Sutton Trust Summer School

The University of Edinburgh Sutton Trust Summer School Online lets you experience what being a real university student is like by exploring subjects you’re interested in and taking part in exciting social activities!

Covid-19 update

Along with all our colleagues at the University of Edinburgh our priority is the health and wellbeing of our students, staff, and visitors. Recognising the impact of Covid-19, we have taken the difficult decision to move to online provision for the 2021 Summer School.

The Sutton Trust and the University of Edinburgh are committed to ensuring all successful applicants receive support this summer and so we are excited to launch Sutton Trust Online to provide students a virtual University of Edinburgh Summer School.

The online Summer School will take place from:

12 - 16 July 2021

What's involved?

Join us for a unique and enlightening digital summer school experience! Get sorted into your House, make friends from all across the UK, and try out loads of different academic subjects and guidance sessions. With something for everyone, there will never be a dull moment!

Academic programme

You will have the opportunity to try out multiple subjects throughout the week – perfect for if you are unsure or just want to try something new! You will explore fascinating subjects of your choice throughout the digital summer school with world-leading academics and current students. In addition to interactive online classes, independent study and exciting project work, you will even complete practical work from home!

In 2021, students will be able to study a combination of the following subjects: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science (Informatics), Engineering, English Literature, History, Languages & Culture, Law, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Sociology, Veterinary Medicine (see the Sutton Trust’s website for further details).

You will also be able to try out additional new subjects during the subject taster sessions.

Summer School staff and current students will also deliver live sessions on key aspects of the university experience - including studying in Scotland, UCAS and personal statements, student finance, student life, admissions, post-university life, and accommodation.

Social programme

You will also take part in a wide variety of exciting social activities to help you get to know your fellow students. There will be loads on offer, so we are sure you will have a good time whether you are super outgoing or if you prefer some quiet time.

By the end of the week we hope you will have gained a better insight into university life and have had a lot of fun along the way!

How do I join?

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

You are more likely to secure a place if:

you have achieved at least five grades at either A or 6 at GCSE, or five A or B passes at National 5, and where applicable have taken subjects relevant to the subject stream applied for
your parents have not been to university
you have been eligible for free school meals or EMA
your school or college has a low overall Higher/Advanced Higher, A-level, (or equivalent) point score, a low rate of progression to higher education and / or an above average free school meal status
you live in a neighbourhood with a low rate of progression rates to higher education and/or a high level of socio-economic deprivation

Priority will be given to applicants who are (or have been) care experienced or refugees.

Please apply through the Sutton Trust’s website:

Sutton Trust UK Summer Schools

Applications will be open from Monday 11th January 2021 and close Tuesday 2nd March 2021.