Best UK Medical Schools to Apply with a High UCAT Score – 2026 Entry Guide

Achieving a top UCAT score (around 2800+ on the old 3600 scale) opens many doors in UK medical school admissions. This comprehensive 2026 entry guide outlines where a high UCAT score gives you an advantage—listing UCAT-focused Medical Schools, their historical cut-off scores, and how they utilise UCAT in the selection process. We also summarise the UCAT 2025 exam changes and share interview tips to help you convert those likely interviews into offers. (All data is up to date as of 3rd September 2025; always double-check university websites for the latest criteria.)

UCAT 2025 Exam Changes – What’s New?

The UCAT exam format is changing from 2025 onward, affecting applicants for 2026 entry. Key changes to be aware of include:

• Removal of Abstract Reasoning: Starting with UCAT 2025, the Abstract Reasoning subtest is withdrawn from the exam. The UCAT will consist of only three cognitive subtests: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, and Quantitative Reasoning, plus the Situational Judgement Test (SJT).

• New Scoring Scale (900–2700): With three subtests instead of four, the total cognitive UCAT score will range from 900 to 2700 (instead of 1200–3600). Each of the three sections is still scored from 300 to 900. The SJT will continue to be scored in Bands 1 through 4.

• Timing Adjustments: The testing time per section has been adjusted to account for one fewer subtest. For example, Decision Making will have more questions and time, since Abstract Reasoning has been removed. The overall test duration remains roughly two hours.

• Score Comparability: The UCAT Consortium has stated that, despite the format change, scores will be equated to remain broadly comparable to previous years. In other words, a “high” UCAT score still reflects top-percentile performance. (E.g. 2800/3600 was roughly top 10%; under the new system, this might correspond to ~2100/2700, depending on yearly deciles.) Always check the official statistics each year for the latest percentile info.

• All UK Med Schools Now Use UCAT: A significant change in admissions is that the BMAT exam was discontinued after 2024, so every UK medical school now requires the UCAT. Former BMAT schools (Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial, etc.) have switched to UCAT for 2024 or 2025 entry. This means that high UCAT scorers can now consider Oxbridge and other elite programs that previously used the BMAT – although those schools will still heavily weigh academics and other factors alongside the UCAT.

Bottom line: As a 2025 UCAT candidate, you’ll face a slightly shorter exam, scored out of 2700. A great UCAT score remains a top asset – just be mindful that what constitutes “high” is a different number on the new scale. Focus on performing well in the three remaining sections and aim for a strong SJT band. Now, given these changes, let’s see how to leverage a high UCAT score in your university choices.

➡️ Are you ready to turn your interview into an offer? - Book our Medical School Interview Course (taught by NHS doctors who teach at 3 UK medical schools) or join our MMI mock circuits for targeted prep.

Best Medical Schools to Target with a High UCAT Score (2800+)

Scoring 2800 or above (on the old 3600 scale) – roughly top 10% nationally – is an excellent achievement. To make the most of it, you should apply strategically to medical schools that heavily reward a high UCAT. Below we list UK medical schools where a high UCAT score can significantly boost your chances. For each, we note how they use the UCAT in admissions and their recent UCAT cut-offs or thresholds. (These figures are often published by the universities themselves – always verify on the official website for the latest cycle.)

✅ Aberdeen University

How UCAT is used: Aberdeen uses a score-based system considering both UCAT and academic achievement. They shortlist candidates for interview by looking at UCAT alongside actual and predicted grades. A high UCAT thus directly strengthens your application.
Recent cut-off: For 2024 entry, the UCAT cutoff for interview was 2,690. This means Aberdeen interviewed applicants down to about 2690 that year. A UCAT in the top decile (e.g. ~2800+) would comfortably exceed this threshold. (Note: SJT is considered; a Band 4 may be detrimental even with a high score.)

✅ Bristol University

How UCAT is used: Bristol is famously UCAT-heavy. Once you meet their minimum academic requirements, they rank applicants entirely by UCAT score (100% weighting) when selecting for interview. In practice, Bristol’s selection is very competitive and favours top UCAT scorers.
Recent cut-off: For 2024 entry, Bristol’s UCAT interview threshold was 2,940 for home students (2,960 for international). This was one of the highest cut-offs in the UK. In other words, only applicants in the top 5% UCAT scores were invited. If you have, say, 2800 or 2900+, Bristol is an excellent choice – you’d be above or near their historical cut-off (though thresholds can change each year).

✅ Edge Hill University

How UCAT is used: Edge Hill (a newer medical school) also ranks applicants by UCAT score (after ensuring academic requirements are met) to shortlist for interview. They don’t set an absolute cut-off beforehand; instead, they invite the top scorers until interview slots are filled.
Recent data: For 2023 entry, the average UCAT score of students invited to interview at Edge Hill was 2,748. This implies that a score of ~2740 was competitive. With a 2800+ UCAT, you would likely be in the top bracket of Edge Hill applicants, increasing your chance of an interview invite.

