TARA Tutoring & PreparationTest of Academic Reasoning for Admissions

I've supported several students through Oxford admissions preparation, working on the critical thinking and problem-solving that the TARA now assesses, as well as essay-writing practice for the written task — two of the students I worked on reasoning sections with went on to receive interviews. I've also run interview preparation. I sat Oxford's admissions test myself before the TARA replaced it, and the reasoning skills it tested are exactly what the TARA's Critical Thinking and Problem Solving modules assess. I take a friendly but constructive approach to feedback, and I want to help each student reach their potential.

I'm particularly good at spotting small mistakes in someone's reasoning and explaining things a different way if the first explanation hasn't landed. I like students to talk through how they reached an answer, because that makes it far easier to see what's actually going wrong. I've helped two Economics & Management applicants with the Oxford admissions process, mainly by putting together tailored reading lists and suggesting ways they could build on their interests beyond the school curriculum — both went on to receive interviews, and one received an offer. I sat Oxford's reasoning admissions test myself, scoring 73.9, before it was replaced by the TARA. I'm happy to work with students aiming for top grades, but just as happy with anyone who wants the subject to feel less confusing.

Over the last three years I've provided mock interviews for PPE and for other subject combinations involving Philosophy or Economics, supported applicants on improving their reasoning-test scores, and run more general sessions on university-level Economics and Philosophy — working with thirteen students in total. I don't know the admissions results of every student I've worked with, but I helped one secure an Oxford PPE offer in 2025. As a tutor I prioritise being flexible and adapting my teaching style to each individual student, to make every session as engaging and useful as possible. I also hope to help students gain a deeper understanding and greater enthusiasm for their subject, alongside improving their grades or securing a place at Oxford. I'm happy to answer any questions about PPE or the application process.

I supported two applicants through the Oxbridge admissions process this past cycle, one of whom was offered a place for PPE and the other for History and Economics, both starting in 2026. My support covers the full application journey: helping students explore and refine their subject interest, guiding wider reading around their chosen course, preparing them for the TARA, and working closely on personal statement drafts to help them find their own voice. I run interview practice using realistic Oxbridge-style questioning to build confidence in thinking on your feet and defending an argument under pressure. I have three years of tutoring experience across GCSE Science, English and Maths and A-Level History, English and Economics, and as a Laidlaw Scholar with the Oxford SDG Impact Lab I've developed research and communication skills I bring into every session. My style is patient and student-led — I break PPE's broad, interlinking demands into manageable steps.

I've tutored for Oxbridge admissions since summer 2023, running group and individual sessions for both international and UK students — knowledge building, personal statements, mock interviews and admissions test practice across HSPS, Politics and History, PBS, Land Economy and PPE. Many of my students have gone on to receive interviews following personal statement and admissions test support, and I've had students receive offers after interview preparation. I also run structured summer school programmes for Oxbridge applicants, and I tutor A-Level and GCSE Politics, History, English Literature, Sociology, Religious Studies, Drama and Psychology. I believe every student learns differently, so I always tailor my sessions to your style and goals — my approach is warm, patient and encouraging, and I want every student to feel genuinely supported rather than overwhelmed.

I achieved four A-Levels (two A*s, two As) and an EPQ, and I've tutored students from KS3 through to A-Level in Maths and Chemistry, as well as mentoring Year 12 students in Chemistry. Outside academics I competed in regional hockey and cricket through school and now row at Oxford — so I know first-hand what it takes to balance serious academic work with other commitments, and how to help students manage their time to do the same.

I've been tutoring for the past three years, helping students build confidence and improve their academic performance, and I've supported students preparing for the TARA as well as giving personal statement feedback. I've tutored ten students in Maths and Economics at A-Level and GCSE — including one GCSE maths student who passed the subject after previously failing it seven times. For Oxbridge applicants I can provide guidance throughout the admissions process, helping students approach it with greater confidence and develop the problem-solving and analytical skills Oxford and Cambridge look for. I sat Oxford's reasoning admissions test myself in 2025, before the TARA replaced it, scoring 78 — it assessed the same critical thinking and problem solving the TARA now covers.