The Sutton Trust Summer School at St Andrews

• Key details

  • Dates: Sunday 6 July to Friday 11 July 2025
  • Location: University Halls at St Andrews
  • Who can apply: Students in S5, Year 12 (England/Wales), or Year 13 (Northern Ireland)
  • Cost: Completely free! Travel expenses for students from Scotland will be reimbursed, and travel for those from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be arranged by the University.

• Your academic journey

  You'll experience a week packed with classes similar to those undertaken by first-year University students. You’ll choose one subject from each of these 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 (can only be chosen for one of your options)
  • Modern Languages.

  You'll also join seminars that will help you navigate the UCAS application process and learn about personal development, study skills, and funding your education.

  Fun social activities

  Evenings will be filled with social events like sports, music nights, and the famous Sutton Trust ceilidh. Plus, current students will be there to share their experiences and help guide you through the week.

  

• Who can apply?

  We're looking for students who:

  • Are in S5 (Scotland) or equivalent (Year 12 England or Wales and Year 13 Northern Ireland).
  • Have achieved at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 6 (A* to B), including English and Maths. A minimum of two of these qualifications should be at grades 9 to 7. Or five A or B grades at National 5 including one A.
  • Must attend, and have always attended, a state-funded school or college (non-fee paying) in the UK.
  • Have not yet made an application to university.

  You may also meet some of the following criteria: 

  • 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 an area 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.

• How to apply

  1. Complete the Online Application Form
     Applications are made via the Sutton Trust website. Be sure to submit your completed application form by 6 March 2025.

     Important: You can only apply to one summer school programme, so choose carefully! Once your application is submitted, you cannot change your choice of university or programme.

  2. Get Your Teacher’s Support
     You will need a teacher to verify and approve your application.

     • Speak to a suitable teacher (e.g., a subject teacher or guidance counselor) before applying to ensure they are happy to support you.
     • You will need to include their contact details in your application.
     • Your teacher must verify your application by 11 March 2025.

  3. Provide Detailed Information

     • List all the subjects you have studied at school, including the grades you’ve achieved.
     • Include details of your current subjects and predicted grades if available.
     • Be thorough! Providing as much information as possible helps strengthen your application.

  4. Choose Your Subjects at St Andrews
     If you’re applying to the Sutton Trust Summer School at St Andrews, you’ll need to select two subjects you wish to study during the week.

     • Pick subjects that align with your school studies and personal interests.
     • These should be courses you’re considering studying at university.

  5. Wait for Your Outcome
     You will hear back about the outcome of your application from your chosen university in early May 2025.

   

• Hear from our Sutton Trust alumni

  It was one of the most interesting and fun weeks ever. I never felt bored or overwhelmed because things had been planned so well. Being able to meet so many amazing professors and people who are truly masters in their fields was invaluable and I can’t think of any reason not to apply.

  Rebecca

  ---

  Meeting so many new people really reminded me that there is a world outside of the area I live in and has given me so much motivation for school and applications knowing it's waiting for me. Living in areas where most people think in the same ways can be hard sometimes and being able to see first-hand that the world is so diverse has really helped me gain confidence in myself.

  Florence

  ---

  It has motivated me to pursue my dreams and to keep trying. It was so important in helping me decide what to do with my life. I have found a new appreciation of university life and what it will be like to be a student.

  Cody

  ---

  I genuinely had an amazing time, made great memories and made some great friends (we're already planning to meet up again soon). So really, thank you so much, I loved the whole thing. All of the staff and ambassadors were so lovely too. It was perfect :) [...] I was genuinely so sad to leave so soon, Scotland and St Andrews were beyond amazing.

  Katie