Summer Schools: What’s It Actually Like?

For a lot of students, university can feel unfamiliar or even out of reach. If you’re first in your family to apply, come from a lower-income background, or attend a school where not many students progress to higher education, it can feel unfamiliar and intimidating.

That is exactly what Widening Participation (WP) programmes are there to change!

At Uni of Nottingham (UoN), WP is all about making university feel possible, accessible and welcoming. It is about providing the right support, so talented students aren’t held back by circumstances. The university offers alternative routes and additional support to help students reach their potential and thrive! This includes contextual offers, financial support through scholarships and bursaries and foundation years. Also, just a heads up - we’ve recently launched a new International Scholarship. The application process is automatic and it’s designed to make accessing funding as simple as possible. Find out more information here: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/international-applicants/scholarships-funding-finance/international-undergraduate-excellence-scholarships.aspx

One of the most well-known WP opportunities is the Sutton Trust Summer School. See here!: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/schoolsliaison/services/sutton-trust-summer-school.aspx

This free, five-day residential programme for year 12 (or S5) students from state schools across the UK, running between 5^th-10^thof July, and the 12-17^th of July. It is designed to give you a real taste of university life!

This means you will be: :smile:

Attending subject-specific academic sessions :cool:

Live on campus in halls of residence :h:

Social activities like sports :biggrin:

Developing skills to prepare for studying at university

You will also have the chance to gain information and guidance from current university students and meet other young people from across the country.

Please note that applications for this close on Thursday the 5th of March 2026!

Support does not end when the week ends too! After completing the summer school, students gain access to UCAS and personal statement support, online workshops and direct contact with student ambassadors through Sutton Trust Online.

Those who successfully complete the programme can also be eligible for an enhanced contextual offer (up to 2 grades lower, dependant on course) if they choose UoN, and be a recipient of one of our bursaries, currently worth £1000 per year of study.

If anyone here has taken part in a WP summer school or a Sutton Trust programme, it would be amazing to hear about your experience - feel free to share below!

UoN Official Student Rep, Aimee

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