-specific content that may differ significantly from their home curricula. By beginning preparation up to three years in advance with monthly mentoring, we ensure students have the time and resources to bridge these gaps effectively.

Each admissions test has a unique structure. We provide comprehensive insights into the format, question types, and timing, alongside official practice materials and resources to build familiarity. For overseas students, we offer tailored sessions to demystify these tests, ensuring they are fully prepared to meet the expectations of UK universities. This includes explaining cultural nuances in questions, refining language skills where relevant, and offering additional resources for subjects less emphasised in their home education system.

We can then help a student develop core skills of critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem-solving which lie at the heart of these assessments. Through tailored guidance, we help enhance these skills with precision and focus. Finally, practising under exam conditions is crucial. Simulating real test scenarios builds time management skills and reduces anxiety. Regular practice under timed conditions highlights areas for improvement, helping you approach exam day with confidence.

Below, we outline the key admissions tests for 2026/2027 entry and the strategies to maximise your performance.

Key Admissions Tests

TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions)

For the 2026/2027 cycle, Oxford has replaced the TSA with the TARA for a number of courses, including those that previously required the TSA (such as PPE, Economics & Management, and Human Sciences).

The TARA is a computer-based test that focuses on:

  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Data interpretation
  • Logical and analytical reasoning

Unlike the TSA, there is no essay component. The emphasis is on multiple-choice reasoning questions that assess how students think, rather than what they have memorised. This represents a major shift in Oxford’s admissions testing and is one of the biggest changes students must prepare for in the 2026/2027 cycle.

LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test)

For prospective law students at many Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, the LNAT remains unchanged. It measures aptitude rather than legal knowledge and consists of:

  • Multiple-choice reading comprehension questions
  • An essay assessing argumentation and clarity of thought

Strong performance in the LNAT is still essential for competitive law applicants.

UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)

Essential for aspiring doctors and dentists, the UCAT continues to be required by all UK medical and dental schools. It tests:

  • Verbal reasoning
  • Decision making
  • Quantitative reasoning
  • Situational judgement

The Abstract Reasoning section has now been fully removed, which significantly alters preparation strategies and places greater emphasis on decision making and quantitative reasoning. To understand how this impacts your application, consult one of our medical school application consultants.

TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission)

For the 2026/2027 cycle, the TMUA has become increasingly important across top universities and is now used by:

  • Oxford (for Mathematics, Mathematics & Computer Science, and related courses)
  • Cambridge (for Mathematics, Computer Science, and Economics)
  • Imperial, LSE, Warwick, and others

The TMUA assesses:

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Logical problem-solving
  • Application of core mathematical principles under pressure

It is entirely multiple-choice, highly time-pressured, and does not allow calculators. The TMUA has effectively replaced Oxford’s former Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT), making it a central exam for mathematically competitive applicants.

ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test)

New for the Oxford admissions process in recent cycles and now firmly established for 2026/2027 entry, the ESAT is required for a range of science and engineering courses, including:

  • Engineering Science
  • Physics
  • Materials Science
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Certain Natural Sciences pathways

Candidates sit:

  • A compulsory Mathematics 1 module
  • Plus two additional subject modules (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or further Mathematics) depending on course requirements

The ESAT is computer-based, modular, and highly analytical, testing both subject knowledge and problem-solving ability.

How William Clarence Can Help

At William Clarence, we pride ourselves on offering a level of support unmatched by any other educational consultant. Our services include:

  • Comprehensive assessments to identify strengths and areas for development
  • One-on-one tutoring with Oxbridge-educated subject specialists
  • Tailored practice sessions, including mock tests with in-depth feedback
  • Guidance on preparing for reasoning-based exams such as TARA and TMUA
  • Support for essay-based components in tests like the LNAT
  • Test-taking strategies that enhance performance and confidence
  • Monthly mentoring programmes starting up to three years before your application date, designed to build a strong academic and extracurricular foundation

William Clarence is the premier Oxbridge admissions consultancy, providing bespoke support for medical applications, law admissions, and a range of subject-specific needs. Our expertise in higher education consulting ensures every client receives a personalised approach, supported by our years of experience and exceptional success rates.

Contact us today to book a consultation with one of our Oxbridge applications specialists or UCAS advisors, and take the first step towards achieving your academic goals.