ESAT Preparation Course 2026-2027
We offer a comprehensive ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test) Preparation Course, expertly designed for students applying to highly competitive engineering, natural sciences, and other STEM degree programmes. Our specialist programme is delivered through personalised 1-to-1 tuition with experienced academic tutors specialising in both physical sciences and biological sciences.
The ESAT is a rigorous subject-based admissions assessment that evaluates students’ ability to apply mathematical and scientific knowledge to unfamiliar problems. Replacing the former ENGAA and NSAA assessments for Cambridge applicants, the ESAT is used for selected STEM courses at leading universities including Cambridge and Imperial College London. Our tailored approach helps students develop the problem-solving strategies, conceptual understanding, and exam techniques required to maximise their performance.
Why choose this course?
Prepare for one of the most challenging STEM admissions assessments with specialist guidance designed around your target course, academic strengths, and ESAT requirements.
Learn from Oxbridge ESAT Specialists
Receive in-depth guidance from experienced Oxbridge academic tutors with expertise in the scientific disciplines and mathematical reasoning required for competitive STEM admissions.
Subject-Specific Preparation
Our 1-to-1 tutorials are tailored according to your chosen ESAT modules, supporting preparation across physical sciences and biological sciences pathways.
Exclusive Preparation Resources
Access carefully developed ESAT-style questions, worked solutions, practice materials, and strategic guidance designed to strengthen independent preparation.
Personalised Feedback & Improvement
Receive personalised, detailed feedback on your problem-solving approach, identify recurring challenges, and develop more effective strategies for tackling unfamiliar questions.
About the ESAT
Assessing Scientific and Mathematical Thinking
The ESAT is designed to assess how effectively students apply mathematical and scientific knowledge to solve unfamiliar problems. Rather than testing simple recall, it evaluates analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and the ability to apply concepts in new contexts.
Replacing ENGAA and NSAA
From the 2026 admissions cycle onwards, the ESAT replaces the previous Engineering Admissions Assessment (ENGAA) and Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA) for Cambridge applicants. It maintains a strong focus on the mathematical and scientific thinking required for demanding STEM degrees.
Supporting Competitive STEM Admissions
For highly selective STEM courses, the ESAT provides universities with additional insight into applicants’ academic potential beyond grades alone. Performance is considered alongside the wider application, including academic achievement and interviews where applicable.
Where is ESAT required?
The ESAT is used as part of the admissions process for a range of highly competitive engineering and science-based undergraduate degree programmes, particularly in:
✓ Engineering
✓ Natural Sciences
✓ Chemical Engineering
✓ Physics and Physical Sciences
✓ Biological Sciences and Life Sciences
The ESAT is currently used by leading universities including:
University of Cambridge
Imperial College London
University of Oxford
University College London (UCL)
for selected undergraduate STEM programmes. Requirements vary by institution and course, and applicants should always check the latest admissions criteria for their chosen programme
ESAT Assessment Structure 2026-2027
The ESAT consists of multiple-choice modules designed to assess mathematical application and scientific problem-solving ability. Applicants take the modules required for their chosen degree programme.
Mathematics 1
Compulsory for all candidates
40 minutes | 27 multiple-choice questions
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics 2
Candidates take 1 or 2 of the modules depending on their university subject choice
40 minutes | 27 multiple-choice questions
Key date for 2027 entry
The ESAT is offered through two test sittings each admissions cycle. Applicants should select their test sitting carefully according to their target universities and course requirements.
October 2026 test sitting: 12–16 October 2026
January 2027 test sitting: 4–8 January 2027
Test Format:
Computer-based assessment delivered at authorised Pearson VUE test centres worldwide.
Most Cambridge and Oxford applicants are expected to sit the October test sitting, while applicants to other universities may be able to choose between October and January depending on course requirements.
ESAT Online 1-on-1 Tuition
Flexible Tuition Packages: 6 Hours | 8 Hours | 10 Hours
Our personalised ESAT tutorials provide focused, expert guidance based on each student’s academic background, target universities, and chosen ESAT modules. Lessons are individually structured to strengthen mathematical application, scientific reasoning, and exam performance.
IDEAL FOR STUDENTS WHO WANT:
✓ A personalised ESAT preparation strategy
✓ Targeted support on challenging question types
✓ Detailed feedback on challenging ESAT-style questions
✓ Flexible scheduling around academic commitments
Ongoing Progress Monitoring
Regular practice exercises allow tutors to identify areas for improvement, track development, and refine preparation strategies.
Bespoke Lesson Planning
Each programme is customised according to the student’s target course, ESAT modules, academic strengths, and areas requiring development.
Individual Feedback & Strategies
Receive detailed explanations and personalised approaches to improve accuracy, efficiency, and confidence.
Flexible Scheduling
Choose from 6 or 8 or 10 hours of expert-led tuition, arranged according to individual availability and preparation timeline.
Courses Highlights
Expert-Led ESAT Instruction
Learn from specialist tutors who understand the mathematical and scientific reasoning skills required for competitive STEM admissions.
Extensive Preparation Resources
Access ESAT-style questions, worked examples, practice materials, and structured guidance to support independent improvement.
Personalised Feedback & Improvement
Identify recurring mistakes, strengthen weaker areas, and develop more effective approaches to challenging problems.
Practical Strategies & Insider Insights
Learn how to manage time effectively, approach unfamiliar questions, and maximise performance under exam conditions.
ESAT Preparation Tuition Packages
Online 1-to-1 Mentoring for ESAT Preparation
Choose from a personalised 6-hour, 8-hour, or 10-hour programme designed around your current skills, target universities, and ESAT preparation goals.
