University Preparation Programme (UPP)
From Year 10 to university — with structure, mentoring, and real-world skills UPP is built into Oxford Online School for students in Years 10–13. It supports academic progress and personal development—so students leave school confident, capable, and ready for what's next.
A built-in framework that helps students plan, perform, and progress
UPP is not an extra club or optional add-on. It's a structured programme that runs alongside GCSEs and A Levels.
Academic Mentoring
Personal guidance that keeps students on track
Students are supported by an Academic Mentor who helps them plan, stay accountable, and manage workload through key academic years.
- Termly 1:1 mentoring meetings
- Goal-setting and progress reviews
- Support with workload, routines, and confidence
- Guidance around subject choices and next steps
- A clear point of contact for families when needed
Weekly Enrichment Modules
Broaden thinking beyond the syllabus
Students attend two weekly modules designed to develop critical thinking, global awareness, and modern digital understanding-skills that support both applications and long-term success.
- Cosmopolitan Futures: Leadership, global issues, cultural fluency, communication, and perspective-taking
- AI & Society: Technology's impact, ethics, innovation, and how to think clearly about the future
EPQ in Sixth Form
Research project to strengthen applications
In Sixth Form, students complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), developing research, academic writing, and presentation skills.
- Choose a topic aligned to interests or future study
- Plan and complete a sustained research project
- Learn referencing, evaluation, and academic structure
- Present findings and reflect on the process
UCAS & Interviews
Support that turns ambition into a plan
UPP provides structured preparation for university applications, helping students make informed choices and present themselves confidently.
- UCAS guidance and timelines
- Personal statement planning and drafting support
- Interview preparation (including competitive courses where relevant)
- Course and pathway conversations to clarify direction
- Building evidence: activities, reading, super-curricular habits
Designed for students with a clear direction
UPP is designed for students who are aiming high and want structured support to build confidence, stay focused, and prepare for strong university outcomes.
Student stories→- Students aiming for competitive universities or courses
- Students who need accountability and structure
- International families who want a UK-style pathway with strong guidance
- Students balancing school with sport, performance, or other commitments
- Students who want to build confidence speaking and thinking independently
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about the University Preparation Programme.
UPP is a dedicated framework for students in Years 10 to 13. It is integrated into GCSE and A-Level study to strengthen academic progress, confidence, independent learning, and university readiness.
UPP is integrated into the school journey rather than treated as an add-on club. Students receive mentoring, enrichment modules, and application guidance as part of a coherent pathway.
From Year 10 onwards, students are assigned a dedicated Academic Mentor, including termly 1:1 support meetings, personalised progress tracking, goal setting support, and guidance on subject choices, workload, and wellbeing.
The EPQ helps students develop research, academic writing, presentation, and independent project skills. These are highly relevant for stronger personal statements, interviews, and readiness for university-level study.
UPP includes guidance on UCAS timelines, personal statement planning, course choices, and interview preparation. Students are supported to make informed decisions and present themselves clearly.
UPP is designed for students who want structured guidance through the transition to university-level pathways, including those aiming for competitive courses and those who benefit from mentoring, accountability, and critical-thinking development.
UPP begins from Year 10, allowing students to build strong routines, independent study habits, and application-ready skills progressively rather than relying on last-minute preparation in sixth form.
Ready to start your journey
If you’d like to talk through the University Preparation Programme we’d be happy to help.
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