Sutton Trust Summer School (20 - 23 July 2026)

Overview

The University of Sheffield is partnered with Sutton Trust to give students an experience of university life and help them develop the skills needed to apply to higher education.

From academic taster sessions to social activities, you’ll get the chance to meet like-minded young people from across the UK and explore a subject of your choice at the University of Sheffield through our Sutton Trust Summer School.  

This summer school is designed for students who would like an in-depth insight into a subject of their interest, through one of our subject strands:

• Biosciences
• Arts and Humanities
• Allied Health
• Maths and Physics

The Sutton Trust Summer School will take place on Monday 20 July - Thursday 23 July 2026.

Programme structure

The summer school is designed to give you an immersive academic and student experience, showcasing what the University of Sheffield and the city of Sheffield has to offer.

Academic sessions - These sessions are delivered by academic experts, involving both lecture-style and interactive sessions involving fun and engaging tasks and challenges. Our subject strands are:

• Allied Health
• Arts and Humanities
• Biosciences
• Maths and Physics

Academic showcase - You'll work in groups towards an ‘end of week’ academic showcase where you'll have the opportunity to present your experiences of the week to your peers.

Social activities - You'll gain an in-depth experience of student life throughout the week with the opportunity to visit our award winning Students’ Union, the chance to take part in a variety of social opportunities and to experience the cultural capital that the city of Sheffield has to offer.

Experience our student accommodation - Throughout the week you'll be staying in our student accommodation at Endcliffe student village getting that authentic first year student experience. You'll have your own private bedroom and bathroom facilities, and all of your meals will be catered for.

What's included? 

In simple terms; everything is included! All activities and equipment, overnight accommodation, meals and refreshments. We will also fund your travel to and from the University - this will be arranged on an individual basis as part of the application process and we'll help you every step of the way. You’ll even receive your own University branded sweatshirt, so you can really look the part of a student too.

What's more, throughout Y13, you'll have access to a range of activities designed to support you with your university journey. The sessions cover everything from applying to university, student finance, and accommodation, to scholarships and preparing for results day. You'll also get tutoring support in Y13 to help with your current studies and boost your attainment in preparation for university.

Where will I stay?

You’ll stay in our vibrant Endcliffe student residences. Our University owned accommodation is a popular choice with students during their first year of study, so youʼll get a flavour of what it's like to be part of the largest student community in Sheffield. 

Why should I attend?

• Successful completion of the summer school will result in additional consideration and a contextual offer equivalent to up to three grades below the standard A Level entry requirements for your course
• If you choose to study with us, and meet our criteria, you will be guaranteed a bursary and an Access to Sheffield Scholarship.
• Develop your personal effectiveness in team-working, communication and problem-solving skills
• Be supported by and learn from our current students
• Enhance your preparedness for university and support your application
• Make new friends from across the UK
• Try out a range of social and evening activities to give you a real taste of university life
• Get to know our inclusive, vibrant and green city through a range of activities in Sheffield
• During Y13 you’ll be enrolled onto our Access to Sheffield (Y13 to Uni) programme. You’ll be able to access support with academic attainment and your university journey

Eligibility

Sutton Trust Summer Schools are designed to support high-achieving students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Please note you cannot apply for the summer school if you are currently a participant on our Access to Sheffield (Y12-13) programme.

Requirements

You can apply if you:

• Are studying in Year 12 in England or Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland (or equivalent)
• Attend, and have always attended, a state-funded school or college (non-fee paying) in the UK
• Will be no older than 17 years old as of 1 September 2025.

Additional criteria 

If you meet the above requirements, we will look at the following criteria when we consider your application:

• Have achieved at least five GCSEs at grades 9 – 6 (or A*- B) or five A or B grades at National 5, including English and Maths.
  • Universities may also consider your overall level of GCSE (or equivalent) attainment as part of the selection process.
  • Individual institutions may have subject specific requirements which will be stated on the programme application form where applicable
• Would be in the first generation of your family to attend university
• Have been in receipt of Free School Meals whilst at secondary school
• 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
• Live in a neighbourhood with a low rate of progression to higher education and/or a high level of socio-economic deprivation
• Have been looked after or in care

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

There is room on the application form and teacher verification to explain any extenuating circumstances that might impact your application.

If you are (or have been) looked after, accommodated or in care, you only need to meet the age, school and academic requirements.

Get in touch

If you have any questions, get in touch with the team at suttontrust@sheffield.ac.uk or call 0114 222 1027.

You can access further information about the summer school and the application process through the Sutton Trust website.

Skills Builder

The Skills Builder framework is embedded into all of our programmes as part of a sequential, skills-based curriculum. Our Access to Sheffield Summer School provides opportunities for students to practise and demonstrate essential skills, to develop their academic confidence and self-efficacy. Through participation, students will reflect on their own skill set and the importance of skills for academic success, in order to support their personal development and progression to higher education.

Accredited by Skills Builder as an Impact Level 4 programme: Progressing in essential skills. 

Other summer schools

• Interested in Engineering, Law, Management and Economics and Physics or Architecture and Landscape? Check out our Sutton Trust Summer School (21 - 24 July 2026).

• Not sure what you want to study yet? Our Access to Sheffield Summer School could be the choice for you.