Oxford, Cambridge & leading UK universities
Planting access for the next generation of Muslim students at leading universities.
Shajara Pathways supports students in Years 7 to 13, with a particular focus on Muslim students and families, through one-to-one mentoring, a year-long Access Programme and focused workshops.
I'm a student or parent
Explore one-to-one mentorship, the Access Programme and workshops, then send us a short enquiry.
Enquire or applyI'm a school or organisation
Book a workshop for your students or parents, or talk to us about a longer-term partnership.
Work with us
Why we exist
Talent is everywhere. Access is not.
Misconceptions
Ideas that leading universities are "not for people like us" can quietly discourage bright students from even considering an application.
A lack of mentorship
Many students have no one around them who has been through the process and can offer guidance, encouragement and honest advice.
Limited information
Applications to leading universities can feel opaque, with early deadlines, admissions tests and interviews that are hard to prepare for alone.
What we do
Three ways to get support
One-to-one mentorship
Personal mentoring for students considering or applying to Oxford, Cambridge and other leading UK universities, built around guidance, confidence and informed decisions.
Access Programme
Our most comprehensive pathway. A year-long programme combining workshops, one-to-one mentoring and contact with Oxbridge students and alumni, with paid and funded places.
Workshops
Focused 60 to 90 minute online workshops on the topics that matter most for leading-university applications, open to individual students and available as bespoke sessions for schools.
How it works
A clear path, one step at a time
- 1
Enquire
Fill in a short enquiry form about the student and the support they are looking for.
- 2
Initial conversation
A free 15 to 30 minute call to understand the student's goals and explain how we can help.
- 3
Your place
We recommend the right programme and confirm a package, then you pay online or take up a funded place.
- 4
Onboarding and support
We collect a few more details, match the student with a mentor and support begins.
Our story
Built by someone who has walked this path
Our founder, Taslima, studied at the University of Oxford and knows first-hand the challenges students from backgrounds like hers can face along the way. She and a growing network of Oxford and Cambridge students and alumni mentors are working to make that journey clearer and better supported.
Read our storyQuestions
Frequently asked questions
Who is Shajara Pathways for?
Shajara supports secondary school students in Years 7 to 13 who are considering Oxford, Cambridge or other leading UK universities. Our programmes are built around the experiences of Muslim students and families, particularly those who may not have access to the same networks or guidance, and students of any background are welcome. You do not need to be top of your class already or have family experience of university. What matters is curiosity, commitment and a willingness to aim high.
Do you only support applications to Oxford and Cambridge?
No. Oxford and Cambridge are our specialism, but we support students applying to other leading UK universities too. Course choice, personal statements, admissions tests and interviews matter across many universities, and most students apply to a mix, so we support them with the whole picture.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the programme. Workshops are priced individually and can be booked online. Mentorship is offered in packages of 6 or 10 sessions, and we confirm the package and cost after a free initial conversation. The Access Programme has both paid and funded places. Instalments are available for larger programmes, and there are no automatic subscriptions. If more than one child in your family is interested, let us know.
When should my child start?
The earlier, the better. Interest, reading and confidence built over several years make a much stronger application than a rush in Year 12 or 13. Workshops are open to Years 7 to 13, the Access Programme to Years 9 to 12 and mentorship to Years 10 to 13. Students can join at any stage and we will tailor support to where they are.
Free resources
Guides for students and parents
The Oxbridge application timeline
A step-by-step overview of when things happen in an Oxford or Cambridge application, from early secondary school through to offers.
How to choose a course at Oxford or Cambridge
Practical advice on choosing the right course, understanding how Oxford and Cambridge courses differ, and showing genuine interest in your subject.
Ready to take the first step?
Send us a short enquiry and we will be in touch within 2 working days to arrange a free initial conversation.