Our story
Built by two doctors who sat where you're sitting
Applying to medical or dental school can feel overwhelming, especially without the right guidance around you. We started exactly there, and everything we teach today is shaped by it.
Two sixth-formers from Rossendale with no roadmap, now practising NHS doctors running the course we wish we'd had.
Our story
The journey so far
From two sixth-formers with no roadmap to a course run entirely by practising NHS doctors.
1990s Two students, no roadmap
We grew up in Rossendale and went to school in Bacup and Rawtenstall. Like many students applying to medicine today, we were ambitious and hard-working, but there was very little guidance on how to actually get in.
No clear roadmap, no admissions coaching, no easy advice online. Both of us came from working-class families who gave us huge moral support but had not been through the process themselves. So we did what serious applicants still do: bought the books, practised interviews at weekends, and hoped for the best.
2000 Qualified as doctors at Manchester
We both trained at the University of Manchester Medical School and went on to build careers as NHS GPs, combining clinical practice with teaching and training the next generation of doctors.
Early years Teaching, before there was an industry for it
Long before admissions coaching became a business, we were helping local students prepare for interviews, because we knew first-hand how much difference the right guidance makes.
2015 Blue Peanut opens its doors
We formalised what we had been doing informally for years, building interview preparation designed around what medical and dental schools actually assess, taught by practising doctors rather than a rotating team of tutors.
Growing From interview courses to full MMI circuits
As demand grew, so did what we offer: from interview courses into full mock MMI circuits for both medicine and dentistry, giving students realistic practice under real exam conditions.
Today Run entirely by practising NHS doctors
Everything we teach stays connected to current NHS practice and real admissions standards. We still teach every course ourselves, because that is what makes the guidance honest and up to date.
Meet the doctors
Learn from the people who teach every course
Both founders are practising NHS GPs at Hazel Valley Family Practice, where they train GPs, supervise medical students and appraise for NHS England. They teach every course themselves.
Dr Abdul Mannan
MBChB (Manchester), MRCGP, PGCert Medical Education
Abdul is an NHS GP with a particular focus on medical education, primary care leadership and clinical research. He trained at the University of Manchester Medical School and now practises in Lancashire, where he leads a primary care network and helps train the next generation of doctors.
- GP at Hazel Valley Family Practice
- Clinical Director, Rossendale Primary Care Network
- Deputy Senior Research Leader, NIHR
- GP Trainer and NHS GP Appraiser, NHS England
- Undergraduate tutor, Manchester and UCLan medical schools
Dr Imran Khan
MBChB (Manchester), LLM (Edinburgh), FRCGP
Imran is a senior NHS GP with a strong portfolio in clinical leadership, medical education and safeguarding. He trained at the University of Manchester Medical School and holds a master's in medical law and ethics from Edinburgh. He supervises GP trainees, foundation doctors and medical students, and appraises for NHS England.
- GP at Hazel Valley Family Practice
- Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners
- LLM Medical Law and Ethics, University of Edinburgh
- GP Trainer and NHS GP Appraiser, NHS England
- Undergraduate tutor, Manchester and UCLan medical schools
Why Blue Peanut
Admissions guidance from practising NHS doctors
Admissions insight
Former MBChB admissions assessors
Our guidance is shaped by real experience of assessing medical school applicants. We do not do this now, as it would be a conflict of interest.
Training future doctors
Educational supervisors in the NHS
We support foundation doctors and GP trainees, giving us deep insight into medical education at every level.
Research-led expertise
Academic and evidence-based
Our work includes medical research at King's College London, helping ensure our teaching is rigorous and current.
Honest and transparent
Trusted, ethical guidance
As RCGP Fellows and BMA members, we offer independent advice with no sponsorship, bias or hidden agenda. No CEOs, investors or business awards.
What makes us different
Honest advice, not sales talk
We are independent and free from advertiser or investor pressure, so we can tell you what is genuinely in your best interests, not what you want to hear.
Taught by practising NHS doctors
Not a rotating team of tutors. The two of us design every course and teach it ourselves, drawing on real experience as placement and clinical supervisors.
No investors, no outside pressure
We do not answer to advertisers or commercial backers. Our credibility comes from the medical profession itself, and that keeps our advice straight.
Grounded in the real NHS
We run our own NHS practice and host work experience placements there. Everything we teach stays connected to how future doctors are actually selected and trained.
Work with us
Get guidance from doctors who have been there
Whether you are applying to medicine or dentistry, our courses are taught in small groups by practising NHS doctors, in Manchester, London or live online.
Questions first? Call 01706 491146 or email support@bluepeanut.co.uk