Sutton Trust Online is our digital programme providing support to students on their journey to university or an apprenticeship.

It has been designed utilising our 25 years of experience running programmes which support students into leading universities and apprenticeships.

Over 18 months, students will be guided through all the information, skills and advice they need as they explore their options, apply to, prepare for and succeed at university or an apprenticeship.

Register your interest

Applications open:
16th April 2025
Age:
16-18
Location:
National
Duration:
18 months
Register your interest for 2024/25

Phases of the programme

Each phase will provide resources and support based on where the student is in their university or apprenticeship application process.

Explore phase

Open popup
Open popup

Explore phase

This first phase will support students in their exploration of post-18 options, whether that be university, apprenticeships, or careers. After completing this phase, students will be able to answer the following questions:

  1. What are my options after school or college?
  2. What do I need to think about now if I want to go to university or an apprenticeship?
  3. What things are important to me when choosing a university/apprenticeship and course?
  4. Where can I find information to help me narrow down my options?

Click here to watch a video about this phase.

Apply phase

Open popup
Open popup

Apply phase

This phase will support students in creating a competitive and powerful university and/or apprenticeship application. By the end of the unit, they will be able to answer the following questions:

What do I need to do to complete a UCAS application for my chosen universities or courses and by when do I need to do it?

  1. How can I write an outstanding personal statement?
  2. How can I prepare for admissions tests or an interview if required for my chosen course?
  3. Where can I get support with my application?

What do I need to do to prepare a competitive apprenticeship application and what kind of timeline should I set for myself?

  1. How do I write a compelling CV?
  2. How can I prepare for assessment days or admissions tests?
  3. Where can I find advice on my application?

Click here to watch a video about this phase.

Prepare phase

Open popup
Open popup

Prepare phase

This phase will support students in their preparation for university or an apprenticeship. By the end of the unit, they will be able to answer the following questions:

  1. How do I pick my firm and insurance choices?
  2. How do I accept an apprenticeship offer?
  3. What do I need to do to secure financial support and accommodation?
  4. What can I do now to ensure I do well in my exams and meet my grade requirements?

Click here to watch a video about this phase.

Succeed phase

Open popup
Open popup

Succeed phase

This phase will support students in transitioning to studying and living in a post-18 environment. By the end of the unit, students will be able to answer the following questions:

  1. Am I prepared for results day and do I have a backup plan?
  2. How can I develop the skills to live and learn independently?
  3. Where can I get support at university/in the workplace?
  4. What opportunities are there beyond the classroom?

Click here to watch a video about this phase.

Who can apply

Eligibility

To apply to Sutton Trust Online, you 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.
  • Have achieved at least four 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.

In addition, students must also meet one of the following social mobility criteria:

  • Would be the first generation in their family to gain a degree/degree-level qualification.
  • Have been eligible for Free School Meals whilst at secondary school.
  • Have been looked after or in care.
  • Live in a neighbourhood with a low rate of progression to higher education or a high level of socio-economic deprivation AND 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.

How to apply

Applications are currently closed.

Register your interest for 2024/2025 using the link below.

Register your interest 

What are the benefits?

Personal statement support

Open popup
Open popup

Personal statement support

Including access to a personal statement building tool and the opportunity for a mentor.

Access to exclusive webinars and events with experts

Open popup
Open popup

Access to exclusive webinars and events with experts

From exploring your options with our university partners, to support with student finance and applying to university

Support with admissions tests and interviews for competitive courses, universities & apprenticeships

University and course specific content curated by our Russell Group university partners

Interactive resources to help you set and achieve your goals

Access to post-18 alumni support

Open popup
Open popup

Access to post-18 alumni support

You will also be able to join our alumni platform (STA) after finishing school/ college, where they will have access to a wealth of careers content and be able to apply for bursaries and job opportunities!

Learn more about Sutton Trust Online!

Application Process

Apply for STO

September - March

Any student who applies to a programme and meets our academic criteria and at least one of our social mobility criteria will be accepted onto Sutton Trust Online.

April

STO First Round Decisions are announced

May - August

Students can apply directly to Sutton Trust Online and will be enrolled on a rolling basis over the summer.

Need some help finding a programme?

Find the right programme for you

Learn more about our different programmes

UK Summer Schools

US Programme

Pathways to the Professions

Access Apprenticeships