Guidance for teachers

Choosing where to go to university can be a life-changing decision and whilst this is exciting it can also be daunting. We hugely value the supporting role that teachers and careers advisors can play in encouraging students to consider their options and make informed decisions.

These pages aim to give you all the information you need to help your students. We encourage you to explore our website widely but hope that you will find the resources here particularly useful. 

There are some significant changes to our admissions process this year for undergraduate entry in 2025. Please visit our advice for teachers and our guide for applicants for the latest information. 

We welcome the chance to talk with teachers and advisers about supporting your students through all aspects of considering, and applying to, Oxford.

Most Popular Questions 

Do you recommend any particular reading for students?

Please refer any interested students to our suggested reading and resources page, where they can find suggestions for their chosen subject area.  

They may also want to check out our interactive learning platform, Oxplore, which aims to engage those from 11 to 18 years with debates and ideas that go beyond what is covered in the classroom. 

Is there a minimum GCSE requirement?

There is no minimum GCSE requirement for any of our courses. Higher grades at GCSE can help to make an application more competitive, but they are just one aspect that we look at, and where possible they will be considered in context.

Read further advice on GCSE consideration.

Does Oxford prefer students to take four A-levels?

Not necessarily; three A-levels is absolutely sufficient to make a competitive application. A candidate who has had time to read around their chosen subject(s) will generally be more appealing than a candidate who may have taken more subjects, but who is not able to discuss their interests with any enthusiasm or in any depth.

Read further advice on taking additional A-levels.