Following a packed summer of programme delivery, we speak to Katy Hampshire, Director of Programmes and Jon Datta, Head of University Access and Digital, about their experiences of our summer schools.

Where have summer schools taken place this year and which universities did you manage to visit?

Katy:  This year, I’ve had the fantastic opportunity to visit a wide range of our summer schools, from the lively, bustling campus at Nottingham to the more specialised setting at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). I also spent time in Edinburgh and was lucky enough to join our delivery partner, Fulbright, on an exciting trip to the USA. Each of these residential weeks offers something unique. Students get to live in university dorms, explore the campus, and dive into engaging information sessions and cultural activities. It’s all about guiding students through these big decisions, and we’re there to support them every step of the way.

Jon: Our Summer Schools offer over 40 different courses at 13 of the UK’s highly selective universities (Sheffield, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh,  Glasgow, Imperial, Nottingham, Royal Veterinary College, St Andrews, UCL and Warwick) and I’ve managed to visit 8 of them! Over the summer, I’ve been to Glasgow, Imperial, Nottingham, Bristol, Sheffield, Warwick, Durham, and Cambridge. Each visit has been unique, showcasing the vibrancy and commitment of these institutions to fostering an inclusive and stimulating educational environment.

What do students do as part of our summer schools?

Jon: These programmes offer a unique blend of scholarly depth and personal growth, preparing students for the rigours of university life.

Through a variety of subject streams, students get an authentic taste of undergraduate courses. The academic experience is enriched with lectures and seminars delivered by world-leading academics, group work, and independent study. For instance, all of the universities have integrated real-world applications into their curriculum, which resonated strongly with the students, offering them a glimpse into the impact of academic studies on global challenges. Their journeys throughout the week include information and guidance on successfully applying to highly selective universities as well as a full timetable of social activities which enhance their cultural and social understanding. These experiences not only boost academic preparedness but also significantly enhance students’ sense of independence, belonging and confidence.

Katy: During our summer schools,  students immerse themselves in a variety of academic activities tailored to mimic the undergraduate experience. For example, at UCL, practical projects tied to architecture and geography were enhanced by visits to London landmarks, enriching both their academic and cultural perspectives. In the US,  they get to visit a mix of Ivy League universities and more specialist liberal arts colleges. They stay on campuses like MIT, Princeton, and Yale, which really helps build their sense of belonging and confidence. The programme also includes valuable information sessions on applications and scholarships, along with a university fair where they meet representatives from across the US. This helps them explore whether studying in the US is the right path for them, all while we support them in making informed decisions every step of the way.

Aside from the academic activities, what makes the summer school experience special for students?

Jon: Our summer schools, hosted by highly selective universities, are more than just an academic exercise; they are a beacon of opportunity for students from state-funded schools.  At each university, students are immersed in a vibrant academic and social environment. They engage with mentors, who are current undergraduates, providing invaluable insights and support. They also participate in varied social activities, fostering cross-cultural understanding and sparking meaningful friendships.

Katy: Many of the university ambassadors and even occasionally lecturers and university staff are alumni of the Sutton Trust programmes. This has the added bonus of enabling students to have face-to-face time with people who have come from similar backgrounds and succeeded in accessing these top universities and even making a career there. Their success stories visibly inspire current participants, embodying the idea that ‘seeing is believing’ in terms of educational and career achievements.

Jon: Agreed! A particularly memorable experience was, in Durham, the story of Megan who transitioned from a student mentor to Widening Participation manager at the university. This year she hired one of her own former mentees as a mentor for this year’s iteration, highlighted the enduring and cyclical impact of our initiatives.

How can attending a summer school help students access a top university?

Jon: A tangibly rewarding aspect of some of the summer schools is the opportunity to secure a guaranteed contextual offer. This assurance significantly boosts their chances of securing a place at a top university, making higher education more accessible.

At Warwick and Sheffield, I witnessed students thrive in a supportive community, gaining the confidence and skills needed to excel. At Imperial and Cambridge, the focus on academic rigour provided students with a challenging yet inspiring academic experience. Nottingham and Durham’s vibrant campus life and dedicated pastoral support created an environment in which students felt motivated and valued. St Andrews introduced a new personal finance session this year and this addition not only enhances students’ financial literacy but also prepares them for the financial aspects of university life, which is a critical component of accessing and succeeding in higher education. At all of them, students leave feeling better prepared both academically and personally to transition to highly selective universities.

Katy: RVC was fascinating! Veterinary courses are hands on, so the students get practical work experience on the farm or equine centre. This is also experience that RVC has ensured is accredited to count towards the work experience requirement for applications to university.

On the US programme, a key part of a successful application is demonstrating a strong ‘fit’ with the university’s ethos. Seeing these universities in person and understanding how their system differs from the UK can be incredibly helpful. Meeting admissions teams and building those relationships is crucial—these connections can significantly impact your journey towards a top US university.

What was the most fun experience you had while visiting summer schools?

