For students planning to apply for mathematics-related courses at top UK universities like Cambridge, the STEP exam is both a serious hurdle and a chance to showcase exceptional mathematical aptitude. Successfully navigating this challenge hinges on a clear understanding of its structure and demands. This comprehensive guide aims to provide students and parents with a systematic and clear overview of the essential, up-to-date information about the STEP exam.
STEP, standing for Sixth Term Examination Paper, is a renowned and highly challenging assessment of mathematical thinking. Since 2024, the responsibility for organising and managing the STEP exams has shifted from Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing (CAAT) to the OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA) examination board.
Unlike standard school mathematics exams, STEP’s primary goal isn’t just to check familiarity with specific syllabus topics. Rather, it thoroughly assesses a candidate’s ability to engage with complex mathematical problems. This involves:
For this reason, many leading UK universities offering mathematics-related courses – including Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, and Warwick – often make STEP results a key part of their conditional offers, helping them identify applicants with outstanding mathematical potential.
It’s also worth noting that while the University of Oxford doesn’t require STEP for its mathematics and related courses, its official admissions advice encourages strong applicants to sit the papers to further demonstrate their academic strengths.
Based on extensive teaching experience and observing numerous applications over the years, dedicated preparation for STEP significantly elevates a student’s mathematical reasoning skills and their capacity to tackle demanding problems. Even though STEP isn’t mandatory for every top UK university mathematics course, students who develop these deeper skills often present as stronger candidates during the application process (especially at interview), ultimately improving their chances of receiving the offer they want.
In recent times, university admission test requirements for mathematics-related courses in the UK have changed considerably. The wider adoption of the TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admissions), in particular, has prompted some universities (such as Imperial College London for its computing courses) to use it as their main assessment tool, thereby adjusting how much they rely on, or strictly require, STEP.
The table below summarises some universities and subject areas that, for 2026 entry, continue to factor STEP results into their admissions considerations (whether as a requirement, an alternative, or simply recommended), detailing their specific expectations:
University
Subject Area
Requirements on Admissions Tests
Grade & Paper
Alternatives / Notes
Cambridge
Mathematics
STEP is compulsory
Grade 1 or S in STEP 2 and/or 3
No alternative
Imperial College London
Computing and related courses
TMUA is the primary requirement
Grade 2 or above in STEP 2 or 3
STEP may be considered as an alternative only in exceptional circumstances (e.g., unable to sit TMUA, or borderline TMUA result)
UCL
Mathematics and related courses
STEP is optional
Grade 2 or above in STEP 2 or 3
Can be used to potentially reduce A Level requirements; AEA Distinction can substitute for STEP result
Warwick
Mathematics and related courses
TMUA / STEP / AEA accepted
Grade 2 or above in STEP 2 or 3
TMUA or AEA results can substitute for STEP result
For A Level applicants who achieve grades of AAA and obtain Grade 1 in both STEP 2 and STEP 3, some Colleges may extend a flexible offer. Based on previous years’ information and trends, the following Colleges have been known to offer flexible arrangements:
Important Considerations:
For mathematics, computer science, and other related courses at the University of Oxford, candidates are required to take the MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test). Although STEP results are not an entry requirement, Oxford encourages candidates to sit the STEP exams and submit their results to provide a comprehensive assessment of their academic ability.
After deciding on your target universities and courses, the absolute first step should always be to meticulously check the official university website for the most current and accurate admissions requirements published for your intended year of entry.
1 March 2025
STEP Registration Opens
4 May 2025
STEP Registration Closes
11 June 2025
STEP 2 Test Date
16 June 2025
STEP 3 Test Date
14 August 2025
STEP Results Released
21 August 2025
Results Enquiry Deadline
Important Reminders:
Item
Details
Answer Format
Paper-based, handwritten answers
Exam Duration
3 hours each for STEP 2 and STEP 3
Formula Sheet
No official formula sheet is provided. Formulae listed in the specification appendix must be known. Formulae outside the syllabus will be given within the question (policy since 2019).
Calculator
Calculators are not permitted.
Bilingual Dictionary
Bilingual dictionaries are not permitted (policy since 2023).
Since the cancellation of STEP 1 from 2021 onwards, the STEP now consists only of STEP 2 and STEP 3. Each paper contains 12 questions (prior to 2019, there were 13). Candidates may attempt any number of questions, but only the six questions with the highest marks will count towards the final score.
The paper structure and question distribution are as follows:
Paper Structure
Details
Section A
8 Pure Mathematics questions
Section B
2 Mechanics questions
Section C
2 Statistics questions
Total
12 questions per paper
STEP results are ultimately presented using five grades:
Grade
Meaning
Proportion
General Description
S
Outstanding
Approx. top 5-15%
Highest level, typically awarded to a small fraction of top-performing candidates
1
Very Good
Approx. top 15-30%
Very strong performance, well above average
2
Good
Approx. top 30-50%
Good performance, meets the entry threshold set by many universities
3
Satisfactory
Approx. top 50-80%
Fair performance, may not meet offer conditions in some cases
U
Unclassified
Remaining approx. 20%
Did not meet the standard required for a classified grade
Note: The proportion of candidates achieving each grade can vary from year to year. The descriptions above are general indicators.
Grade boundaries refer to the minimum raw score (out of 120) needed to achieve each grade (S, 1, 2, 3).
You can find compilations of historical STEP grade boundaries and related data analysis through various online resources, including dedicated preparation platforms.
The STEP syllabus is based on the standard A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics specifications but extends beyond them in depth and scope.
Exam
Prerequisite Knowledge
Core Knowledge Areas
Additional Notes
STEP 1
A Level Mathematics
Pure Maths, Mechanics, Statistics
Exam cancelled, but its syllabus content forms assumed knowledge for STEP 2 and STEP 3.
