What is a UK Summer School?

How you can help promote our programme

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Send an email blast

We've made an email template you can use to tell eligible students about the programme

Use our template
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Present at an assembly

Use this handy annotated PowerPoint to share the opportunity with your year group

Present to your students
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Watch and share our video

We've created a short video to show what a Summer School is all about

View our video
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Put a poster up

Put our posters up in your classroom or common areas

Put up a poster
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Connect with us on social media

You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn @sutton_trust

Connect with us
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Read our Guide

We've created a guide specifically for teachers which provides more information on all of our student and teacher programmes

Read the guide

What is your involvement?

To apply to a Sutton Trust UK Summer School, each student must complete and submit the application form and nominate a teacher to verify their application. You will then be emailed to verify the following details to the best of their knowledge:

  • Grades (past and current qualifications)
  • Whether the student has ever been eligible for Free School Meals
  • Whether the student would be in the first generation in their family to attend university
  • Whether the student is or has ever been in care
  • Whether the student has received the 16-18 bursary

You do not need to be a current teacher.

 

What is the application timeline?

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January 14th 2025

Applications open

Find out more

January 14th 2025

Applications open

Students can apply by submitting an online form that will ask for details on their academic profile and background. They will not be asked to write a personal statement.

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March 6th 2025

Applications close

Find out more

March 6th 2025

Applications close

Applications will close at midday, after which submissions and edits can no longer be made.

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March 11th 2025

Teacher reference deadline

Find out more

March 11th 2025

Teacher reference deadline

Students must provide teacher’s name and school email address to verify their application. This must also be completed by 9am. If you have been nominated, you will also receive an email with a list of all students who have applied at from your school.

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Late April - May 2025

Applicants notified of application outcome

Find out more

Late April - May 2025

Applicants notified of application outcome

You will receive a list of decision outcomes for all student who nominated you for verification, as well as all students who applied from your school.

Teacher Training

We have created some fantastic resources to help teachers support students who are thinking about university.

USEFUL RESOURCES

We want to empower teachers like you to make real, strategic and lasting change in your schools. In partnership with Causeway, we have provided extra resources such as worksheets, booklets and presentations to ensure that all of your students are best prepared to take the next step. Resources include:

  • A basic information presentation on applying to university
  • Interview skills worksheet
  • LNAT Example Essay Handout
  • Personal statement checklist
  • Results Day Scenarios Student Booklet

All resources can be found here. Email [email protected] for the password.

OSCAR

The Sutton Trust has partnered with Causeway Education to give teachers access to free and easy to use tools including OSCAR (Online System for Completing Applications & References).  OSCAR allows students to input a variety of different experiences, interests, and accomplishments to effectively build a powerful personal statement and provides unique insights for teachers into what universities are looking for in a teacher recommendation.

The website can be found here.

My student returned to us buzzing about his time in Scotland - telling stories of the friends he made, places he visited and new experiences he enjoyed. This is a fantastic opportunity which has really opened his eyes to the opportunities out there and made him think about his future.

Head of Year | Brinsworth Academy, Rotherham

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Find out if your students can apply