Sutton Trust Summer School

Experience Edinburgh as a real student: living, studying and socialising in the heart of Scotland’s vibrant capital city. Explore subjects you’re interested in, take part in exciting social activities, receive expert support on your journey to university, and stay in halls of residence.

What's involved? 

Join us this summer in July 2024 for the “BEST WEEK EVER” that is “enthralling, immersive and literally life-changing!” (2023 participant feedback).

Try out fascinating academic subjects, receive expert guidance, get sorted into your Clan and make friends from all across the UK, explore the city, and live like a real first year in student halls. With something for everyone, there will never be a dull moment!

Spend 5 nights in Edinburgh and explore all the University and city have to offer. By the end of the week, we hope you will have gained a better insight into university life and have had lots of fun along the way.

Academic programme

At Edinburgh’s Sutton Trust Summer School, you have the opportunity to try out multiple subjects – perfect for if you are unsure or want to try something new.

Our expert team of academic staff will lead you in insightful lectures, tutorials, laboratory experiments and group work – just like a real first-year student. Subjects open for application in 2024 include:

• Biological Sciences
• Chemistry
• Computer Science (Informatics)
• Engineering
• English Literature
• History
• Languages, Literature & Culture
• Law
• Mathematics
• Medicine  (*new for 2024*)
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Politics & International Relations
• Sociology

*Please see the Sutton Trust website for set subject combinations open for application.

University application guidance 

Summer school staff and current students will also guide you in key aspects of the university experience, including: 

• the UCAS application and personal statements 

• student finance 

• accommodation

• student life 

• admissions 

• studying in Scotland 

Social programme

Get to know your fellow students and the city through an exciting variety of social activities including city tours, escape rooms, an epic final night party, and much more! You’ll also get plenty of free time and there are even chilled activities if you would rather take things slower.

Sutton Trust UK Summer Schools website

Hear previous students share their experiences

How do I join? 

You can apply to join the University of Edinburgh’s Sutton Trust Summer School if you are in S5 (Scotland), Year 12 (England and Wales), or Year 13 (Northern Ireland), and have always attended a state-funded school or college.

You are more likely to secure a place if:

• you have achieved at least five GCSEs at grades 9 – 6 (A*- B) (minimum of two of these qualifications at grades 9 – 7), or five A or B grades at National 5 (including one A) and these grades must include English and Mathematics. Where applicable, you have taken subjects relevant to the subject stream applied for
• your parents have not been to university
• you have been in receipt of Free School Meals or EMA whilst at secondary school
• you attend a school or college with a below-average A-level or Higher point score and/or a low rate of progression to higher education
• you live in a neighbourhood with a low rate of progression to higher education and/or a high level of socio-economic deprivation

Priority will be given to applicants who have been looked after, accommodated or in care, and refugees.

The more criteria you meet, the more likely you are to secure a place. Not meeting all of these will not disqualify you.

Applications open on January 9^th 2024 and close on March 7^th 2024 (midday).

Sutton Trust UK Summer Schools website

Contact us

Susan Forrest

Widening Participation Events Officer

Contact details

• Work: 07760 163155
• Email: st-summer-school@ed.ac.uk

Follow us on Instagram

You can follow the University of Edinburgh Sutton Summer School on social media and preview what's involved in the programme. 

Instagram: University of Edinburgh Sutton Summer School profile