Oxbridge Admissions Test Tutoring

STEP Tutors

Achieve excellence in the Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) with Dukes Plus’s expert tutoring services.

Why Choose Dukes Plus for STEP Tutoring

Our Oxbridge success rate is 73% 
Average mark improvement of 20% after just 4 hours’ tutoring 
20+ years of experience 
500+ Oxbridge offers every year 
Experienced Oxbridge-graduate tutors

Our UK & Oxbridge admissions consultancy is delivered by Oxbridge Applications, the unequivocal leader in top UK university application consultancy.

Our Approach to STEP Tutoring

The Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) is commonly considered to be among the most difficult Oxbridge admissions tests. Taken at the end of Year 13 by applicants for Maths at Cambridge (and sometimes Warwick), it is a challenging assessment designed to push even the most talented mathematics students.

Our approach ensures that every student not only masters the material but also excels in applying it under exam conditions. STEP tests applicants on the most difficult A Level Maths and Further Maths topics, so our tutors start by understanding your strengths and weaknesses. Then they break down complex mathematical concepts into manageable lessons, enabling you to make rapid progress.

As you progress, we provide continuous support and personalised feedback to help you improve and build confidence. With regular practice, mock exams, and tailored revision plans, we prepare you to approach the exam with precision and self-assurance.

Ready to score highly on STEP? Book an Oxbridge-graduate STEP tutor today.

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Can a STEP Tutor Help?

Preparing for STEP can be a daunting task, but the right tutor can make all the difference. Here’s how a STEP tutor can get you prepared and increase your marks:

Personalised Learning Approach

Every student has unique strengths and areas for improvement. With 1-1 tutoring, the teaching will focus on your specific needs, ensuring you get the most out of every session.

Mastering STEP Content and Format

STEP requires students to have total mastery of the A Level Maths and Further Maths syllabuses. But the questions are more open-ended and less structured than at A Level, which presents its own challenge. A good STEP tutor not only targets the gaps in your mathematical knowledge, but also helps you develop the skills needed to produce good answers.

Developing Exam Strategies

Success in STEP isn’t just about knowing the content, it’s also about handling the pressure of the exam. Tutors teach valuable strategies for time management, question selection, and problem-solving under exam conditions.

Building Confidence Through Practice

Regular revision with past papers and practice questions helps you become familiar with the STEP format. A good tutor will have a bank of resources for you to learn from. With personal feedback on your work, you’ll gain the confidence needed to tackle any question on exam day.

With expert guidance and consistent support, a STEP tutor can significantly improve your preparation and boost your chances of achieving top results.

Surpass expectations in STEP

Our STEP Tutors

Our highly qualified STEP tutors are dedicated to helping students excel in this demanding exam. This is what we look for in a tutor:

Oxbridge graduate in Maths

Extensive experience in STEP preparation

Track record of success in supporting Maths applications

Passionate about 1-1 tutoring

Skilled at unpacking complex Maths problems

Book a STEP Tutor

Admissions Success

We are proud of the improvements students make by working with us. 73% of our students receive offers from Oxbridge, compared to an average of 17%.

Dukes Plus by the numbers:  

The average student improves their admissions test marks by 20% after just 4 hours’ tutoring

We have 20+ years of experience preparing students for Oxbridge

Our students receive 500+ Oxbridge offers every year

Is STEP Hard?

STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper) is widely regarded as more challenging than other university admissions tests in maths, such as the TMUA or MAT.

As it is taken at the end of Year 13, unlike these other tests, it can assess students on any topic in the A Level Maths or Further Maths syllabus. You can read the full STEP specification here.

In addition, the questions are deliberately structured in a more open-ended way than they are at A Level. This requires students to take more creative problem-solving approaches, which many find difficult, especially under tight time conditions.

However, with the right preparation, including targeted practice and expert guidance, STEP becomes a more manageable challenge. Support from our experienced tutors can transform this rigorous exam into an opportunity to showcase your mathematical abilities and stand out in the competitive university admissions process.

Customer Stories

“I highly recommend Oxbridge Applications. Alicia, Tom and Victoria were very professional, helpful and patient. From start to finish, everything was clearly communicated and all my questions and concerns were answered (even the most obvious ones!). My daughter has an offer from her first choice university and couldn’t be happier. The staff really care about the students and work hard to ensure the best outcomes for them.”

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FAQs

What is the STEP exam?

The STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper) is a university admissions test for mathematics, often required by institutions like Cambridge and Warwick.

Who needs to take STEP?

Students applying for mathematics or related courses at Cambridge need to take STEP if they are made a conditional offer. It is sometimes also required by Warwick University (instead of the TMUA).

When should I start preparing for the STEP?

We recommend beginning preparation several months in advance. This allow time for mastering content and exam techniques. Preparation can also be combined with revision for A Level Maths and Further Maths as much of the content is the same. However, it is vital to leave enough dedicated time to prepare for STEP while still revising for your A Levels.

Can I take STEP more than once?

Yes, you can usually retake the exam if needed. However, it’s essential to check university policies on resits. Cambridge are likely to expect you to significantly improve your performance if you retake.

What is the format of the STEP exam?

STEP includes long-form questions designed to test advanced mathematical problem-solving skills. There are two papers: STEP 2 and STEP 3 (STEP 1 was discontinued in 2020). Each paper contains 12 questions and each question is marked out of 20. Your final score is derived by adding up your top six highest-scoring questions for each paper.

How can a tutor improve my performance in STEP?

A tutor provides personalised 1-1 teaching tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. They can then reinforce your knowledge and familiarise you with the exam by providing plenty of past paper practice. Finally, they can pass on vital exam technique tips to help you maximise your marks under exam conditions.

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