The Trinity TY Visions for Education programme is a week-long experience at Trinity College Dublin’s School of Education for current Transition Year students. It invites participants to think about how education can be transformed and to explore what learning spaces of the future might look like. Across the week, students take part in sessions on design thinking, diversity and equity, brain health, student voice and empowerment, and innovation for learning. The programme also includes a team-based project focused on future learning experiences, with an emphasis on collaboration, inclusion, and valuing different perspectives and skills. The programme is designed to be welcoming and supportive, and Trinity says it wants a wide range of voices represented. Places are limited and applicants are selected from their application responses. Some places are reserved for students from DEIS and Trinity Access linked schools, and applicants complete the form with a parent or guardian before uploading their programme statement through the required submission link.

PBC's Student Entrepreneurs Business Training Programme is a five-day intensive bootcamp for motivated 15- to 19-year-old student entrepreneurs. Over the week participants work through practical, hands-on workshops covering idea validation, market research, branding, digital presence, finance and pricing, and pitching. The programme culminates in a pitch event ('The Big Pitch') where teams present to judges and compete for a share of £5,000 in investment.

Successful applicants receive 12 months of follow-on expert mentorship to help grow their ventures beyond the bootcamp. Activities include one-to-one mentoring, investor introductions, and ongoing support from experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders. The programme is delivered in person at Canalot Studios in West London and emphasises real-world skills, networking, and pitching practice.

The programme is timed into multiple cohorts (listed below). Applicants must be able to attend every day in person and submit a short online application plus a 2-minute video explaining why they should be selected.

The University of Leicester Medical School Outreach programme offers a broad set of free activities for school students to learn about careers in medicine and what studying medicine at university involves. Provision includes virtual taster sessions (e.g., diabetes, sepsis), study-skill sessions for A-level students, targeted applying-to-medicine talks for Years 10-133, virtual work-related projects (with Observe GP) and on-campus Post-16 University Experience Days.

Progression programmes are provided through partnerships such as AccessLeicester, Pathways to Medicine (Sutton Trust) and the national Realising Opportunities Programme, primarily supporting Year 12 students. Students on these progression programmes can attend UCAT workshops, receive MMI support and a variety of taster sessions. In recognition of these programmes, students who complete them will be guaranteed an interview for A100/A199 entry routes and may receive an alternative offer (A100: AAA alternative; A199 remains BBB), subject to UCAT and GCSE minimum requirements.

The outreach team also run talks and workshops in schools (Years 7-3) and larger on-campus events (for example an AI in Medical and Health Professions Education symposium) that include refreshments and practical sessions. For general enquiries and booking staff provide emails and online booking links for each event.

Lite Regal Educationb9s Law Internship and Shadowing Program places students in face-to-face placements with partner law firms and chambers in central London. The programme runs for 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks and places interns in real legal environments where they shadow qualified lawyers and contribute to case preparation, paperwork, admin, client meetings and court attendance where appropriate. Internships run Monday to Friday (typically 9:00ndash;17:00) with over 25 hours of placement activity per week. Residential students are housed in single en-suite rooms at University of London accommodation (commonly UCL Garden Halls or Goodenough College) in Bloomsbury; accommodation is included in the programme fee but meals and local transport are not. The programme includes supervision, a welcome briefing, a student mentor and assistance with paperwork and visa arrangements for non-EU participants. On completion students receive a Certificate of Attendance from Lite Regal and a letter/certificate from the lawyer who supervised them. Applicants must be aged 17+ (explicitly stated), have a good command of English (listed test minima or exemption if studying in English), and submit required documents after payment. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and applicants are asked to pay a deposit (15%) or full fees to secure placement; a Zoom/Skype meeting is held after payment to personalise placements.

Join a field-based marine conservation project in Pacific Harbour, Fiji, working alongside scientists and dive partners to collect data on sharks and other marine life. Volunteers take part in survey dives, bi-monthly shark dives, mangrove reforestation, community outreach and education, data entry and workshops. The project includes full training: beginners complete the PADI Open Water course during the first two weeks, while experienced divers may complete Advanced or Rescue courses. The placement is supervised by qualified marine biologists and local professionals and runs year-round with a minimum two-week stay. Projects Abroad provides accommodation, three meals daily, airport pick-up, transport to placements, diving equipment rental, access to resources and ongoing in-country support. Flights, visa fees and travel/medical insurance are not included. The experience is aimed at volunteers with an interest in marine biology, conservation or outdoor fieldwork and can strengthen CVs and future applications in conservation and related fields.

