Find out if your child is on track for a top ESAT/TMUA score

    A diagnostic-led Oxbridge admissions programme for high-achieving students targeting Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and UCL. We identify where marks are being lost, build a focused preparation plan, and coach students towards admissions-test and interview performance.

    Cambridge Engineering graduate750+ hours taught15+ Oxbridge & Imperial offersESAT/TMUA/interview focus

    Limited June diagnostic review slots available

    Get Started

    Designed for the UK's most competitive courses.

    ESAT and TMUA preparation for applicants targeting Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and other top UK universities.

    Courses by test

    ESAT

    • Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng
    • Electronic and Electrical Engineering MEng

    TMUA

    • Economics BSc
    • Economics with a Year Abroad BSc

    TARA · Computer Science

    • Computer Science BSc
    • Computer Science MEng
    • Computer Science and Mathematics MEng
    • Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MEng

    TARA · Management

    • Management Science BSc
    • Management Science MSci

    TARA · EISPS

    • European Social and Political Studies BA
    • International Social and Political Studies BA
    • European Social and Political Studies: Dual Degree BA

    TARA · Social Research Institute

    • Sociology BSc
    • Social Sciences with Data Science BSc
    • Social Sciences BSc

    Courses by test

    ESAT

    • Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
    • Engineering
    • Natural Sciences
    • Veterinary Medicine

    TMUA

    • Computer Science
    • Economics
    • Mathematics

    Courses by test

    ESAT

    • Biomedical Sciences
    • Engineering Science
    • Physics
    • Physics and Philosophy

    TMUA

    • Computer Science
    • Computer Science and Philosophy
    • Mathematics / Mathematics and Statistics
    • Mathematics and Computer Science
    • Mathematics and Philosophy

    TARA

    • Economics and Management
    • History and Economics
    • History and Politics
    • Human Sciences
    • Philosophy, Politics and Economics
    • Psychology (Experimental)
    • Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics

    Courses by test

    TMUA · Mandatory

    • BSc Economics
    • BSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics

    TMUA · Recommended

    • BSc Mathematics and Economics
    • BSc Mathematics with Economics
    • BSc Financial Mathematics and Statistics
    • BSc Mathematics with Data Science
    • BSc Mathematics, Statistics, and Business
    • BSc Data Science
    • BSc Economics and Data Science
    • BSc Actuarial Science
    • BSc Actuarial Science (with a placement year)

    Courses by test

    TMUA · Mandatory

    • Computer Science
    • Mathematics

    TMUA · Optional

    • Economics
    • Mathematics & Statistics
    • MORSE
    • Data Science

    Courses by test

    TMUA · Optional

    • Mathematics

    Courses by test

    ESAT

    • Aeronautics
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Civil and Environmental Engineering
    • Dyson School of Design Engineering
    • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
    • Life Sciences
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Physics

    TMUA

    • Imperial Business School
    • Computing (including Joint Mathematics and Computing courses)
    • Mathematics

    Swipe to explore. Tap a card to see courses.

    Edward Townsend Education is not affiliated with or endorsed by any university.

    Strong grades are not enough for ESAT and TMUA

    Many A* students struggle because admissions tests reward speed, unfamiliar problem-solving, method selection, accuracy under pressure, and recovery after mistakes, not just syllabus coverage.

    School marks do not always predict admissions-test performance

    Strong school grades can mask gaps in speed, unfamiliar problem types, and method selection under exam conditions.

    The TMUA and ESAT are incredibly time pressured

    A lot of strong students can solve the questions eventually. The problem is doing it quickly enough, choosing the right route first time, and not letting one hard question disrupt the rest of the test.

    More past papers do not always mean better preparation

    Many students do plenty of practice, but without a clear diagnosis they often keep repeating the same patterns: spending too long on the wrong questions, missing quicker methods, or making the same avoidable mistakes.

    Early diagnosis gives more time to fix the right problems

    Identifying where marks are lost (topics, timing, approach) means preparation stays focused rather than scattered.