STEP 2
A Level Mathematics + AS Further Mathematics
Pure Maths, Mechanics, Statistics
Requires mastery of specific additional topics and requirements detailed in the official STEP 2 specification.
STEP 3
A Level Mathematics + A Level Further Mathematics
Pure Maths, Mechanics, Statistics
Syllabus encompasses STEP 2 content, plus further specific topics and requirements from the STEP 3 specification.
It is crucial to recognise that although STEP builds upon A Level knowledge, the difficulty, depth, required flexibility of thought, and the demand for rigorous proof in its questions significantly exceed those found in standard A Level examinations. STEP places greater emphasis on:
Preparation for STEP must be based on the latest official examination specification published by OCR. The specification details the precise knowledge points, theorems, methods, and any potential exclusions required for each paper (STEP 2 and STEP 3).
All candidates are strongly advised to download the most recent version of the STEP specification directly from the official OCR website.
The STEP specification is not revised every year, but understanding the main adjustments made in recent years can be helpful, particularly when using past papers for practice. Here is a summary of key changes to the STEP exams since 2019:
Registration for the STEP exam typically needs to be completed through an authorised test centre.
Most candidates will need to register and sit the exam via an authorised test centre. You can check if your school or college is an authorised centre, or find a nearby open centre, through the official OCR website.
The specific steps for registration, the information required (such as UCAS ID, university choices), centre selection, payment of fees, applications for access arrangements (special requirements), and detailed guidance for candidates in different regions are all important and can involve considerable detail.
For comprehensive and precise step-by-step instructions, please refer to our dedicated guide: 《Cambridge STEP Registration Guide》
Given the depth, unique style, and difficulty of the STEP exam—which significantly surpasses A Level—systematic and efficient preparation is an absolute prerequisite for achieving a desirable score. This is not a challenge that can be overcome with last-minute cramming or by simply working through a few practice papers.
Based on official recommendations and the experience of previously successful candidates, effective STEP preparation typically requires long-term, consistent effort. Many students who achieve high grades (such as Grade 1 or above) often dedicate 9 months or even longer to systematic preparation, accumulating hundreds of hours of effective study time. Therefore, I strongly advise any students considering taking STEP to begin their preparations as early as possible.
Successful STEP preparation generally revolves around several core elements:
The answers to these questions, along with more detailed advice on preparation timelines and study pathways tailored for students with different backgrounds, are discussed in depth within my dedicated guide:《Cambridge STEP Preparation Guide》
Alongside mastering preparation techniques, accessing and utilising high-quality resources is equally crucial. Below are some key recommended resource channels:
The website of OCR, the body responsible for administering the STEP exams, is the primary source for the most authoritative preparation materials. All candidates should visit and make full use of the resources provided there, which mainly include:
It is highly recommended to directly access the dedicated STEP page on the OCR website to find and download these essential materials.
While official past papers are the best practice material, the official mark schemes can sometimes be brief, lack detailed explanations of the thought process, or occasionally contain minor errors or ambiguities. This can pose challenges for independent study.
If, while working through past papers, you require more detailed step-by-step explanations, deeper analysis of the underlying logic, or clarifications and corrections to official answers, consider the Cambridge STEP Video Lecture Series presented by myself (Teacher Xie Tao). This course includes detailed video walkthroughs for a large selection of past paper questions, helping you understand the logic and techniques behind the problems, not just the final answer.
Click to see how the Cambridge STEP Video Lecture Series provides in-depth analysis of past papers.
Complementary to the video lecture series are the Cambridge STEP Practice Question Bank, organised by topic. These sets feature carefully selected past paper questions supplemented by extension competition-style problems, designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your practice.
Click to view and try the Cambridge STEP Practice Question Bank.
These STEP preparation materials are revised annually and are currently updated to the 8th Edition for 2025. They encapsulate the essence of my decade-plus experience in teaching and research focused on Oxbridge admissions tests and mathematical competitions. I hope they can effectively help you overcome preparation hurdles, boost your problem-solving confidence, and strive towards higher target grades!
The University of Cambridge offers a free online STEP Support Programme designed to help all students (especially those who may lack access to specialist school support) prepare effectively for the STEP exams. This platform provides:
This is an extremely valuable official free resource, and all students preparing for STEP are encouraged to utilise it:
In addition to the core resources mentioned above, several other platforms and materials may aid your STEP preparation:
Having read through this Cambridge STEP Comprehensive Guide, you should now have a clear understanding of the examination. To translate this understanding into effective action, I recommend the following steps:
Visit the official websites of your target universities and specific courses. Carefully confirm their latest and most accurate admissions requirements, paying close attention to any specific stipulations regarding STEP, TMUA, or MAT for your entry year. This is the foundation for all planning.
If you wish to understand the differences between these tests, you can consult my article: STEP vs TMUA vs MAT: A Comprehensive Comparison.
Consult the Cambridge STEP Registration Guide to understand the detailed registration process, key dates, and required information.
Make a note of the registration deadline and ensure you complete all steps before then.
Read the Cambridge STEP Preparation Guide. Based on your individual circumstances and available time, devise a systematic and personalised preparation timetable and study strategy. Start preparing early; STEP requires sustained, long-term effort.
Download and diligently study the latest OCR specification and past papers.
Make use of the free University of Cambridge STEP Support Programme.
Incorporate other recommended books and course materials as needed.
If you require more structured guidance, in-depth explanations, or additional practice resources during your preparation, consider exploring the UEIE STEP series of preparation courses and materials.
Finally, remember that thorough preparation is the key to success. I wish you the very best in your STEP preparation journey and hope you achieve your desired outcomes in your university applications!
