THINKING BEYOND THE GRADES

Winning places on some university courses is so specialised and competitive that schools are designing bespoke pathways for entry. Sephora Day, Head of Medicine at Abbey College, Cambridge explains her school’s pathway to medical school applications.
Long term approach

In our experience, preparing students for a successful medical school application must begin long before any form is submitted: it starts with building familiarity. By introducing and exposing students to the medical field as early as Year 9, we give them time to explore the profession in depth and build a strong foundation for possible applications, either through UCAS or alternative routes into higher education.

Requirements

The reality is that medical school applications require far more than excellent exam results to be successful. While these remain essential, medical admission offices are seeking candidates who can articulate why they want to pursue medicine, demonstrate ethical reasoning, and show evidence of having engaged meaningfully with the healthcare sector. This is particularly important for international students, who may have different academic backgrounds to students in the UK.

Practical experience and research

Practical experience is crucial, so our students are supported in securing hospital shadowing and volunteering opportunities. Online courses and scientific research projects offer alternative ways to develop clinical knowledge and understanding of healthcare while demonstrating commitment.  Students have the opportunity to present research findings to audiences and participate in public speaking events, further enriching their confidence and clarity in spoken communication.

1-Year foundation programme

For some older international students, particularly those who may not have followed the UK-based A Level qualifications before arriving in the UK, alternative routes such as our International Foundation Programme (IFP) which offers an alternative pathway to a successful application, both within the UK and globally. This intensive one-year programme, which is NCFE-accredited and developed in collaboration with top universities, is specifically designed to prepare international students for study at university, providing a strong academic and skills-based foundation for undergraduate study.

We, in fact, offer three specialist foundation pathways – aspiring medics can opt for the Science and Biomedicine pathway, which requires them to have previously completed one year of Level 3 study in Biology, normally in their home country. Notably, the Science and Biomedicine pathway is also one of the very few foundation pathways in the UK to offer direct progression for international students onto medical degrees.

UCAT

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an additional assessment required by a  consortium of  leading British medical schools and their international partners. At Abbey College, Cambridge, UCAT preparation is integrated throughout the pathway, recognising the significant impact this aptitude test can have on application outcomes.

Student-led conference

Alongside structured guidance and support, opportunities for students to take ownership of their own learning play an important role in developing independence and demonstrating their motivation. This can take an interesting format when organised by aspiring medics, for example a student-led conference exploring how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are shaping the future of medicine.

The event brought together students from Years 11 to 13, including participants from other local schools, showcasing a depth of curiosity and ambition among young people considering a career in medicine. Students heard from peers, medical and engineering undergraduates, and leading clinicians and researchers from the University and Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Talks explored topics ranging from patient involvement in health research to AI-powered medical imaging, and systems immunology. The conference concluded with a collaborative challenge, where mixed-school teams proposed technology-driven solutions to current medical issues, with one group presenting an impressive concept using AI to enhance stroke diagnosis.

Outcomes

One student, David, reflecting on his experience of the programme, noted how the range of activities helped him to develop a clear understanding of medicine as a career, and supported his application: 

“The program supported me with lots of activities, including applying for clinical shadowing and hospital volunteering, carrying out a mini-EPQ (scientific report writing) and disease presentations, lessons on the NHS and medical ethics, as well as UCAT preparation. These experiences were essential in helping me write my personal statement and developing my understanding of medicine as a career.

It’s a lot of work, but we think it is paying off, In 2025, we were very pleased to see every student who applied to study medicine, dentistry or veterinary science receive at least one offer, with 26 offers achieved overall. While this success reflects the dedication and hard work of our students, it also demonstrates the value of a structured and supportive approach to preparation across different application routes. By creating opportunities for early engagement, initiative and curiosity – qualities that lie at the heart of effective medical practice – we think our students have a great opportunity to develop the mindset and skills needed to build a long-term, sustainable career in the sector.

Sephora Day is Head of Medicine at Abbey College, Cambridge.

Feature & Support Images – With thanks to Sephora and Abbey College, Cambridge.

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