    Start with the diagnostic

    The first step is to understand the student's current level properly. The diagnostic shows where marks are being lost under timed conditions, so the plan is based on evidence rather than guesswork.

    1. Step 1

      Student completes the relevant ESAT/TMUA diagnostic

      The student sits a timed diagnostic in the correct format so we have a full script to analyse.

    2. Step 2

      Edward reviews score, timing, topic weaknesses and problem-solving approach

      The script is read for where marks were gained or lost: pacing, method choice, slips, and recurring patterns.

    3. Step 3

      Parent/student joins a diagnostic review call

      We walk through the results together and agree what is holding the score back and what to change first.

    4. Step 4

      A structured plan is recommended only if there is a clear fit

      If we proceed, scope follows the diagnosis. If not, you leave with priorities written down.

    Who This Is For

    Suited to

    • Year 12 students targeting Oxbridge, Imperial, LSE, UCL or Warwick STEM and Economics courses
    • Already high-performing in Maths/Further Maths/Physics/Science
    • Need admissions-test strategy, not just more content
    • Will complete diagnostic work and follow a structured plan

    Not for

    • Casual one-off help
    • Students unwilling to complete diagnostic/prep between sessions
    • Early-stage students needing basic school support
    • Families looking for generic worksheets

    What's Included

    A structured Oxbridge admissions programme: diagnostic-led, performance-focused, and organised as a coherent system rather than ad hoc hours.

    Diagnostic review

    Timed ESAT or TMUA diagnostic with a full-script review of score, timing, and problem-solving approach.

    Admissions-test strategy

    Training in method selection, pacing, and decision-making so practice translates into reliable test-day performance.

    Targeted weekly tutoring

    Focused sessions on the highest-impact weak points identified in the diagnostic, not generic content coverage.

    Focused homework and follow-up

    Set preparation between sessions with specific feedback, so each week builds on measurable progress.

    Progress tracking

    Iteration as weak points shift and the timeline shortens, so the plan tightens with evidence, not guesswork.

    Interview preparation where relevant

    Practice for clarity of thought and communication under pressure, aligned with STEM interviews at Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial.

    Results from Students

    All results shown below are from students we tutored in the 2025–26 academic year, including offers from top universities.