This virtual work experience provides a comprehensive introduction to the Royal Air Force (RAF). Through videos, interactive activities and quizzes delivered by serving RAF personnel, learners will explore the RAF’s purpose, history, structure, core values, and the range of roles across regulars, reserves, civilians and partners. The programme also covers training, career progression, pay and benefits, and routes into the RAF including apprenticeships and graduate pathways. The course includes insight into the Air Cadets and how young people can get involved, earn qualifications and develop skills relevant to future education and careers. Content is a mix of on-demand modules and live webinars (recordings are made available). Participants who complete the programme earn Rockets and can enter prize draws, and receive a certificate of completion. The programme is delivered on the Springpod platform as a remote/on-demand experience so students can complete material at their own pace within the programme timeframe. Live talks take place during weekday working hours but are recorded for later access.

This two-day, in-person workshop introduces beginners to the fundamentals of pattern cutting and block-making for a dress. Led by experienced teacher Manuela, it is designed for anyone who wants to build practical skills in garment construction and understand how working patterns are developed from the ground up. Participants start with the basics of pattern making, including what a pattern is, the essential tools used in the trade, and how to understand pattern anatomy. The workshop then moves into block-making, covering how to take measurements, draft a basic dress block, and create a made-to-measure block using your own measurements. Learners also explore how to turn a block into a pattern, add seam allowances and notches, trace and refine patterns, and annotate them for professional use. If time allows, attendees may also make a toile to test fit. The workshop takes place in London and asks participants to bring basic stationery, dressmaker’s pins, a tape measure, and woven fabric for sampling.

Surrey County Archaeological Unit offers a range of volunteering opportunities across fieldwork and post-excavation activities. Summer community projects include excavations, surveys and field walking; no previous experience is needed and training is provided. Volunteers can join digs during the warmer months to gain hands-on experience in archaeological field techniques.

Year-round Wednesday sessions are held at the Surrey History Centre in Woking, focused on processing finds and samples; these sessions run 11:00-16:00 and require booking. The unit also provides limited work experience placements targeted at students in Year 11, sixth form and college, and publishes career resources online for those considering heritage and archaeological careers.

To get involved or for further details about placements, sessions and summer projects, contact the Surrey County Archaeological Unit directly. Note that placement availability can be limited, so early enquiries are recommended.

The Reading Scholars Programme gives Year 12 students a real taste of life as a university undergraduate and provides practical support as participants begin their higher education application process. The programme features input from leading academics, current undergraduate e-mentors and university alumni, and is designed to challenge participants academically and enhance their current studies. The programme takes place in-person at the University of Readings Whiteknights campus and comprises four events across the academic year. These events include subject masterclasses led by academics, a Student Experience Day in February, a study skills session and a two-day summer school. Events typically run from 09:30 to 15:30, and transportation costs are covered in advance for participating students. Eligibility requires Year 12 study, at least five GCSEs at grades A* - C and being on course for good A-Level grades (around BBB or equivalent). Priority is given to applicants with no parental experience of higher education and those living in identified postcode areas. Participants who later apply to the University of Reading are guaranteed either an invite to interview or a conditional offer, and those who firmly choose Reading may apply for a £1,000 Scholars bursary in their first year.

Drove Vets offers EMS placements and short work experience opportunities in a busy small animal practice, providing hands-on clinical exposure, supportive mentoring and experience of a varied caseload. EMS placements are intended to give veterinary students a practical insight into day-to-day life in small animal practice and the practice is a teaching practice for the University of Surrey, supporting fourth- and fifth-year students as part of their in-practice learning. Work experience placements are offered as a one-week unpaid placement for individuals interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine or nursing. Placements are in-person at the practice (Veterinary Hospital, Ridgeway Farm) and are intended to be educational, with opportunities to observe and ask questions of vets and nurses who enjoy teaching. Placements are available throughout the year subject to availability. Applicants for work experience must be aged 16 or over (if in education, typically Year 12 or 13 or at a further education college), complete an application form explaining their interest, and applicants aged 16 18 must provide written parental/guardian permission. The practice cannot accept Year 10 or 11 students or college day-release students.

