If you're supporting a young person who's thinking about their university options, it's likely that you have your own questions and concerns about their entering higher education.
Oxford and Cambridge: the similarities and differences
The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge are frequently cited together by journalists, politicians and the world at large. Whilst our two institutions have a great deal in common – including the collegiate structure, personalised teaching methods and the wealth of resources available to our students – there are also number of notable differences. Find out more
Parents and Supporters
As a parent or guardian you probably have your own questions and concerns about Cambridge. In our Guide for Parents and Supporters we try to answer these questions, dispel any concerns and help you to advise your son or daughter. If you have any further queries, just get in touch with the Cambridge Admissions Office where we will be happy to help. You may also find the information for parents and supporters on the University’s Student Wellbeing website useful.
Teachers, Tutors and HE Advisers
We value enormously the support and encouragement that teachers, tutors and HE advisers give to students who may be thinking of applying here. You'll find lots of useful advice and guidance in our Advice for teachers, tutors & HE advisers publication. Cambridge Admissions Office (CAO) and College admissions offices are also happy to give advice to teachers on admissions policy and other matters.
Written Assessments
Most applicants are required to take a course-specific written assessment, either pre-interview or at interview. Find out More
Helping students prepare
Advice on helping students prepare their application to the University of Cambridge. Find out more
School/college reference
The school/college reference tells us about an applicant's abilities and potential. Admissions Tutors look for indications that a student’s academic strengths are well suited both to the course and to the style of study at Cambridge. Find out more
Teachers' Newsletter
View feature articles on current admissions topics and subscribe to our Teachers' Newsletter, to keep up-to-date with events, the latest admissions news, and resources for students. Find out more
Area Links Scheme
The University's Area Links Scheme enables the Cambridge Colleges to build effective, coherent relationships with schools and colleges across the UK. Find out more
Events for teachers
As well as events for prospective students, a number of events for teachers, tutors and HE advisers are organised by the Cambridge Admissions Office (CAO) and several of the Colleges. These events provide up-to-date information about the University, including the application procedure and the range of outreach activities on offer. Find out more
External consultants
We're aware of private companies and individuals who offer, at a charge, information and advice on our admissions process, assessments and interviews. We DO NOT support or encourage any of these commercial enterprises. None of these companies/individuals has access to any information that's not already available free of charge to all schools, colleges and individual students from College admissions offices, the Cambridge Admissions Office or Cambridge University Students' Union (CUSU); and we're unable to verify the accuracy of the information these companies/individuals may provide.