    Edward is a great tutor who provides continuous support, has plenty of his own resources, and answers questions very well.
    Fred (Student)
    Maths & Physics Tutoring
    Very helpful tutor, clearly explains topics and knows the ESAT content well.
    Darsh (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    The support I received helped me secure Engineering offers from Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and Bath. I became much more confident tackling unfamiliar and complex problems under the time constraints of the ESAT.
    Rishi (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    The ESAT preparation helped me understand the most effective ways to prepare and the best strategies for the exam, which ultimately resulted in interviews from both Cambridge and Imperial, with an offer from Imperial.
    Student
    ESAT Preparation
    We worked through complex questions in a way that was very similar to the style of questioning in my Imperial and Cambridge interviews. The guidance gave me the confidence to apply, and I went on to receive offers from both Imperial and Cambridge.
    Tom (Student)
    Oxbridge & Imperial Admissions
    The ESAT preparation involved difficult content and tricky past-paper questions under timed conditions. I ended up receiving an interview from Cambridge for Engineering as a result of my ESAT scores and the support I received.
    Charlie (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward's classes have been impactful, engaging and extremely useful. My results immediately started going up when I started with him and have continued to do so ever since.
    Aaryan (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    My son gained not only a much stronger understanding of Maths and Physics, but also greater confidence in approaching challenging problems independently. Edward is consistently professional, reliable, and highly effective.
    Afolake (Parent)
    Maths & Physics Tutoring
    Edward is professional, dedicated and exceptionally competent. Under his guidance, my son has progressed extremely well in maths and physics and enjoyed the process.
    Sara (Parent)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward's deep knowledge is evident in every lesson, and he has a remarkable ability to explain complex concepts clearly. What truly sets him apart is his dedication and approachability. My son has grown tremendously under his guidance.
    Mamun (Parent)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward was very well organised and planned sessions across maths, further maths and physics. He was punctual, flexible with timings, and ensured my son practised a wide range of topics. I highly recommend Edward for ESAT coaching.
    Yamini (Parent)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward flexed his tutoring style to get the most out of his student, as one size does not fit all. He was very accommodating on scheduling and provided useful feedback to help my son outside of tutoring.
    Mrs T (Parent)
    Maths & Physics Tutoring
    In every lesson we focused on my weak topics, which allowed me to improve the skills I needed most. Edward's help has greatly improved my ability for the ESAT, and his lessons were always engaging and friendly.
    Arnav (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward’s style of teaching involves helping the student use their existing knowledge to navigate complex problems. He is extremely patient and supportive, and helps the student think independently rather than showing the answer immediately.
    Sanvi (Student)
    Problem-Solving Development
    Edward was an amazing tutor who made custom plans to help me prepare, which was very helpful. He is professional, takes his role seriously, and helped me make progress quickly in less than two months.
    Paul (Student)
    Exam Preparation
    Edward knew the ESAT specification well, and I would definitely recommend sessions with him. ESAT material is limited and worked solutions are difficult to find, so having someone to explain questions is very valuable.
    Mayssa (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward really helped me understand physics topics I had struggled with by myself. He also helped me improve my exam-writing style and taught me how to approach different types of exam questions.
    Phaedra (Student)
    Physics Tutoring
    Edward is a great tutor who provides continuous support, has plenty of his own resources, and answers questions very well.
    Fred (Student)
    Maths & Physics Tutoring
    Very helpful tutor, clearly explains topics and knows the ESAT content well.
    Darsh (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    The support I received helped me secure Engineering offers from Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and Bath. I became much more confident tackling unfamiliar and complex problems under the time constraints of the ESAT.
    Rishi (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    The ESAT preparation helped me understand the most effective ways to prepare and the best strategies for the exam, which ultimately resulted in interviews from both Cambridge and Imperial, with an offer from Imperial.
    Student
    ESAT Preparation
    We worked through complex questions in a way that was very similar to the style of questioning in my Imperial and Cambridge interviews. The guidance gave me the confidence to apply, and I went on to receive offers from both Imperial and Cambridge.
    Tom (Student)
    Oxbridge & Imperial Admissions
    The ESAT preparation involved difficult content and tricky past-paper questions under timed conditions. I ended up receiving an interview from Cambridge for Engineering as a result of my ESAT scores and the support I received.
    Charlie (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward's classes have been impactful, engaging and extremely useful. My results immediately started going up when I started with him and have continued to do so ever since.