The Medic Life provides free, NHS-aligned medical work experience and workshops to help aspiring medics gain authentic insight into healthcare. Offerings include free online and in-person workshops featuring talks from NHS doctors and medical students, virtual work experience options (including signposting to RCGP Observe GP for students aged 16+), and connections to hospital and GP shadowing placements through a nationwide mentor network. The programme emphasises high-quality reflection and mentoring: students receive reflection worksheets, one-on-one feedback and guidance on using experiences in personal statements and interviews. In-person placements are coordinated with NHS trusts and GP practices; formal clinical placements generally require participants to be 16 or older, though some Year 10-11 observational opportunities exist. The Medic Life also runs year-round online sessions and larger one-day workshops at university venues. Participation is free and UK-wide. Students are encouraged to register via the websiteʼs Free Events section or to complete the Work Experience request form with their location, age/year group and preferences. The Medic Life also offers follow-up resources and community support to help students turn experience into strong medical-school applications.

Join the tutor2u subject experts for a full day of focused A-Level revision and exam technique targeted at AQA A-Level Biology students sitting exams in 2026. The cinema-based Grade Booster workshops feature four fast-paced, interactive sessions delivered on the big screen, a dedicated workshop booklet, and access to an attendee hub with downloadable resources. Sessions are designed to improve exam technique, demonstrate effective approaches to different question types, and build confidence in maths and practical data handling skills.

Session topics include analysing and describing data (including error bars and statistics), accurate method-writing and evaluation, planning and answering synoptic essay questions for paper 3, and overall exam strategy to maximise marks. Workshops are led by experienced A-Level Biology teachers and examiners. Events run 10:30to15:15 (registration from 9:45) and take place at cinema venues in Manchester, Birmingham and London during Spring 2026. The advertised price is £36.00 (inc VAT).

King's College London undergraduate open days give prospective undergraduate students the opportunity to explore subject areas, visit campus buildings, meet staff and students, and learn about studying at King's in London. On-campus open day dates for summer 2026 are listed by faculty and campus: Health & Life Sciences Undergraduate Open Day at Guy's Campus on Saturday 13 June 2026 and Saturday 11 July 2026; Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Open Day at Strand Campus on Saturday 27 June 2026 and Saturday 5 September 2026. Attendees are invited to register their interest to be informed when event tickets are released. The university also offers on-demand recordings of virtual open week talks (recorded between 2022 and 2023) and campus tours led by current students, plus guided campus tours of multiple campuses and online virtual tours of Strand & Bush House and Guy's campuses. Visit the linked pages on King's website to register interest, watch on-demand talks, or book guided or virtual tours.

Balliol College's Access & Outreach programme provides a range of free activities to support prospective applicants from state schools, including online talks, subject taster days, year-long access programmes and short "Try Before You Buy" days. Activities are delivered by Oxford graduates and tutors and are intended to introduce pupils to subject-specific academic material, Oxford-style teaching, and the admissions process. Specific offerings include Insight Talks aimed at Year 12 (and interested Year 11s) that run online as workshops and are recorded; a Discovery Programme for Year 10 state school students that consists of online seminars (with a teacher present) and preparatory work; Subject Taster Days and Try Before You Buy Days for Year 12 state school students which include academic sessions, college tours and a free two-course lunch. Balliol also runs three year-long access programmes (Floreat, Frontier and Fibonacci) for Year 12 state-school students, focused on humanities, life sciences and mathematics respectively. The year-long programmes involve a series of virtual seminars (evening sessions beginning in the Spring Term), assessed/preparatory tasks, and a two-night residential in August held at Balliol College. Many programmes prioritise disadvantaged and under-represented students and are explicitly free of charge. Sign-up and further details are provided on Balliol College's Outreach / "Outreach Talks and Events" pages.

This is a virtual work experience programme run by Investec via Springpod that introduces participants to careers within banking and finance, including accountancy, investment banking, trading, insurance and financial advice. The programme combines recorded content, interactive activities, quizzes and live webinars with industry professionals to explain sector roles, ethical standards, UK tax and basic financial calculations. Participants learn practical skills such as income calculations and investment principles, and complete activities including scenario-based tasks and quizzes.

The programme is available on demand and includes live webinar sessions (recordings provided). It is aimed at students (Springpod guidance indicates most programmes expect school/college attendees) and is open to anyone aged 13+. On successful completion participants receive a certificate of completion. There is no specific application deadline stated and learners sign up via the Springpod programme page to start the on-demand experience.

