OxbridgeInstitute.co.uk : Bucks based tech start-up looking to reshape the tutoring market using Gamification, Video courses and elite Oxford/Cambridge mentors
Oxbridge Institute is a new online tutoring service, where Oxford and Cambridge graduates and post-graduates engage with mentees to offer timely feedback, assessment and query resolution in preparation for the 11+ exam. Using a digital platform, the system operates entirely online. Alongside the more traditional elements of mock testing, Oxbridge Institute utilises a modern approach, with technology allowing for the integration of video lessons and gamification.
Accessible Tutoring
In order to gain sought after acceptance to highly-competitive, grammar schools as well as elite private schools, students must first sit their 11+ examination. The cost of private tutoring for the 11+ exam can start from £150+ per month. With many students now starting preparations earlier, in Year 4, the cost of tutelage can amount to a substantial cost that is out of reach for many parents. There are a number of web-based solutions – primarily based around mock test series with solutions, but nothing that can match the efficacy of classroom coaching. We are bridging the gap with a totally online coaching solution that includes video courses, quizzes and timed tests.
The course has been developed by Oxford and Cambridge graduates and post-graduates in collaboration with teachers. Students not only have access to the course content 24 x 7 but also have the ability to ask their online mentors for clarifications and additional support if needed. All this comes at a fixed monthly fee of £24.99, substantially less than the cost of private tutoring.
Group Learning and Gamification
Students learn best when they are studying as part of a larger group, as competition is essential for motivation. It has previously been difficult to generate the spirit of group learning in an online environment. We are looking to shake up the market with an online product which seamlessly integrates gamification.
Students interact with the system in order to achieve medals and rank on leaderboards against their peers. Additionally, by achieving higher levels they can unlock digital brain training games, such as ‘soon to be released’ brain game : Toy Empire. An adaptation of a concept used in top business schools, Toy Empire encourages students to make choices which will impact their fictitious business empire’s performance.
This unique combination of quality mentors, online learning, test revision and gamification is what sets the Oxbridge Institute apart. As explained by creator and Oxford MBA, Mr Sumit Mittal, “the interactive elements of the program encourage students to progress; balancing intrinsic motivation with healthy competition”.
The right Learning System
We believe developing the right learning ‘system’ is the key to lifelong learning. So, we view the 11+ test and entrance into a great grammar school as the means and not the end. While it is possible to ‘crack the code’ of 11+ questions with a tremendous amount of practice, which is essentially what a lot of coaching places try to do, we believe true mentoring should do more than that.
We continue to believe that parents are the best mentoring system that a child needs and our courses and content have been developed with this in mind. We encourage parents to be engaged with their child’s learning – especially at this young age where the course content is within the grasp of many parent’s abilities – though many might not have the self-belief to admit that.
And the best part? The Oxbridge Institute program is available to families at a fraction of the cost of private tutoring. Starting at just £24.99, the initial trial of the program is underway, with over 100 students registered.
The Creator, Mr Sumit Mittal
Mr Sumit Mittal, is a dual MBA from two of the best business schools in the world: Oxford University and the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML). He has over 12 years experience in the IT industry and as a private tutor, teaching students’ a range of subjects, from primary school maths to business courses and even GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) prep.
“I believe that you can shine the brightest when you are doing something which you love and are truly good at. I have always done well in high pressure timed tests and scored in the 99th percentile – both in the CAT (admission test to the IIM) and GMAT. I am confident students will benefit from my structured approach to test-taking and the various tools and tricks I have developed from my own experience."
For further information on how the OxbridgeInstitute.co.uk is using technology to bring affordable education support to UK students, contact Sumit Mittal at sumit@oxbridgeinstitute.co.uk or on 07853284405