TSA Preparation Course
Oxbridge Gateway proudly provides a high-impact TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment) Preparation Course, expertly designed for both educational institutions and individual learners. Led by Oxbridge-trained mathematics specialists, the programme provides expert guidance, targeted strategies, and intensive practice to ensure candidates approach both papers with confidence and precision.
The TSA rigorously evaluates candidates’ problem-solving, critical thinking, and articulate written communication capabilities. Our premier preparation programme, available in personalised one-to-one or dynamic group formats, empowers all candidates, including those with English as a second language (ESL), to excel in their performance in both Sections 1 and 2 of the TSA. Through expert-led instruction, we identify individual weaknesses, develop tailored strategies to address them, and cultivate advanced test-taking techniques optimised for time-pressured environments.
About the TSA
The TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment) is a vital requirement for admission to undergraduate economics and social sciences degrees for direct or deferred entries at the University of Oxford in the UK.
The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) for Oxford University’s 2026 entry is a computer-based test, with a registration deadline of Friday, 19 September 2025, at 6:00 PM British Summer Time. Candidates are encouraged to register early via the Oxford Admissions Test portal to secure their preferred test slot at an authorised Pearson VUE test centre, where the exam must be taken between 21–27 October 2025 (excluding 25–26 October).
TSA Section 1 only
Economics and Management
Experimental Psychology
History and Economics
Human Sciences
Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics
TSA Sections 1 and 2
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
The TSA is designed to assess a candidate’s problem-solving abilities, including numerical and spatial reasoning, logical deduction, data interpretation, and the ability to identify patterns and apply rules. Additionally, it evaluates critical thinking skills, such as identifying assumptions, evaluating arguments, drawing conclusions, and recognising flaws in reasoning. Section 2 of the test also examines a candidate’s ability to structure ideas clearly and concisely while communicating them effectively in writing.
The TSA does not specifically test for economics or social sciences knowledge, ensuring a fair and level playing field in the admissions process. University of Oxford considers TSA scores alongside academic achievements and personal statements to make balanced and holistic admissions decisions.
The TSA Test Format
The test is structured into two sections: Section 1, a 90-minute multiple-choice Thinking Skills Assessment, and Section 2, a 30-minute writing task.
Section 1 TSA Oxford scores range from 0 to 100, adjusted for question difficulty. The scale is designed for top UK university applicants, with most scoring around 60. A score of 70 is high, and only a few exceptional candidates exceed 80.
Section 2 essays are not marked but sent to admissions tutors with Section 1 scores.
SECTION 1
Multiple Choice Questions
tests for problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills
50 questions 90 minutes score 0-100
Enhance Problem-Solving Skills
Break down complex problems
Use process of elimination
Improve Critical Thinking
Train logical reasoning
Practice abstract reasoning
Demonstrate Critical Thinking
Argue effectively
Provide examples
Acknowledge complexity
Write Clearly and Concisely
Focus on coherence
Stay within the word limit
SECTION 2
One Essay Question
tests for the ability to organise and communicate ideas clearly and concisely in writing
1 out of 3 questions 30 minutes admissions tutor
TSA 1-1 Personalised Tutorials
(Sections 1 & 2: Individual Tutorials)
Our TSA Individual Tutorials provide a one to one personalised approach tailored to each student's learning style and goals. Both Section 1 and Section 2 are taught by Oxbridge educated experts, including tutors with prior teaching experience at Oxbridge. The standard course can be customised to strengthen problem solving, critical thinking, and clear and concise writing skills, all essential for success in the TSA. Students benefit from targeted feedback, detailed explanations, and bespoke worked examples designed to maximise assessment performance.
Flexible Schedule
Our private tuition offers a flexible schedule of personalised, expert-led sessions. Lessons can be spread out over several days or consolidated into a shorter timeframe, depending on each student’s preferences and availability. For students who are already familiar with the test format and content, we typically recommend 4 lessons for Section 1 and 4 lessons for Section 2.