Katy: I really loved meeting the students, the alumni who are ambassadors and seeing the unique aspects of each university and the passion of the staff there to support young people from low-income backgrounds to come to their institution.  

I found each and every visit rewarding and interesting. In Edinburgh I sat in on a law session with two lecturers who had both worked in practice and got to listen as the students debated if a legally binding contract had been created. At RVC I donned a boiler suit and wellies to watch the students ‘tipping sheep’. In Nottingham (my old uni) I hugely enjoyed chatting to staff on campus about their passion for the programme.  

In the US – well- I was in the US! But to actually go and have breakfast at Harvard University – think US breakfasts of French toast, fruit, eggs, and maple syrup!  

Jon: The evening celebrations were a highlight as they beautifully encapsulated the entire week’s journey. At Sheffield’s Kelham Island Museum, the evening started with a three-course meal, followed by awards and a keynote speech that underscored the students’ accomplishments. The celebration continued with a DJ and photobooth, creating a festive atmosphere that reinforced their sense of achievement and belonging. In Durham, the formal dinner at South College was followed by a silent disco and it was wonderful to see the students, strangers mere days before, celebrate together as friends and peers. Watching students move from apprehension to confidence throughout the week and seeing this culminate in joyous celebrations was profoundly rewarding.

What did you see from students that made you reflect on how we can best support them through our programmes going forward?

Katy: A key outcome for us is ensuring students make informed choices. We want them to feel confident in their decisions, and that means providing wraparound support, not just during the summer school but afterwards as well. The week itself is quite intensive— there’s a lot of new information to take in, new people to meet, and for many, it’s their first experience in a university setting. We recognise that questions might arise later, once students have had time to reflect on their experience. That’s where the ongoing support from Sutton Trust Online (STO) comes in. We work closely with the universities to ensure that students continue to receive the guidance they need, helping them transition smoothly into university life.

Each time I visit one of our partner universities, I’m always struck by the grandeur of the campuses-the historic buildings, the rich legacies, and the world-leading academics. For many of our students, especially those from low-income or first-generation backgrounds, this can be an entirely different world. The summer schools give them the chance to see themselves in that environment, to test out being there, and to start believing that they belong in these spaces. This is where they begin to imagine themselves as part of that history, paving the way for their own future success.

Jon: Additionally, observing the positive engagement with the online aspects of the summer school highlighted the potential of hybrid delivery formats. This experience has prompted us to evaluate the balance between face-to-face and online interactions more critically. We are now exploring where face-to-face provision delivers the best value and where hybrid models could offer more efficiency and cost-effectiveness without compromising the quality of the student experience. This shift towards a more flexible delivery model aims to adapt to the diverse needs and circumstances of our students, ensuring accessibility and engagement across all our programmes.

During the summer schools, I was struck by how students from less advantaged backgrounds often expressed both excitement and apprehension about the transition to university. Reflecting on this, I realised that while our summer schools are effective in boosting academic skills and university readiness, there is a critical window of time between the end of the summer school and the start of university that we can better utilise.  

 This has inspired me to explore piloting a hybrid model of ongoing transition support across our partner universities. By incorporating online engagement during this post-application, pre-entry phase, we can provide tailored resources, mentoring, and community-building activities that help students feel more secure and prepared. This approach would ensure that our support doesn’t end after university application but continues up until they enrol, giving them the best chance to thrive from day one at university. 

What would you say to a student who is unsure about applying for our summer schools or feels that a top university might not be for them?

Katy: Top universities are still one of the best chances to accelerate your life towards top jobs and earning potential. They are also places where you get the chance to explore a subject and take time to learn and make connections for life.

This is your chance to test it out – for free – giving up only a week of your summer. You’ll meet people from across the country who, like you, want to learn, who have been doing well at school, who are now studying towards A-Levels or Highers but who might be the first in their family to go to university. If you’re hesitating about applying for our summer schools because you think a top university might not be for you, I want to reassure you that these programmes are specifically designed to demystify the university experience. They provide a no-risk, comprehensive preview of university life, tailored to help you see yourself succeeding in those very spaces that might seem daunting from afar. Our summer schools are not just about academic preparation; they’re about building confidence, discovering passions, and forming friendships that reflect a broad spectrum of backgrounds and experiences.

Jon: Remember, these summer schools are much more than just educational camps; they are transformative experiences that equip you with the tools, knowledge, and networks to make informed decisions about your future. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with mentors and peers who have walked the path before you and succeeded. The insights you gain from interacting in real university settings, from labs to lecture halls and even dorms, are invaluable. They help break down barriers, challenge preconceptions, and open up a world of possibilities. This is your chance to explore, engage, and envision a future where you not only attend a top university but thrive there. So, take that step, apply, and open the door to discovering what you can achieve. It could be one of the most defining decisions of your life.

Don’t just take it from us, learn more about what our programmes involve and how they can help young people directly from our alumni: Alumni Stories – Sutton Trust