If you’re applying for mathematics, computer science, or engineering at top UK universities, you’ll likely need to sit the TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission), STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper) or MAT. These are demanding exams that assess deep mathematical thinking and problem-solving—skills that go beyond the standard A-level or Advanced Higher curriculum.
I offer specialist one-to-one online tuition tailored to the specific demands of each exam. My approach combines structured practice with a strong emphasis on understanding and rigour. We’ll work through real TMUA, STEP & MAT questions, develop robust problem-solving techniques, and build the confidence needed to perform under pressure.
Who Is This For?
- Students applying to Cambridge, Imperial, Warwick, Durham, or similar universities
- Those studying Edexcel, OCR, or AQA A-level Maths/Further Maths
- Students in S6 preparing for STEP alongside Advanced Higher
How I Can Help
- 🧠 Develop the mindset for TMUA/STEP: logical precision, stamina, creativity
- 📘 Build fluency with past papers and advanced techniques
- 🗓️ Create a plan for steady progress through to the exam
Track Record of Success
Many of my students have gone on to secure interviews and offers at top universities. You can read feedback on my testimonials page and on my First Tutors profile.
Dear Gary,
(I have submitted the message below through the FirstTutors website as well.)
Thanks for your tutoring of James for TMUA this year. I think he told you already that he found the first paper very different to previous years and very difficult. The second one was “fine”. You probably know that from this year the tests are administered, and I think set, by Pearson VUE for the first time. On asking James afterwards if more preparation would have been helpful he didn’t really think so, since the types of questions seemed so different to those on past papers. So, he did the best he could on the day with the practice he had done and approaches and knowledge from his study and tutoring with you.
The scoring system seems to have changed this year as well, norming around 4.5, with some universities stating that a score of 5.0 this year is taken to be equivalent to 6.5 last year (and in previous years).
James got his result this morning. His score was 6.2. This seems to be about the 20th percentile. He hasn’t heard back yet on whether he has an interview at the college he applied for in Cambridge, to do Computer Science, but this score might well help his application. Many of the people doing the TMUA would be applying for maths degrees at other universities and perhaps this would drag the average score upwards.
So, thank you very much for your help. It seems to have been a strange or transitional year for the TMUA and we hope that this result will help James with his application.
Best wishes,
— Denis, TMUA Preparation 2024
Next Steps
If you’d like to discuss support for TMUA or STEP, please get in touch to book a free tutorial.
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