Customisable Curriculum
Our tutoring services offer a high degree of customisability, catering to the specific needs of different students including ESL and those who require additional support. Tailored lessons are designed to address individual requirements, ensuring comprehensive guidance and targeted assistance throughout the TSA preparation process.
Personalised Guidance
Students receive actionable feedback and useful tips on questions from all sections and best ways to prepare for the test, enabling them to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
TSA School Tutorials
(Section 1: Group Online | Section 2: Individual Tutorials)
Our TSA Group Classes provide a fully interactive and collaborative learning environment where participants benefit from targeted feedback and expert led explanations. The course can be delivered for a group of up to 15 students, fostering a deeper understanding of the test requirements and strategies through group discussions with our TSA Specialist. Section 1 is taught by an Oxbridge educated expert, including tutors with prior teaching experience at Oxbridge.
Tailored Class Structure
For school group tutorials, we recommend scheduling two sessions of two hours each, designed for a class of up to 15 students. This format provides ample time for interactive teaching, group discussions, and targeted feedback, ensuring that all participants gain a solid understanding of the key strategies and skills needed for Section 1 of the TSA. The structure can also be customised to suit the specific needs and objectives of the school or group.
Resource-Optimised Learning
The live format of the group tutorial enables direct interaction with the instructor, ensuring participants receive focused explanations, practical guidance, and targeted feedback on Section 1 questions. This approach supports students in identifying their strengths and areas for improvement while benefiting from structured group discussions and collaborative learning.
Peer Support and Motivation
Participants benefit from peer support and collaboration in our group tutorials, where they can exchange ideas on practice exercises. This collaborative atmosphere help consolidate skills and knowledge during the sessions and foster each other's academic growth and success.
Our TSA
Partnerships Director
John Au
MBA LLM MSci MA (Cantab)
Partnerships Director
John studied Natural Sciences (Chemistry) at King’s College, University of Cambridge, graduating in 2005. He subsequently earned both an LLM and an MBA from the University of London. Over the past two decades, John has held senior product leadership roles across multiple sectors, developing innovative digital solutions that leverage AI and behavioural science to transform how people learn, work, and make decisions.
His professional experience includes senior product management at Raspberry Pi, where he led the development of EdTech initiatives, and product management at Cambridge Cognition, managing the development of digital cognitive assessment tools for clinical trials. John also served as Head of Product at Verint Transversal, specialising in AI-powered knowledge management systems. This diverse background has given him a unique perspective on building scalable, user-centred technology products that align complex technical solutions with real-world user needs.
In addition to his corporate roles, John has been active in start-up funding and strategic partnerships, with a strong focus on scaling bold ideas—a concept he calls “10X thinking.” He currently leads digital product development at Oxbridge Gateway, overseeing the ASPIREdeck initiative, which integrates advanced psychometric and educational tools to transform students’ university preparation and early career growth. In his role as Partnerships Director for Oxbridge Gateway, he collaborates with high schools and academic institutions to expand access to these transformative tools.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, John mentors individuals on university applications and early-career development, contributing to numerous successful admissions to top-tier institutions worldwide. His overarching goal is to build scalable, highly-personalised, data-driven platforms that enhance educational guidance on a global scale.
Our TSA Courses Highlights
In-Depth Study Resources
Gain access to proprietary materials, featuring expert-crafted practice questions, model answers, test-taking strategies, and additional resources.
Oxbridge-Educated Instructors
Our distinguished STEM faculty comprises seasoned professionals with unparalleled expertise in the TSA and a proven track record of guiding students to success.
Exclusive Insights
Our course offers invaluable tips and strategies derived from extensive experience and a profound understanding of common pitfalls and effective techniques.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Our curriculum is exhaustive, encompassing multiple choice and essay section with in-depth analysis, worked examples and guided practices.
Personalised Feedback
Students receive actionable feedback on multiple-choice questions, enabling them to identify strengths, common pitfalls and areas for improvement.
Interactive Sessions
Engaging, interactive live sessions with our TSA specialist to clarify doubts, reinforce learning, and provide real-time guidance.
Customisable
Our course can be tailored to meet the specific needs of individual institutions, accommodating various class sizes and extending the course duration as necessary.