Packages Available: 6 Hours £900 | 8 Hours £1,200 | 10 Hours £1,500
Each Package Includes
✓ Dedicated 1-on-1 guidance from one or more Oxbridge ESAT specialists
✓ Mathematical and scientific problem-solving development
✓ Selected ESAT-style question practice with detailed feedback
✓ Tutor-guided independent practice between lessons
Suitable for Students Preparing for
ESAT • Cambridge & Imperial Applications • Mathematics • Engineering • Natural Sciences • Computer Science • Competitive STEM Admissions
Meet Your ESAT Specialists
Susie W
ESAT Specialist in Biology
Susie graduated with a Master of Biology from the University of Oxford, achieving first-class honours, and has since begun her accelerated programme in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Bristol, one of the most competitive courses in the country. She achieved the highest mark in her year in all three years of her veterinary programme. Susie was also a science scholar throughout senior school and at Hertford College, University of Oxford.
Susie has extensive experience teaching and coaching students across a wide range of age groups and academic levels. Before university, she worked as a teaching assistant at the renowned Hampton Pre-Prep and Prep School, where she supported students both one-to-one and in small groups. She now tutors Biology at A-level, as well as all sciences and Maths at GCSE and IGCSE level, helping hundreds of students achieve top grades, including Grade 9s and A*s.
In addition, Susie has significant experience supporting Oxford and Cambridge admissions. She has mentored hundreds of Oxbridge applicants through mock interviews, personal statement guidance, and application strategy. She has also tutored students beyond the IB and A-level Biology curriculum and successfully supported applicants securing places in Biological Sciences and related courses at Oxbridge.
Dr K Iqbal
ESAT Specialist in Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics
Dr Iqbal holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Oxford, where his doctoral research was supported by a prestigious ERC Funded Doctoral Fellowship. He read Natural Sciences (Physics) at Durham University, graduating in the top 3% of his cohort and being awarded the Thesis Prize in Physics, before completing his doctorate at Oxford. During his doctoral studies he authored multiple first-author publications in leading journals, contributed to patented technology, and delivered multiple invited talks at international conferences. His research combined optical microscope building and instrumentation engineering with artificial intelligence and deep learning for biophysics, developing next-generation techniques in mass photometry and interferometric scattering microscopy alongside models to extract hidden insights from complex biological data.
Dr Iqbal currently works in Licensing and Ventures at Oxford University Innovation, the University of Oxford's technology transfer arm, where he helps translate cutting-edge science into real-world impact across the physical and life sciences. This role builds on a research career spanning academia and industry: he has led artificial intelligence and data analysis research at the Oxford's Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery and developed algorithms for single-molecule bioanalysis in the biotechnology sector. Underpinning his professional work is a deep and enduring commitment to education. Having delivered over 1,000 hours of teaching, he mentors in the tradition of the Oxford tutorial system, cultivating in his students the deep intuition, structured thinking, and confidence to tackle unfamiliar problems that define genuine scientific ability. Many of his students have gone on to study at the world's leading universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, Imperial College London, the Ivy League, the National University of Singapore, with a number graduating at the top of their year. Dr Iqbal is deeply devoted to educational equality, dedicating his time to supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds in reaching the highest levels of academic achievement.
Zac S
ESAT Specialist in Mathematics
Zac is a final year mathematician at the University of Cambridge, currently completing Part III (fourth year) of the Mathematical Tripos at Trinity College with a consistent record of high First Class Honours. In recognition of his academic achievement, he was elected as a Senior Scholar of Trinity College. His academic interests lie in geometry, topology, and theoretical physics, with a particular focus on gauge theory, general relativity, and quantum field theory. He is currently writing an essay titled Monopoles in Yang-Mills Theory, exploring the consequences of non-trivial topologies in gauge theories.
With over 300 hours of experience, Zac tutors students preparing for university admissions tests, including STEP, TMUA, and ESAT, as well as university interviews, drawing on his own experience of the process to help students develop the thinking and communication these universities look for. Rather than focusing on procedural methods, his teaching centres on building genuine problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of mathematical ideas. Drawing on his own success in mathematical Olympiads, Zac also tutors competition mathematics, helping students develop the creativity and rigour needed for advanced problem solving.
Zac has completed computational mathematical research in fluid dynamics, electromagnetism and general relativity. He has proficiency in python, MATLAB and C++ and is particularly interested in building mathematical physics simulations. To date, his work includes developing a raytracer in Kerr spacetime to simulate light bending around a black hole, as well as a 2D Navier-Stokes fluid dynamic solver.
Jemima L
ESAT Specialist in Biology
Jemima is in her final year studying Biological Natural Sciences, specialising in Pathology, at Homerton College, University of Cambridge. She has a particular interest in cancer biology and translational research, with experience spanning both academic research and industry. Her experience includes work with Biogen in autoimmune disease research, a placement at the Oxford Natural History Museum, and she is currently writing a review on exploiting DNA replication stress to overcome resistance to targeted therapies in melanoma.
Alongside her academic studies, Jemima has achieved success in a number of national biology competitions, including the UK Biology Olympiad, and was ranked in the top 10 nationally in the Cambridge Biology Challenge.
Jemima has extensive experience tutoring Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics up to A Level. She has worked with students of a wide range of abilities and aspirations, helping many to achieve top grades through tailored lessons that build both confidence and understanding.
Jemima also provides Oxbridge admissions support for applicants to Biological Sciences. She offers guidance on supercurricular development, application strategy, ESAT preparation, personal statements and mock interviews. Drawing on both her own experience and her knowledge of the admissions process, she aims to help students present the strongest possible application.