✅ Glasgow University

How UCAT is used: Glasgow uses a screening process: applicants who meet all minimum academic and reference requirements are then ranked by UCAT to select for interviews. They do not usually publish a fixed “cut-off” in advance, but rather decide based on the applicant pool.
Recent data: For the 2025 entry, the lowest UCAT score to receive an interview offer was 2,500. This relatively moderate threshold suggests that Glasgow interviews a broad range (they likely combine UCAT with other factors for borderline cases). Still, a very high UCAT (2800+) would place you well above that minimum – effectively guaranteeing an interview as long as your academics and personal statement/reference meet the standards.

✅ King’s College London (KCL)

How UCAT is used: King’s is a highly competitive program that gives substantial weight to UCAT. They consider the overall UCAT score (average of the subtests) rather than individual section scores, and do take the SJT band into account during selection. King’s emphasises that UCAT and academics are two of the most important factors in the shortlisting process.
Recent cut-off: For 2024 entry, KCL’s UCAT cutoff for interview invitations was 2,710. This is relatively high (roughly top 15% of test-takers). A score of 2800+ would be safely above this cut-off, making King’s a strong option if your grades are also excellent. (King’s typically expects high A-Level predictions and GCSEs in addition to UCAT.)

✅ Liverpool University

How UCAT is used: Liverpool employs a UCAT ranking system for interview selection. Applicants are first screened for meeting the minimum academic criteria, and those who pass are then ranked solely by their UCAT score. They invite the highest UCAT scorers to interview until capacity is reached.
Recent cut-off: For 2024 entry, the UCAT cutoff to be invited to interview at Liverpool was 2,310. This is a relatively low cut-off compared to many others, implying that Liverpool’s applicant pool or capacity allowed mid-range scorers to get interviews. If you have a very high score (2800+), you would be well above their past cutoff – essentially assured an interview, provided you meet other basic requirements. (Liverpool can be a “safe” choice to secure an interview if your UCAT is strong, but remember that a high UCAT isn’t needed here – even ~2300 sufficed last year.)

Manchester University

How UCAT is used: Manchester sets a UCAT threshold each year based on the distribution of scores in the applicant pool. If you meet or exceed that threshold (and have at least an SJT Band 1 or 2), you’re highly likely to be invited to interview (assuming you also meet the academic minimums). They do not rank applicants beyond the threshold – it’s a yes/no cut-off system.
Recent threshold: For 2025 entry, Manchester’s UCAT cutoff was 2,710 (with SJT Band 3 or 4 typically not considered). In practice, ~2710 equated to around the 80th–85th percentile. A score of 2800+ clears this bar with room to spare. Therefore, high-UCAT applicants have a strong chance of being accepted at Manchester, but do beware of the SJT requirement – aiming for a Band 1–2 score is advisable for safety.

✅ Newcastle University

How UCAT is used: Newcastle is recognised as one of the most UCAT-focused schools. They traditionally rank all applicants by UCAT score (after verifying academic requirements) and fill interview slots from the top down. Newcastle does not consider personal statements or extra factors at the initial stage – it’s mainly about UCAT.
Recent cut-off: For 2023 entry, Newcastle’s UCAT threshold for interview was 2,820. This was exceptionally high – roughly the top 10% of scores. Some years, the cut-off has even been in the high 2700s to low 2800s. If you have 2800+, you are around the cusp of Newcastle’s typical cut-off (in some cycles, you’d just meet it, in others, you might be slightly above or below). With, say, 2900+, you’d be in a firm position. Newcastle is an ideal choice to maximise a stellar UCAT, but note it’s “high risk, high reward” – if your score is exactly around their cut-off, there’s always a chance the bar lands just above it in a competitive year.

✅ Sheffield University

How UCAT is used: Sheffield uses a two-step filter: applicants must meet both a minimum academic requirement and a minimum UCAT score to be considered. After that, interview selection is conducted by ranking the remaining candidates based on their UCAT scores. Significantly, Sheffield does not compensate between academics and UCAT – you need to clear both thresholds independently.
Recent cut-offs: For 2026 entry, Sheffield pre-announced a minimum UCAT requirement of 1800 (new scoring) – a very low bar, basically excluding only the bottom decile. In reality, the effective UCAT needed has been much higher. For 2023 entry, for example, the lowest UCAT score that received an interview at Sheffield was reportedly around 2850 (old scale). This reflects how competitive ranking by UCAT became once minimums were met. In short, Sheffield heavily favours high UCAT scores – your 2800+ would likely put you near the top of their list (and comfortably above any nominal threshold).

