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 next summer in July 2024 for “a life-changing experience” that is “fun, enlightening and welcoming!” (2022 Graduate feedback).

Get sorted into your house, make friends from all across the UK, try out academic subjects, receive expert support, and live like a real first year student in accommodation. 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 just want to try something new. 

Our expert academics will lead you in fascinating subjects of your choice, plus dozens of other unique optional taster subjects. You can experience lectures, tutorials, laboratory experiments, and group work just like a real first year student. In 2023, students studied a combination of the following subjects (subjects for 2024 to be confirmed): 

• Biological Sciences 

• Chemistry  

• Computer Science (Informatics) 

• Engineering

• English Literature 

• History and the Ancient World 

• Languages, Literatures and Cultures 

• Law 

• Mathematics 

• Philosophy 

• Physics 

• Politics and International Relations 

• Sociology 

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 Edinburgh in city tours (bus, Instagram and food based), quiz night, an epic final night party, and more.  

You’ll also get plenty of free time and there’s even chilled activities for 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 in February 2024 and close in March 2024 (the exact dates to be confirmed). 

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