Russell Group Application Preparation Program
The support you need to stand out to the UK’s leading academic institutions
A program of three parts.
Lecture Series
Led by Teachers at Top 10 UK Schools
Learn directly from teachers who
who get the most Oxbridge offers in the country
1-on-1 Support
Weekly Personalised Support
Get paired with an Oxford or Cambridge
undergrad studying your subject
Supplementary Sessions
Additional Live Session & Workshops
These session are designed to
supplementand bolster your application
Lecture Series.
One of the key components of our Russell program is the comprehensive lecture series, designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the UCAS admissions process. Our lecture series comprises of modules that cover critical areas such as pre-application preparation and the new personal statement.
A significant challenge faced by many schools and applicants is the lack of clarity regarding what is truly required to secure a place at these leading academic institutions Too often, students and teachers are left navigating the application process with little guidance or understanding of the finer details that make an application stand out. Our program addresses this issue head-on by offering structured and detailed instruction led by experts who understand what Russell Group admissions tutors are looking for.
What sets our lecture series apart is the quality of instruction. The modules are taught by educators from the top ten schools in the UK for Oxbridge & university admissions. These are schools with proven success in sending students to the countries best universities year after year, and the teachers are well-versed in preparing candidates for one of the most competitive academic environments in the world. Their insights, drawn from years of experience, are invaluable, and they provide a level of expertise that most students and schools simply do not have access to.
This program delivers what many consider the missing piece in university application preparation - knowledge and strategies that go beyond the basic advice commonly available. We ensure that students not only understand the process but also know exactly how to approach it, with clear, actionable steps for each part of the application. The content of our lecture series is rigorous yet accessible, with the specific goal of demystifying the admissions process and providing the necessary tools for success.
Our lecture series forms the foundation of the program and is indispensable for students who are serious about gaining a place at the world’s leading institutions. Through these pre-recorded sessions, students can learn at their own pace while gaining access to world-class advice that has been proven to work.
Weekly 1 on 1 support.
In addition to the lecture series, our program offers personalised, weekly 1-on-1 support, which is one of the most valuable elements of our application preparation. Each student is paired with an Oxbridge undergraduate who is currently studying the subject that the applicant is intending to apply for. This pairing ensures that students receive not only subject-specific guidance but also the practical insights that come from someone who has successfully navigated the admissions process.
The purpose of this 1-on-1 support is to help students apply the lessons learned in the lecture series directly to their own applications. This is crucial because knowing what to do is only part of the challenge - students must also be able to execute these strategies effectively. Working with an Oxbridge undergraduate gives them the opportunity to apply their knowledge in the context of their application, making them as strong an applicant as possible.
Moreover, the undergraduates in our program bring invaluable insider knowledge. They have been through the process themselves, understand what admissions officers are looking for, and can offer advice on how to highlight the unique qualities of the student.
This level of support ensures that students are not only prepared academically but also the challenges of the application process. The Oxbridge undergraduates’ deep subject knowledge, coupled with their firsthand experience, offers an unparalleled resource that students can leverage to their advantage. This personalised mentorship is critical in bridging the gap between theory and practice, making it an integral part of our program’s success.
Supplementary Sessions.
Our Russell Group Application Preparation Program also includes supplementary live sessions, designed to further enhance the preparation process by providing interactive and practical experiences. These live sessions are divided into two main parts: workshops and subject-specific sessions. Each type serves a distinct purpose but collectively contributes to a well-rounded preparation.
The live workshops are focused on sharpening students’ personal statement writing and critical thinking abilities. During these sessions, students engage in activities that directly improve their ability to articulate their ideas and experiences. These workshops offer a dynamic learning environment where students can practice, receive immediate feedback, and refine their approach in real time. This practical application is critical, as it allows students to move beyond theoretical knowledge and ensures they can implement wha they are being taught.
The second part of the supplementary sessions involves subject-specific discussions, where students have the opportunity to explore their chosen subject in greater depth, beyond what is covered in the A-level curriculum. These sessions encourage students to develop a more profound understanding of their subject, which can then be used to strengthen their personal statement and as a foundation for discussing and developing key interests. It is in these sessions that students can truly stand out, as demonstrating passion and intellectual curiosity is one of the key criteria the Russell Group looks for in applicants.
Both components of the supplementary sessions are designed to fill the gaps left by traditional schooling, which often focuses on rote learning and exam preparation rather than the critical thinking and analytical skills required. Through these interactive sessions, students not only gain knowledge but also the confidence to present themselves effectively as a prospective Russell Group applicant.
By combining live practice with subject exploration, the supplementary sessions ensure that students are thoroughly prepared, not just on paper but in person, ready to demonstrate their full potential to university admissions tutors.
“The support provided was of great help in constructing my personal statement, from recommendations of academic theories and books to the way I phrased sentences, my horizon was broadened.”
Christian - LSE Offer Holder
Modules.
A. Pre-Application
Topic 1: The application Process
All the context and guidance a student needs to fully understand the UCAS admissions process.
Topic 2: Choosing your path
An exploration of university life and career considerations.
Here we will explore how to pick what universities to apply to and things to keep in mind for life post-uni.
Topic 3: You as a Future Russell Group Student
All the skills you need to be developing now as a future Russell Group student, giving you that competitive edge when application time rolls around.
Topic 4: Preparing for your admissions test
What admissions tests are for and everything you need to be doing to score well. (If applicable for your course)
B. Personal Statement
Topic 1: The Basics
Setting the scene for the three question components of the module.
Here we will explain the structure and purpose of the new personal statement format
Topic 2: Why do you want to study this course or subject?
Comprehensive approach on how to answer this first of the 3 perosnal statement questions.
Breakdowns of exemplar answers
Topic 3: How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or subject?
How to answer this question as a prospective Oxbridge Student
Breakdowns of exemplar answers
Topic 4: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
In Depth approach to this personal statement questions.
Constructing Learning Journeys
“The advice given really helped me hone my application to exactly what the admissions tutors were looking for and certainly helped me with my application.”
Ned - Oxford Offer Holder
This program is a complete package that gives students all the knowledge and tools they need to have the best chance at receive that dream Russell Group offer, all guided by a teacher and mentors at the highest level.
All for £135 per week
The Russell Group Application Preparation Program is 7 weeks long
Program details.
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7 weeks over the summer holidays (July 20th 2025)
Focused on the construction of the new personal statement, academic research and the development of critical thinking
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All aspects of the program are ran virtually on Zoom
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If you are in Year 12 student
A gap year student applying to Russel Group universities in the next academic year
This program is not for Oxbridge applicant, please see the Oxbridge Program
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Ultimately these session are design to best support the student & do vary on a student by student basis, but they will typically cover:
Exploration of academic interests
Personal Statement Drafting
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Live Workshops:
Personal statement idea generation
Personal statement drafting
A guide to academic research and writing
Subject deep dives
And more…
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We have several session running up until the official start of the program design to support the student and prepare them to make the most of the 14 weeks of the program.
These sessions encourage & guide student as to what it is they should be doing over the course of year 12 to give themselves the best chance come application time.