✅ Southampton University

How UCAT is used: Southampton ranks applicants by UCAT score to decide whom to invite to a Selection Day (their interview process). They then consider the UCAT again, alongside interview performance, when making final offer decisions. This means UCAT is assessed at two stages: during the interview and after the interview.
Competitiveness: While Southampton doesn’t publish a precise cut-off publicly each year, the scores invited tend to be in the mid-to-high range. According to reports, the mid-2600s were likely sufficient in recent cycles. With 2800+, you should be well above the average interviewee at Southampton. Furthermore, your high UCAT will continue to help you even after the interview (all else being equal) since they review UCAT in the offer stage. Just be sure to also perform strongly on the Selection Day, as both elements will count.

✅ St. George’s, University of London (SGUL)

How UCAT is used: St. George’s uses a two-stage cutoff. First, they require a minimum of 500 in each UCAT section (i.e. you cannot have a very low section score). Then, they set an overall UCAT threshold each year to shortlist for interview, ranking applicants by score above that minimum.
Recent cut-off: For 2024 entry, the UCAT cutoff at SGUL was 2,690. That’s around the 75th–80th percentile. A score of 2800 is comfortably above this; even a mid-2700s score had a good chance. So if your UCAT is in the top decile, SGUL is a favourable option. Also, remember to meet the section minimums (which, with a balanced high score, you likely have) and note that SGUL typically expects at least a Band 3 or above in SJT.

Other Notable Mentions

• Birmingham University: Birmingham uses a balanced scoring system (approximately 40% UCAT, 60% academics in their selection formula). They don’t have a strict UCAT cut-off; however, for 2024 entry, the lowest UCAT score to receive an interview was 2,700. This suggests a high UCAT can significantly bolster your chances, especially if your grades are solid but not top-tier. With 2800+, you’d score very highly on Birmingham’s scale.

• Anglia Ruskin University: ARU is another UCAT-centric school, especially for applicants meeting basic grade requirements. They rank by UCAT, and the 2024 entry cut-off was 2,640. A score well above that (e.g. 2800) would put you in a strong position. Anglia Ruskin can be a good choice if you want a slightly less competitive UCAT school as a safer option – their cut-off tends to be around the 70th percentile, lower than the likes of Bristol or Newcastle.

• St. Andrews University: St Andrews uses UCAT to rank applicants and typically invites roughly the top 500 scorers to interview (for their Scotland and international programs). In recent years, the lowest UCAT score to get an interview at St Andrews was ~2,400. So while it’s not as high a cutoff as some others, having a 2800+ would put you easily in the top group of applicants here.

• Former BMAT Schools (Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial): These prestigious universities have now switched to UCAT (Oxford and Cambridge from 2025 entry; UCL/Imperial from 2024). Data on UCAT cut-offs for them is not yet available. However, it’s expected they will still be very selective. A high UCAT will certainly help – e.g. Oxford has said they’ll use UCAT in shortlisting – but excellent academics remain paramount for these schools. If you have top grades and a high UCAT, you may consider one of Oxford/Cambridge (be mindful that Oxford usually ranks applicants by a combination of GCSEs and admissions test) or Imperial/UCL (more holistic review). In summary, a high UCAT now opens the door to apply to Oxbridge and other elite programs, but don’t rely on the UCAT alone to carry you – you’ll need the whole package (grades, personal statement, references, etc.) to succeed in these contexts.

Note: The above cut-off figures are historical and can vary year to year. “Cut-off” means the score of the last candidate who got an interview invite – it’s not a predetermined target, but rather an outcome based on supply and demand. Use these numbers as a guideline: if your score is comfortably above last year’s cut-off, that choice is relatively safe; if it’s around the same, that school might be a “reach” and you should balance your list accordingly. Always check each medical school’s most recent admissions updates. Many universities publish the statistics from the previous cycle (e.g., lowest UCAT scores, average scores) on their official websites – it’s wise to review those before finalising your UCAS choices.

➡️ Have a high UCAT score? Make sure you convert it into an offer! Book our Medical School Interview Course– taught by NHS doctors who teach at three UK Medical Schools – and get expert coaching on how to excel at your interviews.

FAQ – High UCAT Scores and Medical School Applications

Q: What is considered a “high” UCAT score?

A: A “high” UCAT score generally means you scored in the top decile (top 10%) of test-takers. In recent years, the national average UCAT score has been around 2500 (on the 3600 scale). Scoring 2800+ (approximately 700+ per section) is roughly in the top 10% and is considered an excellent score. For context, under the new 2700 scoring system (from 2025 onward), top decile scores will likely be around 2100 or above (since 2170 was about the 90th percentile when retrospectively applying the 2700-scale to 2024 results). In short, if you’re around the 85th–90th percentile or higher, that’s a “high” UCAT. This level puts you in a strong position for most UCAT universities, though the exact definition of “high” can vary by year and university cut-offs.