    Aaryan (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    My son gained not only a much stronger understanding of Maths and Physics, but also greater confidence in approaching challenging problems independently. Edward is consistently professional, reliable, and highly effective.
    Afolake (Parent)
    Maths & Physics Tutoring
    Edward is professional, dedicated and exceptionally competent. Under his guidance, my son has progressed extremely well in maths and physics and enjoyed the process.
    Sara (Parent)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward's deep knowledge is evident in every lesson, and he has a remarkable ability to explain complex concepts clearly. What truly sets him apart is his dedication and approachability. My son has grown tremendously under his guidance.
    Mamun (Parent)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward was very well organised and planned sessions across maths, further maths and physics. He was punctual, flexible with timings, and ensured my son practised a wide range of topics. I highly recommend Edward for ESAT coaching.
    Yamini (Parent)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward flexed his tutoring style to get the most out of his student, as one size does not fit all. He was very accommodating on scheduling and provided useful feedback to help my son outside of tutoring.
    Mrs T (Parent)
    Maths & Physics Tutoring
    In every lesson we focused on my weak topics, which allowed me to improve the skills I needed most. Edward's help has greatly improved my ability for the ESAT, and his lessons were always engaging and friendly.
    Arnav (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward’s style of teaching involves helping the student use their existing knowledge to navigate complex problems. He is extremely patient and supportive, and helps the student think independently rather than showing the answer immediately.
    Sanvi (Student)
    Problem-Solving Development
    Edward was an amazing tutor who made custom plans to help me prepare, which was very helpful. He is professional, takes his role seriously, and helped me make progress quickly in less than two months.
    Paul (Student)
    Exam Preparation
    Edward knew the ESAT specification well, and I would definitely recommend sessions with him. ESAT material is limited and worked solutions are difficult to find, so having someone to explain questions is very valuable.
    Mayssa (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward really helped me understand physics topics I had struggled with by myself. He also helped me improve my exam-writing style and taught me how to approach different types of exam questions.
    Phaedra (Student)
    Physics Tutoring
    Edward is a great tutor who provides continuous support, has plenty of his own resources, and answers questions very well.
    Fred (Student)
    Maths & Physics Tutoring
    Very helpful tutor, clearly explains topics and knows the ESAT content well.
    Darsh (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    The support I received helped me secure Engineering offers from Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and Bath. I became much more confident tackling unfamiliar and complex problems under the time constraints of the ESAT.
    Rishi (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    The ESAT preparation helped me understand the most effective ways to prepare and the best strategies for the exam, which ultimately resulted in interviews from both Cambridge and Imperial, with an offer from Imperial.
    Student
    ESAT Preparation
    We worked through complex questions in a way that was very similar to the style of questioning in my Imperial and Cambridge interviews. The guidance gave me the confidence to apply, and I went on to receive offers from both Imperial and Cambridge.
    Tom (Student)
    Oxbridge & Imperial Admissions
    The ESAT preparation involved difficult content and tricky past-paper questions under timed conditions. I ended up receiving an interview from Cambridge for Engineering as a result of my ESAT scores and the support I received.
    Charlie (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward's classes have been impactful, engaging and extremely useful. My results immediately started going up when I started with him and have continued to do so ever since.
    Aaryan (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    My son gained not only a much stronger understanding of Maths and Physics, but also greater confidence in approaching challenging problems independently. Edward is consistently professional, reliable, and highly effective.
    Afolake (Parent)
    Maths & Physics Tutoring
    Edward is professional, dedicated and exceptionally competent. Under his guidance, my son has progressed extremely well in maths and physics and enjoyed the process.
    Sara (Parent)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward's deep knowledge is evident in every lesson, and he has a remarkable ability to explain complex concepts clearly. What truly sets him apart is his dedication and approachability. My son has grown tremendously under his guidance.
    Mamun (Parent)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward was very well organised and planned sessions across maths, further maths and physics. He was punctual, flexible with timings, and ensured my son practised a wide range of topics. I highly recommend Edward for ESAT coaching.
    Yamini (Parent)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward flexed his tutoring style to get the most out of his student, as one size does not fit all. He was very accommodating on scheduling and provided useful feedback to help my son outside of tutoring.
    Mrs T (Parent)
    Maths & Physics Tutoring
    In every lesson we focused on my weak topics, which allowed me to improve the skills I needed most. Edward's help has greatly improved my ability for the ESAT, and his lessons were always engaging and friendly.
    Arnav (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward’s style of teaching involves helping the student use their existing knowledge to navigate complex problems. He is extremely patient and supportive, and helps the student think independently rather than showing the answer immediately.
