Access to Sheffield Summer School

Overview

Over four days, you’ll immerse yourself in university life at Sheffield, participating in a range of academic skills sessions and social activities with other students from across the UK. 

You’ll be introduced to and develop valuable transferable skills for university life and employment, experience university-level teaching and increase your confidence in preparation for uni. Fun evening events mean you’ll experience the social side of university and learn how our students balance their academic work with their wider interests.

You’ll be supported throughout by an inspirational team of student ambassadors who are currently studying with us. 

The Access to Sheffield Summer School will take place on Monday 3 August - Thursday 6 August 2026.

The expansion of this widening access programme has been made possible following a very generous donation made by Andrew Law Philanthropies. For further information please click here.

Please note this is not a subject based summer school. 

Who’s the summer school for? 

This summer school is ideal for students who may not be sure what they would like to study, but would like to prepare themselves by developing the skills needed for university life. 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).

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, as you start Y13 you will become part of the Access to Sheffield (Y13 to Uni) programme. As part of this you'll have access to a range of activities designed to support you with your university journey. This includes a series of online information sessions, tutoring support to help with your academic studies and boost your attainment. As well as the opportunity to apply for a University of Sheffield Mentor to help with your transition to 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.
• Dedicated support when you study with us as an undergraduate student
• 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

Access to Sheffield Summer School is for students from target groups who are currently underrepresented in Higher Education. 

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). As this is a programme for under 18s, we can only accept students in Y12 who will be no older than 17 years old as of 1 September 2025. 

You must expect to be a home fee paying student unless identified as a forced migrant.

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

Students must meet one or more of the following criteria in addition to the academic requirements detailed below.

• are eligible for free school meals
• live in an area of disadvantage, measured by IMD
• care experienced
• a care leaver
• young carers
• experiencing estrangement
• a forced migrant

You'll also need to meet our GCSE and A Level requirements. 

GCSE requirements

Achieved a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-6, plus a minimum of grade 4 in English and Maths (if not already included). Please note that some of our degree programmes may ask for higher grades in certain subjects. You can find the course entry requirements on our online prospectus. 

A Level requirements 

You need to be studying at least 3 A Level or equivalent qualifications - at least two should be on the University’s acceptable subject list.

Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Get in touch

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

Application guidance for schools and colleges

Find useful information to help schools and colleges understand the application process for our Access to Sheffield Summer School.

Application guidance for schools and colleges

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.

Access to Sheffield Summer School has been accredited by Skills Builder as an Impact Level 4 programme: Progressing in essential skills.  

Other summer schools

• Interested in Allied Health, Arts and Humanities, Biosciences, or Economics and Management? Check out our Sutton Trust Summer School (20 - 23 July 2026).

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