Written by James, who is a physics teacher at one of the best independent schools in the UK, and who has been preparing students for Oxbridge success for years. James is available for private tutoring.
What does it really take to earn a place to study Physics at Oxford or Cambridge?
It’s a question I’ve heard countless times, often followed by comments like, “You must be incredibly smart to have studied Physics at Oxford.” The truth? It’s not about being a genius (I am certainly proof of that!) or having some secret formula. After years of working with students on the same journey, I’ve learned that success isn’t defined by luck or perfect grades—it’s driven by something far more powerful: passion for the subject. In this blog, I’ll share what that passion looks like, why it matters, and how you can demonstrate it throughout the Oxbridge admissions process.
What does passion look like in practice?
Whilst clearly there are no set rules here, I find that passionate physicists don’t chase marks, they chase understanding. They care about why an answer works, not just whether it’s correct. When they make mistakes, they dig into the reasoning, rather than searching for excuses.
In class, they’re engaged and curious, ready to be challenged, and tackle unfamiliar ideas. They contribute to discussion and learn from and help peers by actively listening. Homework isn’t a chore; rather it’s a springboard for deeper thinking and a catalyst for further thinking. They read, research, and explore because the questions they encounter and process of reasoning interests them, not because they want to impress.
Think of an aspiring athlete: hours of training, relentless practice, and a hunger to improve. Passion in physics is no different. It’s not about dramatic celebrations—it’s about preparation, persistence, and genuine commitment. Perhaps passion on the sports field is easier to see, just watch the raw emotion portrayed at any topflight fixture or competition, it is pure theatre. However, students can be equally as passionate about their craft.
We physicists might be driven by far reaching goals. Many dream of making the quantum world compatible with General Relativity, or indeed, just like Schrodinger and his famous cat, desperate to make the results of Quantum Mechanics more palatable to those less mathematically inclined. However, it is the entire process of approaching that puzzle that is typically so endearing to a genuine physicist.
So how do you show that passion when applying to Oxbridge? Here are eight key lessons from my experience working with students who’ve done it and done it well.
Learning One: Mindset is Everything
Studying at Oxford, Cambridge or any of the world’s leading universities is a wonderful honour. To continue my sporting analogy, an Oxbridge application could be compared to an aspiring football player dreaming of playing at Wembley Stadium. Success in either doesn’t come from last-minute cramming or relying on raw talent, and in physics it’s built on years of curiosity, resilience, and consistent effort. The right mindset means embracing challenges, learning from mistakes, and seeing every problem as an opportunity to grow. If you love the process as much as the outcome, you’re already on the right track. The final two years of typical school life are the final act in play, not the start. Consistent with this, you want to begin preparation for your Oxbridge application early on in Lower 6th.
Learning Two: Maths is Your Superpower
Physics at Oxbridge is deeply mathematical—far more than most school courses. The biggest leap from A-Level or IB to university physics is the level of mathematical sophistication. To be a successful applicant you need to be confident in calculus and show a readiness to apply advanced techniques to physical problems. Make further / advanced maths your best friend and explore proofs or derivations beyond the syllabus. In keeping with this, hone your craft by researching those “just beyond the syllabus” proofs that teachers often refer to. They might be off the A-Level or IB syllabus, but you should make sure they are on your syllabus.
Learning Three: Go Beyond the Textbook
Passion often starts with curiosity—and sometimes from unexpected places. For me, it was a quirky little book called A Beginner’s Guide to Quantum Mechanics, which told the story of the great physicists in comic-book style. It wasn’t complex, but it ignited a fire that shaped my career. I have since shared it with friends and referred to it many times. Years later, a friend returned that same book to me when I became a teacher. The lesson? Explore widely. Read books, watch lectures, listen to podcasts – not to collect trophies, but to spark ideas. And when you find something that excites you, share it.
Use your knowledge to engage in academic discussion, either with your peers or teachers. Find related university lectures (many are available on online) to develop your awareness of the subject. For me, I loved the connection between the theories and the people who created them. Find your connection!
This is because both the Oxbridge exams and interviews will assume basic knowledge of physics and ask you questions designed to probe your problem-solving ability at a step (or three or four!) above basic knowledge; that is, beyond what your A Level or IB class has covered. No one will expect you to be a master of the entire subject, but by researching the topics that really grab your attention, and challenging yourself somewhat, you will be able to demonstrate your passion and interest for the subject.
One especially memorable student who was the embodiment of this, asked me to work along him in parallel to his A-Level studying. Over a period of 18 months, I was asked to teach him anything that interested me, but not on his school syllabus. Safe to say that was my favourite tutoring appointment, and a few years later he graduated with First Class Honours from Oxford.
Perhaps readers of this should pause and consider which area(s) of physics has really made you want to study physics at the top level, and make a clear plan, now, as to how you will engage further?
Learning Four: Embrace Hard Problems and Enter Competitions
Students who love the challenge of hard problems will thrive at Oxbridge. Advanced competitions such as the British Physics Olympiads (https://www.bpho.org.uk) are a great testing ground for your current ability, and importantly your suitability for the challenge to come. Don’t worry if the challenges and scheme I suggest below are daunting, or you struggle at the first attempt. They offer a formidable challenge to the best (including your teachers!), however, with some tenacity, you should enjoy the process. Solving challenging problems can give immense satisfaction.