    Sanvi (Student)
    Problem-Solving Development
    Edward was an amazing tutor who made custom plans to help me prepare, which was very helpful. He is professional, takes his role seriously, and helped me make progress quickly in less than two months.
    Paul (Student)
    Exam Preparation
    Edward knew the ESAT specification well, and I would definitely recommend sessions with him. ESAT material is limited and worked solutions are difficult to find, so having someone to explain questions is very valuable.
    Mayssa (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward really helped me understand physics topics I had struggled with by myself. He also helped me improve my exam-writing style and taught me how to approach different types of exam questions.
    Phaedra (Student)
    Physics Tutoring
    Edward is a great tutor who provides continuous support, has plenty of his own resources, and answers questions very well.
    Fred (Student)
    Maths & Physics Tutoring
    Very helpful tutor, clearly explains topics and knows the ESAT content well.
    Darsh (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    The support I received helped me secure Engineering offers from Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and Bath. I became much more confident tackling unfamiliar and complex problems under the time constraints of the ESAT.
    Rishi (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    The ESAT preparation helped me understand the most effective ways to prepare and the best strategies for the exam, which ultimately resulted in interviews from both Cambridge and Imperial, with an offer from Imperial.
    Student
    ESAT Preparation
    We worked through complex questions in a way that was very similar to the style of questioning in my Imperial and Cambridge interviews. The guidance gave me the confidence to apply, and I went on to receive offers from both Imperial and Cambridge.
    Tom (Student)
    Oxbridge & Imperial Admissions
    The ESAT preparation involved difficult content and tricky past-paper questions under timed conditions. I ended up receiving an interview from Cambridge for Engineering as a result of my ESAT scores and the support I received.
    Charlie (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward's classes have been impactful, engaging and extremely useful. My results immediately started going up when I started with him and have continued to do so ever since.
    Aaryan (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    My son gained not only a much stronger understanding of Maths and Physics, but also greater confidence in approaching challenging problems independently. Edward is consistently professional, reliable, and highly effective.
    Afolake (Parent)
    Maths & Physics Tutoring
    Edward is professional, dedicated and exceptionally competent. Under his guidance, my son has progressed extremely well in maths and physics and enjoyed the process.
    Sara (Parent)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward's deep knowledge is evident in every lesson, and he has a remarkable ability to explain complex concepts clearly. What truly sets him apart is his dedication and approachability. My son has grown tremendously under his guidance.
    Mamun (Parent)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward was very well organised and planned sessions across maths, further maths and physics. He was punctual, flexible with timings, and ensured my son practised a wide range of topics. I highly recommend Edward for ESAT coaching.
    Yamini (Parent)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward flexed his tutoring style to get the most out of his student, as one size does not fit all. He was very accommodating on scheduling and provided useful feedback to help my son outside of tutoring.
    Mrs T (Parent)
    Maths & Physics Tutoring
    In every lesson we focused on my weak topics, which allowed me to improve the skills I needed most. Edward's help has greatly improved my ability for the ESAT, and his lessons were always engaging and friendly.
    Arnav (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward’s style of teaching involves helping the student use their existing knowledge to navigate complex problems. He is extremely patient and supportive, and helps the student think independently rather than showing the answer immediately.
    Sanvi (Student)
    Problem-Solving Development
    Edward was an amazing tutor who made custom plans to help me prepare, which was very helpful. He is professional, takes his role seriously, and helped me make progress quickly in less than two months.
    Paul (Student)
    Exam Preparation
    Edward knew the ESAT specification well, and I would definitely recommend sessions with him. ESAT material is limited and worked solutions are difficult to find, so having someone to explain questions is very valuable.
    Mayssa (Student)
    ESAT Preparation
    Edward really helped me understand physics topics I had struggled with by myself. He also helped me improve my exam-writing style and taught me how to approach different types of exam questions.
    Phaedra (Student)
    Physics Tutoring

    How the Programme Works

    1. Step 1

      Apply / initial call

      Complete the short form. We confirm course, timeline, and whether ESAT or TMUA diagnostic is the right starting point.

    2. Step 2

      Complete ESAT/TMUA diagnostic

      The student completes the relevant timed diagnostic so we have a full performance read before coaching begins.

    3. Step 3

      Diagnostic review + preparation plan

      We review the script together and agree where marks are lost, what to fix first, and what structured preparation looks like.

    4. Step 4

      Structured preparation with weekly feedback

      Systematic work on admissions tests and interviews, with set homework, feedback, and iteration until performance-ready.

    Start with the diagnostic

    Complete the short form and I'll confirm the right next step: ESAT diagnostic, TMUA diagnostic, or an initial review call.

    Get Started

    Frequently Asked Questions