The British Astronomy & Astrophysics Olympiad (BAAO), run within the BPhO trust, offers schools across the UK a series of competition papers focused on astronomy and astrophysics. Launched in 2015, the competition is syllabus-independent and builds on core physics applied to astronomical contexts; no prior specialist astronomy modules are assumed. It provides a pathway for students to explore current research topics and to progress to higher education in related fields.

Students are encouraged to attempt the Astro Challenge Paper in the Autumn term and must take at least one of the BPhO Round 1 (November) or the BAAO Round 1 (January). Top performers are invited to the BAAO Round 2 in February, with final selection of the five students who will represent the UK at the IOAA taking place at an Easter training camp in Oxford in April. Past papers and solutions are available online and studying them is strongly recommended to prepare.

Assessment outcomes use medal boundaries (approximately 60%+ Gold, 40%+ Silver, 20%+ Bronze, below 20% Commendation). The BAAO is closely linked with university-based training camps and provides an opportunity for motivated school students (including GCSE and A-level students) to gain advanced problem-solving experience and compete internationally.

The Cambridge Chemistry Challenge is a UK school competition designed to stretch and challenge students interested in chemistry and to give insight into studying chemistry beyond the school syllabus.

The competition is set by an experienced team of teachers and university chemists and is designed to be accessible to Year 12 students while encouraging university-style scientific thinking. The assessment takes the form of a 90-minute written paper, consisting of two or three questions, which is sat at school under supervised conditions within a specified time window after AS exams.

Registered schools (those entering at least one student) are sent the paper at the beginning of June. Teachers may enter as many candidates as they wish; for schools submitting more than five scripts, teachers should mark these themselves, while schools entering five or fewer may submit papers unmarked. Students who perform well receive certificates, and the highest performers are invited to a residential camp at the University of Cambridge at the end of August.

The Debussy International Music Competition is an open, international competition for musicians across a wide range of classical categories including All Instruments, Conducting, Composition, Voice, Chamber, Choir, Ensemble, Orchestra and Music Creator. The competition accepts performers, conductors, composers and groups of any nationality and age; category-specific age brackets determine eligibility. Submissions may be video or audio (composers may also submit MIDI files), and for many categories video evidence is required. Age for an application is determined on the day of the application deadline (or the average age of the group for group entries).

The competition defines many categories with explicit repertoire and duration rules (period-specific categories require works from the indicated eras). Multiple categories may be entered using the same link if the recording meets each category's requirements, but if multiple works are submitted in a single application only the first work will be considered. Additional requirements and FAQs cover submission formats, visibility of performers in video submissions, acceptable accompaniment (including audio backgrounds), and limits on submitted writing (1500 words) or video length for innovative writing. Specific prize details vary by category; winners in the Music Video category receive an e-certificate and a listing on the Beeffie Creative Musical Artists page.

Join Oxford Summer Courses' Art History summer school designed for 16 317-year-olds, hosted in Oxford University colleges. The programme offers small-group, tutorial-style teaching (maximum 8 students) covering techniques, symbolism and cultural contexts across painting, sculpture and modern art. Students engage in interactive seminars, tutorial Q&A sessions, and an academic skills masterclass to develop independent critical thinking and analytical writing.

Throughout the course participants complete two pieces of independent work which are assessed in 1:1 or 2:1 tutorials and receive detailed written tutor feedback. The programme also includes enrichment activities: visits to Oxford colleges and world-class museums, expert speaker sessions on career pathways, a university fair, and full-day trips. On completion students receive a certificate of achievement and a personalised letter of recommendation to support further academic applications.

This High School Special places teenagers in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to gain supervised medical work experience. Participants shadow doctors and nurses in local hospitals, attend medical training workshops, and take part in community outreaches where they complete basic health checks under qualified supervision. The programme emphasises practical learning (35-50 clinical shadowing hours and 15-20 volunteer service hours) and cultural exchange with other interns your age.

Projects Abroad provides full in-country support including accommodation with local host families, three meals a day, airport pick-up and drop-off, transport to placements, an induction and orientation, training sessions, organised social activities and a weekend trip to local attractions. Visa support and advice are offered, but flights, visa fees (where applicable) and travel/medical insurance are not included. The placement is staffed 24/7 by local supervisors and is safety audited and risk assessed to BS8848 standards.

No prior experience is required and the project is designed to help teenagers decide if a medical career is right for them. On completion you receive a certificate of project completion and access to alumni services and resources.