The Olympiad competitions are available to students from the age of 11 (yes age 11!), however, I would suggest that a good place to start would be the Intermediate Physics Challenge (https://www.bpho.org.uk/bpho/IPC.html), typically held after Christmas in Year 11. This is a great forerunner to the Senior Physics Challenge in January of Year 12 (https://www.bpho.org.uk/bpho/as-challenge.html).
Please note that there is also a Physics Challenge, especially for Year 13 students (https://www.bpho.org.uk/bpho/a2-challenge.html). This is typically held around the time of an Oxbridge Interview, and whilst prizes are not awarded until after the interviews, there simply could not be a better practice for entrance exam or interview – don’t miss it! Remember they are written by current academics; in other words, the types of people who might set your entrance exam or even interview you.
It is vital to prepare, and understanding the challenges set by each competition is important. Take a look at the past Olympiad papers and specifications well in advance and remember that the way to score well is to show your working, not simply to jot down the answer!
Problem sets like those on Isaac Physics (https://isaacscience.org) are a fantastic resource, ranging from typical A-Level or IB standard, to something altogether more demanding. Further, Isaac Physics run a “Mentoring Scheme” which I can fully endorse, beginning in September for students in Years 11, 12 and 13. I would also highly recommend COMPOS (Comprehensive Oxford Mathematics and Physics Online School – https://compos.web.ox.ac.uk/about-compos). Both schemes offer invaluable and structured support, however, they do require genuine time commitments from students.
Whatever action you take, start small, build confidence, and then tackle harder questions systematically. Think of it like training for a marathon: you don’t run 26 miles on day one, but with consistent practice, you’ll get there. Exposure to difficulty is what sharpens your problem-solving instincts.
Learning Five: Use Extra Qualifications to Deepen Your Passion
Many schools offer supplementary qualifications such as the EPQ, additional GCSEs, or AS-Levels. These are wonderful qualifications, however, if you are serious about gaining a place to study physics at Oxbridge, choose them wisely, and use such opportunities to supplement your passion, not just pad your CV. If your independent learning has led you to a love of astrophysics, do an EPQ on “SETI” or take the GCSE in Astronomy. Colleges will be impressed by studies that have made a lasting impression on you.
Learning Six: Nail the Admissions Tests
Whether it’s Oxford’s Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) (https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/study/undergraduates/how-apply/physics-aptitude-test-pat) or Cambridge’s Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) (https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/how/science-engineering-admission-test), these exams are tough, time-pressured, and designed to test how you think under pressure. Practice past papers in timed conditions and develop a clear strategy for when you hit a wall—skip, return, and maximize marks pragmatically. Again, a slow and steady approach is required here; much like the marathon runner. In short, the U6th year is much too late to start.
Learning Seven: The Interview
If the entrance exam goes well, you will be invited to an interview. Treat it as an academic conversation, not an interrogation. You shouldn’t feel intimidated, rather appreciate that the interviewer is eager to find your level swiftly and effectively. Practice explaining your reasoning aloud – teach a friend, talk through problems, and get comfortable thinking on your feet. Interviewers want to see your thought process, not just the final answer. Mock or practice interviews are great if the opportunities arise, but why not gain confidence in this setting early by helping a less able peer by trying to teach them, rather than simply giving them the answers? Use any opportunity to develop your ability to explain your ideas or process. This is what happens in an interview, so prepare.
Within the interview yourself you might be asked some familiar questions; sketching of typical mathematical functions for instance, as it gives you a chance to show how you would break down a problem into bite-sized chunks. You might be asked to show your calculus skills, or your ability to critique a conclusion from an experiment. Almost always, you should expect a follow on question. After pausing to think, you should always make, and clearly state, any assumptions you are making, and articulate your thinking clearly, remembering that there is nothing wrong with having to change or adapt your ideas. You might even be asked to re-evaluate prior steps. This isn’t a battle or a personal attack, it is the very definition of academic discussion and your interviewer will want to see your ability to defend, concede, or most likely build upon your current position.
Further questions might well be centered around work that you have previously tackled, for instance, mechanics questions are common as they lend themselves to adding layers of difficulty. You must remain open minded, and be prepared for anything, even seemingly irrelevant (they won’t be) estimation questions.
Learning Eight: Potential Matters Most
Oxbridge isn’t just selecting the best students now—they’re looking for who will thrive in five years’ time. Grades and predictions are a given; what sets you apart is curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. If you can demonstrate that you love exploring ideas and can grow when challenged, you’ll stand out. Remember: they’re choosing future physicists, not finished products.
Enjoy the journey—and let your passion shine.
Applying to Oxford or Cambridge for Physics is demanding, but it should never feel like a box-ticking exercise. Every challenge—whether it’s mastering a tough problem, diving into a fascinating book, or tackling an Olympiad question—is an opportunity to deepen your love for the subject. If you genuinely enjoy exploring ideas and pushing your understanding further, that enthusiasm will show in your application and your interview. Oxbridge isn’t looking for perfection; they’re looking for potential and curiosity. So, start early, commit fully, and embrace the process. If Physics excites you, there’s no greater privilege than studying it at one of the world’s leading universities. Good luck—you’ve got this.