Why is Oxford University changing its admissions tests?

Oxford University is changing its admissions tests to a standardized format to foster greater inclusivity and encourage applications from disadvantaged backgrounds.

When will the new standardized admissions tests take effect at Oxford?

The new standardized admissions tests will be used for applicants aiming for 2027 entry.

Which other universities use the standardized tests Oxford is adopting?

Other universities using these standardized tests include Imperial College, Cambridge, Durham, Warwick, University College London, and the London School of Economics.

Home / Education / Oxford University Embraces Inclusivity with Standardized Tests

Oxford University Embraces Inclusivity with Standardized Tests

27 Jan

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Summary

Oxford University will replace its admissions tests with standardized ones for 2027 entry.
The move aims to increase inclusivity and support disadvantaged applicants.
Standardized tests are already used by other major universities like Cambridge and UCL.

Oxford University Embraces Inclusivity with Standardized Tests

Oxford University is set to retire its bespoke admissions tests, opting for standardized exams for applicants seeking entry in 2027. This strategic decision is driven by a commitment to foster greater inclusivity and accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from less advantaged circumstances.

The university will now adopt generic tests administered by Pearson, developed in collaboration between Imperial College and Cambridge. This approach aligns Oxford with other leading institutions, including Durham, Warwick, University College London, and the London School of Economics, which already employ similar standardized assessments.

Historically, Oxford's own entrance exams, famously depicted in "The History Boys," were perceived as a hurdle for many applicants. The university previously abolished these tests in the 1990s to promote fairness for state-educated pupils but later reintroduced them to differentiate exceptional candidates.