Programme Overview
At MEI, we are committed to ensuring equity and equality for students from all backgrounds accessing higher education.
Our dedicated support for students gives them both the confidence and skills to apply for mathematics-rich undergraduate courses. We provide several courses for students to develop their problem-solving skills so that they have the option to apply for a university that requires an admissions test as part of their admissions procedures. Our suite of services has options to suit the needs of a variety of students.
- Blended support with university mentors
- Online tuition with expert tutors
- Self-guided online units covering the key skills
Our support is designed for students who wish to develop both their subject knowledge and problem-solving skills.
Benefits of the Programme
Support for students who are studying A level Mathematics or Further Mathematics and wish to progress to further study
Learn to think like a problem solver
Gain insight into applying to university
Prepare for university studies
Students who attend our courses enter university with a clear idea of the expectations of a mathematics-rich undergraduate course
Explore our Student Programme Offer
Setting out in Problem Solving
Designed to help students start to build strategies to approach unfamiliar problems in mathematics along with information on what university entrance exams are out there.
Audience: Year 12
When: 13 July
Format: 1 online sessions
Cost: Free
Problem Solving Matters
Prepare students for success in problem solving mathematics examinations (TMUA and STEP), by developing their mathematical thinking and problem solving skills.
Audience: Year 12
When: June – Sept
Format: 3 in-person days, mentor support, and online sessions
Cost: Free
University Mathematics Interview Practice
Interview practice for students from state-funded schools who have been invited for an interview by the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge.
Audience: Years 13
When: Nov – Dec
Format: 30 min session
Cost: Free
Preparing for the TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission)
Specialist tuition to support students preparing for the TMUA which takes place in the lead up to the tests for students in state-funded schools, academies and colleges.
Audience: Year 13
When: Aug and Nov
Format: 7 online sessions
Cost: Free/box
Preparing for the TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission) – On Demand
Prepare for the TMUA at your own pace, explore key ideas, complete interactive tasks and questions with feedback throughout, covering the most common topics of the tests.
Audience: Years 12 and 13
When: On Demand
Format: 7 online modules
Cost: Free
Preparing for the STEP (Sixth Term Examination Papers)
Online specialist tuition to support student preparing for the STEP. A free course for Year 13 students from state-funded schools, academies and colleges in the lead up to STEP.
Audience: Year 13
When: Early 2027
Format: 10 online sessions
Cost: Free
“The classes were fun and very useful and definitely improved my mathematical skills. They were also good preparation for university maths.”
Student – Preparing for the TMUA
Support of teachers
If you are looking for professional development to support your teaching and student support for the University Admissions test, please check out the following pages:
- Explore our Next Steps for Your A level Students course
- Explore our On-Demand Professional Development Courses – a selection of on-demand courses for A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics teachers
Frequently Asked Questions
Your common questions and concerns answered
Setting Out in Problem Solving is ideal for Year 12 students beginning their problem-solving journey, especially those still exploring future options. The course introduces core techniques that benefit all students and provides an overview of admissions tests, helping teachers guide students as they consider their next steps.
Problem Solving Matters suits students finishing Year 12 who plan to apply for courses with mathematics admissions tests. This course focuses on the techniques and skills required for TMUA and provides a strong introduction to the style and challenge of STEP.
Preparing for the TMUA course is best for Year 13 students who need to take the TMUA. The course delivers structured support and targeted practice on all key topics.
Preparing for the TMUA – On Demand is for students who prefer independent study. Our on-demand courses offer flexibility while covering essential techniques, skills, and practice problems.
Preparing for the STEP course supports Year 13 students holding university offers dependent on STEP success. The course features focused modules on advanced topics and the rigorous problem-solving skills needed to excel in the STEP exams.
Yes. Students are welcome to apply for more than one of our courses.
Please note: students who gain places on the Problem Solving Matters course will not be accepted on our Preparing for the TMUA course. This is to allow us to provide support for as many students who need to sit the TMUA as possible.
Students following the Problem Solving Matters course will already receive comprehensive preparation for the TMUA examination and have their own online sessions in the weeks running up to the papers.
All eligible students are welcome to complete the on-demand courses alongside any other course we offer.
No. While our courses are designed to cover the content required for the relevant admissions test, each course features its own unique materials.
Many of the problems students encounter during a course are created specifically for that course.
The only repetition occurs when specific past paper questions are used for certain topics, due to the limited availability of source material.
Our courses are open to students attending state-funded schools or colleges in England through the AMSP.
For Problem Solving Matters, we partner with universities and prioritise applicants from postcodes with historically low participation in higher education. This approach aligns with standard widening participation practices.