Jimmy was a bright and cheerful student who studied A-Levels at a British boarding school. His teachers always described him as a lovely student with a great attitude. However, he found A-Levels extremely challenging. Despite being predicted ABB in Year 13, Jimmy didn’t feel very confident during his final examinations, and his results came out as CCD.

At first, Jimmy considered repeating Year 13, but he worried about the risks. A-Level exams are unpredictable, and he feared that even with hard work, he might not achieve the grades he needed. Determined not to give up, Jimmy spent late August visiting many schools and researching alternatives. That’s when he discovered the NQF University Foundation as a pathway to top universities without the uncertainty of A-Levels.

Jimmy chose the Engineering Foundation at St Andrew’s College Cambridge. He was impressed by the small class sizes (around 6–7 students), the 40% extra teaching hours compared with other providers, and the daily after-school support from Cambridge University PhD tutors. He also appreciated the caring environment: a comfortable single en-suite room with meals provided, pastoral care from house managers, and access to sports, trips, and cultural activities. With his St Andrew’s ID card, Jimmy could use the Cambridge University Library, attend university lectures, and regularly visit the Cambridge Engineering Faculty — experiences that inspired him throughout the year.

With dedicated UCAS guidance from the College, Jimmy submitted his applications and received offers from all five of his chosen universities: University of Manchester, King’s College London, University of Warwick, University of Bristol, and University of Edinburgh. Ultimately, he chose Edinburgh University, where he received an unconditional offer in early July – 1 month earlier than A-Level candidates.

Jimmy’s story shows how the University Foundation course can be a fast-track pathway, saving both time and cost. Students who have completed GCSE, Year 11 in their local school system, or even the first year of A-Level can progress directly to university in just 10 months (September entry) or 6 months (January entry).

Why Families Choose University Foundation with St Andrew’s College Cambridge:

• Safe progression: Internally assessed, with opportunities to retake in June, July, and August of the same year if needed, ensuring students meet their university offer.
• Strong results: Students who study hard are guaranteed to achieve 70%+ distinction, opening doors to Russell Group universities.
• Wide acceptance: Recognised by all UK universities except Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, and most majors at UCL (some accept Foundation or Foundation + 1–2 A-Levels).
• Expert teaching: Delivered by staff who are either Cambridge graduates or retired Cambridge teachers.
• Enriched student life: Boarding with three meals daily, pastoral and medical care, sports, trips, and cultural activities.
• Flexibility: UCAS allows five UK applications plus unlimited choices abroad.

A Growing Global Choice

The University Foundation is increasingly popular not only with international students from China, Nigeria, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, Argentina, and beyond, but also with many British and EU families. With rising uncertainty around A-Level results and new VAT pressures on independent school fees, families now prefer the secure and guaranteed pathway of the St Andrew’s Foundation.