Q: Which UK medical schools have the highest UCAT cut-offs?

A: In recent cycles, some schools have stood out for their high UCAT requirements: Bristol had an interview cut-off of 2940 for 2024 (one of the highest); Newcastle was about 2820 in 2023; Sheffield effectively required mid-2800s in practice for 2023 interviews; and King’s College London was around 2710 in 2024. Other notably high cut-offs include St. George’s (~2690 in 2024), Manchester (~2710 in 2025), and Glasgow (~2500 in 2025, which is lower comparatively) , but Glasgow ranks strictly by UCAT. It’s worth noting that with BMAT gone, even Oxford and Cambridge (traditionally BMAT schools) will now be looking at UCAT – we anticipate they’ll expect very competitive scores too (though they will also weigh grades heavily). Always check each school’s admissions update, as cut-offs can fluctuate year to year based on applicant scores and the number of available places.

Q: Does a high UCAT guarantee me an interview or offer?

A: No – while a high UCAT greatly improves your chances, it’s not a guarantee. You must still meet the academic requirements (GCSEs, A-Level predictions) and any other criteria of the university. Many schools also screen out low SJT scores – for example, a Band 4 in SJT can lead to automatic rejection at the majority of medical schools, even if your cognitive UCAT score is top-notch. Some universities (like Keele, Sunderland) require specific forms or work experience evidence in addition to UCAT. And after the interview, your UCAT usually doesn’t influence the offer decision (with a few exceptions) – at that stage, it’s all about interview performance. In summary: a high UCAT should secure you interviews at UCAT-heavy schools (assuming other basics are met), but you’ll still need to perform well in interviews to convert those into offers. Think of UCAT as a foot in the door – it’s up to you to walk through it.

Q: How have the UCAT changes in 2025 affected scoring and cut-offs?

A: The main change is the removal of Abstract Reasoning from 2025 onwards. As a result, the total UCAT score is now out of 2700 (instead of 3600). Universities are aware of this change and will adjust their processes accordingly – for instance, a previous cut-off of 2800/3600 might now translate to around 2100/2700. Still, universities will likely quote new cut-offs on the 2700 scale. The UCAT Consortium has indicated that scores on the new 2700-scale will be made comparable to old scores through statistical equating. Practically, it means if you perform in the top 10%, you’ll still be in the top 10% regardless of the scale. Medical schools will probably use percentile deciles to set thresholds in the early years of the new exam. Important: All former BMAT schools now use UCAT from 2024/2025, so every applicant will have a UCAT score, and some very competitive universities are new to this game – we might see some shifts in cut-offs, especially at places like Oxbridge, as they integrate UCAT into their selection. Keep an eye on each school’s statements; many will publish guidance like “for 2026 entry, we expect to interview those scoring roughly X on the new UCAT”. The known changes in subtest timing and question counts shouldn’t directly affect how universities evaluate you, as they will look at your scaled scores and decile ranking, not raw marks.

Q: Do all UK medical schools require the UCAT now (what about BMAT)?

A: Yes – as of the 2025–2026 application cycle, every UK medical school uses the UCAT as part of admissions. The BMAT was discontinued in 2024. Seven universities that previously used BMAT (Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial, Leeds, Brighton & Sussex, Lancaster) have switched to UCAT. This means that if you’re applying in 2025 for 2026 entry, you will sit only the UCAT (there are also  UCAT options for Dental schools and some international options, but no BMAT). Note that a few programs, such as Graduate Entry Medicine at certain schools, might use the GAMSAT instead; however, for standard undergraduate entry, UCAT is the universal assessment across the UK. Always double-check if any alternative tests are required for specific cases (e.g., some Graduate courses), but for school-leaver applicants, the UCAT is the standard.

Q: How can I best prepare for medical school interviews after doing well on the UCAT?

A: Leverage the momentum from your UCAT success and prepare thoroughly for interviews – they are the final hurdle. First, research each school’s interview style (MMI or panel) and tailor your practice accordingly. Next, review common interview topics, including motivation for a career in medicine, understanding of a doctor’s life, ethical scenarios, and current healthcare events. Practice answering these questions out loud, ideally in mock interviews. It’s often helpful to get feedback from a teacher, mentor or a professional service. Since you did well on UCAT, pay attention to your SJT-related strengths – use that ethical intuition in answering scenario questions. Additionally, don’t neglect your communication skills; work on crafting clear, structured responses and maintaining positive body language. You might consider an interview course or MMI workshop if you want more structured practice – for example, our course (taught by NHS doctors from UK medical schools) can give you realistic mock interviews and personalised feedback. Finally, keep up with your academics and continue any work experience or reading. Being a well-rounded, informed candidate will complement your high UCAT score and leave a strong impression at interviews. Good luck!