Deadline:
March 06, 2025
Location(s)
United Kingdom
13 leading universities in the UK
Overview
Each year, the Admissions team organises a free week-long residential summer school intended for those studying anywhere in the UK who still have a year to complete at school. The aim is to de-mystify elite universities and to equip students – most of whom will be the first in their families to go on to higher education – with the knowledge and insight to make high-quality applications to top universities.
Spend a week at a leading university attending exciting lectures and meeting interesting people. After you have graduated you will gain access to our 3,000 strong alumni network where you can gain access to more career opportunities
Details
During the week, participants take part in a varied programme of academic and social activities designed to give insight into what university study would be like. Students will live in a university hall of residence and attend academic sessions in two subject areas of their choice. Sessions are also held on the UCAS application process, personal statements and student finance to ensure advice and guidance are given on all aspects of the journey to university.
Our FREE subject-specific Summer Schools are held at 13 leading universities and you can:
- Choose from more than 40 different subjects from Anthropology to Zoology
- Experience university life, explore academic study and receive support with your UCAS application at our Summer Schools
- Meet like-minded students from across the UK and engage with current undergraduates
- Attend taster lectures and workshops delivered by academics and build your knowledge in a subject area you’re interested in exploring at university
WHAT CAN YOU DO AT A SUTTON TRUST UK SUMMER SCHOOL?
- EXPERIENCE UNIVERSITY LIFE: Spend a week with one of our 13 partner universities. Our Summer Schools are completely free so you can get to know your chosen university, no matter where in the country you’re from.
- EXPLORE ONE OF 40 SUBJECTS AT A LEADING INSTITUTION: Explore academic taster sessions in your chosen subject. Choose from over 40 different courses, from Archaeology and Anthropology to Veterinary Medicine. With over 15 hours of teaching at undergraduate level, you will get the chance to dive deep into subjects that you are passionate about. Going beyond the school curriculum, your academic sessions will provide you with material to use in your personal statement.
- MEET NEW PEOPLE: You will take part in a range of social activities, designed to help you make friends with other students on the Summer School and unwind after jam-packed days! Depending on your programme, these will range from tours, to trying out new hobbies with university societies, from film nights to final night celebrations!
- DEVELOP ESSENTIAL LIFE SKILLS: Throughout your week, you will have the chance to develop essential life skills. You will have the chance to improve your presentation skills in academic sessions and will gain motivation for your studies by meeting student ambassadors and staff and hearing about their educational journeys. Living, studying and socialising with other students from across the UK will help you work better as part of a team.
- RECEIVE APPLICATIONS SUPPORT: You will take part in workshops that will help you navigate UCAS and write the best personal statement possible. You will find out about how to apply for student finance, the availability of bursaries and how to manage your money whilst at university.
- JOIN OUR ALUMNI PLATFORM: Once you graduate from a Sutton Trust programme, you will become a member of our alumni community. Sutton Trust Alumni is the online home of the alumni community. Here you can create connections, access support and inspire change. With more than 3,500 alumni already active in the community, you can get advice from alums studying and working in areas you are interested in. You’ll also gain exclusive access to events, career opportunities and ways to stay involved with our work.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
This initiative is supported by the Sutton Trust and preference will be given to applicants from state-supported schools who fulfil most of the following:
- Those who have not yet made an application to university
- The first generation in their family to attend university
- Achieved at least 5 A/A*s at GCSE, 5 A or B passes at National 5 or equivalent
- Taking relevant subjects in relation to the subject stream they are applying for
- Attend schools or colleges with a low overall A-level, Higher/Advanced Higher (or equivalent) point score and/or schools or colleges with low progression to higher education
- Come from neighbourhoods with low overall progression rates to higher education or levels of socio-economic deprivation
- Are (or have been) looked after, accommodated or in care
- Are under the age of 18 at the time of the summer school.
Dates
Deadline: March 06, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
Sutton Trust Summer Schools are free of charge. Not only is you place free, but we will also pay for your transport, accommodation, food and all activities and resources. There really is no cost to attend.
Pupils are welcome to bring their own personal spending money for the week.
We will cover the cost of travel, accommodation, food and activities so you don’t have to pay anything
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
