What the programme offers
Experience university life
Experience university life
Spend a week at one of our 13 partner universities to experience what university life really looks and feels like. Our Summer Schools are completely free so you can get to know your chosen university, no matter where in the country you’re from.
Academic taster sessions
Academic taster sessions
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.
University application guidance
University application guidance
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, what the availability of bursaries is and how to manage your money whilst at university.
Social activities
Social activities
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, to film nights!
Who can apply
Students applying to UK Summer Schools must meet the following criteria:
- Attend, and have always attended, a state-funded, non fee-paying school/college
- Be in Year 12 (England and Wales), Year 13 (Northern Ireland) or S5 (Scotland) at the start of the programme
In addition, we are looking for students who:
- Have achieved at least five GCSEs at grades 9 – 6 (A*-B), including English and Maths. A minimum of two of these qualifications should be at grades 9 – 7. Or five A or B grades at National 5 including one A
- Would be the first generation in their family to attend university
- Have been in receipt of Free School Meals whilst at secondary school
- Live in a neighbourhood with a low rate of progression to higher education or a high level of socio-economic deprivation
- Have attended schools with a lower than average progression to higher education, or a higher than average proportion of students who qualify for Free School Meals
- Have been looked after or in care
The more criteria you meet, the more likely you are to get a place on the programme. Not meeting all of the additional criteria will not disqualify you.
How to apply
Applications for the UK Summer Schools 2024 are now open. Apply using the link below.
To find out more about the programme including courses, university partners and dates click the link here
Of our latest cohort
The proportion of students who would be the first in their family to attend university.
The proportion of students who were eligible for Free Schools Meals.
The proportion of students who met three or more of our programme criteria.
Programme Impact
UK Summer Schools students are:
more likely to apply to a leading university
more likely to receive an offer from a leading university
more likely to accept an offer from a leading university
Partner universities
Supporters
The Sutton Trust is incredibly grateful for the generous support that make our programmes possible. Special thanks to:
