The ESAT Primer Course is a course of lessons designed to give students a thorough, structured introduction to the question types that frequently arise in the ESAT. It introduces both new techniques that go beyond the A level and new perspectives on the school-level material used in the exams. The course is suitable for students applying for engineering and physical sciences: it comprises two lessons for Mathematics 1, six lessons for Mathematics 2, and six lessons for Physics (please note that Chemistry and Biology are not covered). The lessons are provided in both pre-recorded video format (lasting approximately 90 minutes each) and as a booklet of detailed lesson notes. A worksheet of original questions accompanies each lesson, enabling students to master the techniques learned, and the worksheet solutions delve into the thought processes required to solve the problems. The ESAT Primer Course is designed to take approximately 40 hours to study in full.

The ESAT Programme includes solutions for all relevant past papers. The Natural Science Admissions Assessment (NSAA) was used by Cambridge from 2016-2023, and is highly representative of ESAT questions. We provide past paper solutions in both video and booklet format for all NSAA past papers (excluding Biology questions). Instead of merely giving the answer to a question, the solutions break down the entire thought process, providing alternative approaches if appropriate, which can be applied to similar questions encountered in the future. The Engineering Admissions Assessment (ENGAA) was also used by Cambridge from 2016-2023. There is significant overlap between NSAA and ENGAA, but we provide additional solutions to all unique ENGAA questions. Students taking Mathematics 2 on the ESAT will also have access to our TMUA past paper solutions.

Students on the ESAT Programme are invited to attend our live, interactive workshops, which will take place over eight consecutive weeks during Summer 2026 (exact times and dates to be confirmed). The focus of the workshops will alternate between general problem solving principles and exam technique for the ESAT. Sessions are led by Vantage Admissions founding director Rowan Wright and problem solving aficionado Carlo Scarian, providing an exciting change of pace from the more technical focus of the ESAT Primer Course and the rigidity of past paper problems. The problem solving sessions focus on cultivating the mindset of a mathematician, specifically targeting the challenging Mathematics 2 module of the ESAT. The exam technique sessions will cover the Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, and Physics modules of the test. Students are strongly encouraged to actively participate in the sessions and may be given some problems to consider in advance.

Students on the ESAT Programme are invited to book three private mentoring sessions over the course of their ESAT preparation, ideally attended along with their parents/guardians. All sessions are held with our founding director and are completely tailored to the student’s specific goals. The aim of these sessions is to review students’ progress, address doubts or concerns, provide motivation, and create actionable plans to resolve any difficulties. Personalised mentoring enables students to ensure they are staying on track for success and provides vital support over what is often a long period of test preparation.

Whilst the ESAT Programme resources are available to study at any time, it is not purely a self-study course. If students encounter a point of confusion with course content, or would like to ask a question, they are encouraged to send in an email or message. Most questions can simply be addressed with an email response, but brief troubleshooting calls are also possible if needed. We endeavour to respond to all questions as quickly as possible and guarantee a response within 48 hours.

Many Vantage students opt for ESAT tuition as part of their admissions test preparation. It is the most personalised support we offer and ensures that all doubts can be addressed, whether they pertain to specific questions or broader topics and concepts. It also provides an opportunity for students to work with an expert ESAT tutor to explore questions further, pursue their own interests, and – most importantly – ask questions. We are able to provide expert, subject-specific tuition in mathematics, physics and chemistry.