Sutton Trust Summer School

• Key information

  Dates: Sunday 30 June - Friday 5 July 2024
  Type of programme: A one-week residential summer school programme. Students will be required to travel to St Andrew and stay in the University Halls for the duration of the summer school.
  Participants: S5 (Scotland), Year 12 (England and Wales) and Year 13 (Northern Ireland) pupils
  Maximum enrolment: around 140 places available.

   

• Academic programme

  Throughout the week you will participate in an intensive programme of academic learning similar to that undertaken by first-year students. You can expect to balance busy academic sessions with a fun and varied programme of activities intended to help you develop the transferable skills required to succeed at university.

  Subject areas

  To reflect the flexibility and breadth of the faculty system at the University of St Andrews, we encourage you to study two subjects during the summer school. Each subject is delivered through a varied programme of teaching to reflect the different teaching styles you will experience as an undergraduate student. You will attend lectures, tutorials and seminars in two subject areas, as well as undertake both group work and independent study.

  You will choose to study one subject from each of the options:

  Option one:

  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • English
  • Geography and Sustainable Development
  • International Relations
  • Medicine
  • Psychology
  • Physics and Astronomy.

  Option two:

  • Art History
  • Biology
  • Classics and History
  • Earth Sciences
  • Economics and Management
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Medicine
  • Modern Languages.

  Medicine can only be selected once and you must choose an additional subject to explore during the week. You cannot select Medicine in both option columns.

  In order to assist you through the UCAS application system, you will also attend seminars on:

  • personal development and study skills
  • writing an effective UCAS personal statement
  • funding your way through university
  • opportunities whilst studying: study abroad and careers after university

  Other activities

  You will have the opportunity to participate in a range of social activities during the evenings.

  Our dedicated team of student ambassadors will also be on hand throughout the week to ensure your experience is a positive one. The student ambassadors involved in the summer school will be studying a range of subjects and will share their own experiences of going to a university like St Andrews.

• Who can apply?

  Applications are welcomed from pupils who fulfil some of the following criteria:

  • You must be in S5 (Scotland) or equivalent (Year 12 England or Wales and Year 13 Northern Ireland).
  • You must 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
  • You must attend, and have always attended, a state-funded school or college (non-fee paying) in the UK.
  • You have not yet made an application to university.
  • You are the first generation in your family to attend university.
  • You are taking relevant subjects in relation to the subject stream you are applying for.
  • You attend a school or college with a low overall A-level, Higher, Advanced Higher (or equivalent) point score or a school or college with low progression to higher education.
  • You come from a neighbourhood with low overall progression rates to higher education or levels of socio-economic deprivation.
  • You are (or have been) looked after, accommodated or in care.
  • You are a registered young carer.
  • You receive an Educational Maintenance Allowance.
  • You receive free school meals.
  • You are under the age of 18 at the time of the summer school.

• Testimonials

  Hear from students who have previously attended the Sutton Trust Summer School.

  The Sutton Trust Summer School programme has certainly had an impact on me and my view of going University. The workshops, lectures and getting the opportunity to talk to current students gave a valuable insight as to what it's like to study at university as well as a chance to enquire about the subject I want to apply for and get a rough idea as to how I can better prepare myself for applying to university. The summer school was a great way to make new friends and get useful information!

  Philen

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  I have enjoyed my time at the University of St Andrews Sutton Trust Summer School immensely. It has given me an insight into university life and helped me overcome concerns I had about university. The staff and ambassadors made me feel very welcome and were always available to offer advice. My subjects were all very interesting and the lecturers were enthusiastic. I have gained so much experience and made friends from all over Britain.

  Kirsty

  ---

  After attending the summer school, I have never been more sure that I would like to apply to university. I had previously had many doubts about whether I was going to be able to manage it, but the Sutton Trust Summer School has gotten rid of those doubts and replaced them with hopefulness and excitement. My enthusiasm for maths has skyrocketed, and I have genuinely never been so sure that it is what I would like to study. I have been extremely lucky to have this experience and I urge any eligible S5 pupils to apply, you will not regret it!

  Danielle

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  As a whole, I feel like this week was an incredible experience for anyone who is thinking about going to university as it gives you an opportunity to experience university first hand and meet a lot of like-minded people who can become really good friends. I would definitely encourage anyone who is thinking about applying to the Sutton Trust to go for it, it is truly an experience of a lifetime.

  Caitlin