On 21 October, Harrow Hengqin welcomed Mr James Brown, Head of International Student Recruitment at the University of Oxford, for a special lecture on Oxford’s admissions process. Travelling from the UK, Mr Brown met in person with students, teachers, and parents to share valuable insights into Oxford’s undergraduate application procedures, evaluation standards, and admission mechanisms. His talk offered Harrow families practical guidance on planning academic pathways and inspired students to pursue their ambitions at the world’s leading universities.
According to the 2026 QS World University Rankings, Oxford ranks 4th globally, maintaining a consistent position within the world’s top five over the past five years. The lecture not only focused on Oxford’s application essentials but also provided valuable insights applicable to many leading British universities—serving as a practical guide for international students aspiring to study in the UK.
Inside Oxford
The Charm of a World-Class University
Mr Brown began by introducing Oxford’s rich heritage and academic prestige. Founded as early as 1096, Oxford is one of the world’s oldest and most respected universities, with over 900 years of teaching and research tradition. Comprising more than 35 colleges and offering over 50 undergraduate courses across social sciences, medicine, humanities, and other fields, Oxford remains a global leader in research, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, food security, and medicine. He highlighted Oxford’s signature Tutorial System, which provides one-to-one or small-group academic discussions with tutors every week. This approach not only demands strong independent learning skills but also cultivates critical thinking, analytical ability, and clear academic communication.
Looking Ahead
Smart Preparation and Resources
Mr Brown advised that interviews are designed to assess genuine academic potential and critical thinking, rather than rehearsed answers or perfect performances. The interview process mirrors Oxford’s tutorial style, aiming to evaluate how students engage in academic dialogue and problem-solving.
He encouraged students to use official Oxford resources—such as past admissions test papers, mock interview videos, and international student webinars—for effective preparation, rather than relying on unofficial guidance.
At the close of the lecture, Mr Brown engaged in an interactive Q&A with Harrow Hengqin and Harrow Hong Kong Children School, staff, and parents, answering their questions in detail. His visit inspired students to pursue their ambitions with renewed confidence, bringing them a step closer to Oxford.
Harrow Hengqin remains committed to providing a comprehensive and structured university guidance system. Insights from this lecture will be systematically integrated into the school’s university and career planning programmes, ensuring that our students receive personalised and targeted support on their journey towards higher education excellence.
