UK Summer Schools
Are you interested in going to university? Not sure on what subject you want to study?
Our UK Summer Schools offer you the chance to experience what university life is like.
From academic taster sessions to social activities, you’ll get the chance to meet like-minded young people from across the UK and explore a subject of your choice at a leading UK university.
Register your interest
What the programme offers
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.
If you are (or have been) looked after, accommodated or in care, you only need to meet the age, school and academic requirements.
How to apply
Applications for the UK Summer Schools 2025 are now open!
Find out more about individual programmes – including courses, university partners and dates using the links below.
Programme impact
Students who attend one of our UK Summer Schools 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.
Data on the last cohort
Learn more about our UK Summer School students.
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 average number of programme criteria participants met.
The highlight for me was taking part in academic sessions with some of the best academics in Cambridge. Being able to experience two personal tuition sessions on a subject I'm really passionate about absolutely made my week!
The programme increased my confidence in applying to medical courses. I now plan to pursue an undergraduate degree in medicine. I walked away with an understanding of what student life at Cardiff University is really like- all while making new friends!
Taking part in the summer school has helped me gain confidence. I feel like I'm a competitive applicant now, while before I just thought it would be lucky if I was offered a university place from any institution.
The programme helped show me that university is definitely the right choice for me and that I can cope with moving to an entirely new place and make friends without having to worry at all. If you’re still on the fence, I'd say go for it. You have nothing to lose and an amazing experience waiting for you and you will meet the best people.
Partner universities
The universities we work with to deliver our Summer Schools:
Supporters
The Sutton Trust is incredibly grateful for the generous support that make our programmes possible. A special thanks to:
