The Norfolk Cambridge Society Student Awards 2026/2027 is a competitive awards scheme for students attending any Norfolk school sixth form or sixth form college. Applicants may submit work in their chosen format: an essay, a short video or audio file, or artwork in any medium. The scheme is intended to support students thinking about applying to university and to provide financial help to successful applicants.

Entrants must submit their entry by midnight on 28 January 2027. A shortlist of applicants will be interviewed via Zoom and winners will be decided by the panel. Awards of up to A3600 will be made to winners, with awards scheduled to be announced by the end of March 2027.

More information will be available from participating colleges in September. Prospective applicants can register now to receive further details by emailing awards@norfolkcambridgesociety.org.uk.

A multidisciplinary one-week summer school on sustainability running in Oxford from Monday 24 August to Friday 28 August 2026. The programme covers climate, biodiversity, pollution, development and green economics, with sessions on Green Finance, ESG, governance, ethics and international financial initiatives. The event is delivered by the Green Economics Institute and features lectures, workshops, keynotes and student presentations. The course carries accreditation as part of Berlin Business School's degree certification as a degree module and is described as CPD suitable. Lecturers and course leaders typically include Miriam Kennet, Professor Aaron Sternizky, Professor Ehtisham Abassi, Professor Ioana Negru and Professor Maria Madi. Participants can expect a mix of classroom sessions and at least two local outings or field trips, plus an introduction to Oxford and guided walking tours. The summer school is held at The H B Allen Centre (part of Keeble College, University of Oxford). Accommodation may be available to purchase additionally at the nearby Hill End Field Trip Centre (subject to availability). The week finishes with a certificates ceremony for participants.

OPSWAT Academy Cyber Challenge UK 2026 is a full-day, in-person cybersecurity event held at the National Cyber Security Academy, University of South Wales, Newport. The programme combines a documentary screening (Into the Breach), expert talk sessions on emerging threats and defensive technologies, and a hands-on Capture The Flag (CTF) challenge. The event runs on 10 July 2026 from 10:00-17:00 local time and is designed to blend learning, awareness, practical experience, and networking. Attendees-students, IT professionals, practitioners, researchers, and enthusiasts-will have opportunities to learn from industry experts, compete in the CTF for prizes, and earn credentials. Registrants receive a printed hardcover copy of "Cybersecurity Upside Down," a bundle of OPSWAT Academy certifications (with ISC2 CPE credits), a Certificate of Participation, and access to networking with cybersecurity professionals. Seats are limited; participants are encouraged to register via the Eventbrite listing.

TeenEagle runs an international competitive programme for school-aged participants focused on knowledge, spelling, writing and team debate. Free online practice rounds run monthly and are used to prepare students for official qualifier rounds. Qualifier formats include free online rounds, online regional qualifiers, paper-based local qualifiers organised with partners/schools, and multi-event Regional Round events (including occasional sleep-away formats). Regional Qualifiers are held regularly (online first and third Saturday of each month) and consist of an 80-question combined Spelling & Knowledge test (80 minutes). Passing a qualifier with at least an Honourable Mention (40%+) is required to register for Global Finals. Global Finals (three to four events each season) comprise multiple competitive tasks - Knowledge Quiz, Spelling Bee, The Writing Challenge and Persuasive Speaking (team debates) - with detailed scoring and medals awarded across receptive and productive skills. TeenEagle provides teacher books, student workbooks and a portal for sign-up and event materials. Schools and partners can register to host paper-based qualifiers and regional events; teacher webinars (monthly July-December) and a portal exist to support club-based and school participation. Detailed schedules, booking and logistics are handled through the TeenEagle portal.

The Young Vet Summer Experience is a hands-on, immersive veterinary work experience and summer school run in central London by InvestIN Education. Across practical simulations, site visits and professional coaching, students step into the role of small-animal, equine, farm and wildlife vets to practise examinations, diagnostics and simulated surgical procedures under expert supervision.

The programme includes career and admissions coaching tailored to aspiring veterinary applicants: sessions on A-level/IB subject choices, UCAS personal statements, interview techniques and professional networking with practising vets. Students who complete the assessment for the appropriate package receive a Level 3 Award in Work Experience (8 UCAS points), a personalised certificate and an industry reference letter.

Delivery is in person on the UCL and University of London campus in central London, with options for residential (university halls) or non-residential attendance. Participants can choose 1-week, 2-week or 2-week Premium packages; the programme begins on 27 July 2026. Residential students are provided with single ensuite rooms, meals, pastoral care and optional airport transfers.

This online Biology & Life Sciences summer course from Oxford Scholastica Academy is designed for motivated 15-2018 year olds and introduces advanced topics such as genetics, evolution, ecology, microbiology and biotechnology. Teaching is delivered live via Zoom with expert tutors (typically from Oxford and Cambridge) and small class sizes (max 15), combining lectures, masterclasses and a final research project.

Live tutorials run daily from 1-3 PM UK time, with students expected to commit around four hours per day (two hours live tuition plus independent study). Students who successfully complete the programme receive an Oxford Scholastica Certificate of Achievement and outstanding participants may be awarded a personalised Letter of Recommendation; graduates are also invited to an online Graduation event and can apply for the Ambassador Programme.

Courses are offered in one- and two-week formats during JuneAugust 2026 with multiple course start dates. Applicants register via the Oxford Scholastica online form and are asked to submit a personal statement; English language ability at CEFR C1 (IELTS 6.5 equivalent) is required to ensure participants can fully engage with live seminars and assessments.

The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (WWIEM) at Queen's University Belfast supports STEM Learning's Research Placements and Experiences, a summer programme that gives Year 12 students hands-on laboratory experience alongside WWIEM researchers. The scheme runs over July and/or August and offers either a two-week Research Placement or a five-day Research Experience, allowing students to apply classroom learning to real research projects and to learn about research career pathways. The programme is aimed at talented, enthusiastic Year 12 students and is described as supporting students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Projects hosted by WWIEM provide supervised, practical experience in laboratory settings and exposure to research and industry professionals. Students should have at least five GCSEs at Level 5 or above and be studying one or more A-levels in relevant subjects such as science, technology, engineering, computing, statistics, or maths. Students apply via the STEM Learning online application portal. WWIEM researchers who wish to host students can register as providers through the linked provider portal. Further details and guidance are available on the STEM Learning placements webpage linked from the WWIEM page.

This two-week residential summer school based on the University of Oxford campus introduces students to law, politics and economics through lectures, seminars and practical activities.

Participants will engage in debates and case-study analysis across criminal, civil and business law, human rights and global issues, and take part in a Mock Trial Simulation to practise public speaking, critical analysis and teamwork. Classes are small (maximum ~15 students) with over 20 hours of tuition per week (40 hours total) taught by expert faculty and guest speakers.

The programme is residential in Oxford colleges (Balliol, St Catherine's, The Queen's, Keble, St Hugh's, St Peter's), and includes accommodation, meals, cultural excursions and a graduation certificate and report card on completion. The course is aimed at teens preparing for university-level study in related subjects and requires a minimum English level of B1.

The Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) International Competition is an annual global journalism and media competition run by the Foundation for Environmental Education and its national members. It invites young people to investigate local environmental issues, propose constructive solutions and report their findings through articles, photos, videos and (new) podcasts. Entries must first be submitted to each country’s National Competition; national first-place winners are then entered to the international round. The 2025/2026 theme is "Food security & climate change" and submissions are assessed against media-specific criteria, dissemination impact and adherence to format and source citation requirements.

The competition is open to individuals and groups aged 11-25 and is organised into three age categories (11-14, 15-18, 19-25). Media categories include Article, Photo (One Take, Staged Campaign, Photo Story), Video (Long-form, Short-form) and Podcast; category-specific rules such as word counts, video lengths and permitted use of AI/editing tools are published by YRE. National Operators facilitate submissions; awards are announced at the international level (shortlisting in early June and winners announced mid-June for the 2025/2026 cycle). Participants must ensure proper consent, copyright clearance, and referencing for all third-party materials.

St Oswald’s Hospice currently advertises a wide range of volunteer roles across hospice and retail services. Opportunities include clinical-support roles (e.g. Lymphoedema Volunteers, Bereavement Support), specialist roles (Podiatry Volunteer, Hairdressing Volunteer), horticulture and maintenance (Gardening, Facilities Volunteer), and retail and logistics roles (Shop Volunteer, Vinted Volunteer, Van Crew, Volunteer Book Scanner, eBay Sales Assistant, Sorting Volunteer and Donation Point Receptionist). Role descriptions and application forms are available for download on the site. Many roles offer flexible hours and full training where required; some roles seek specific skills or qualifications (for example, qualified podiatrists or experienced hairdressers). The Bereavement Support Volunteer training is a 9-part programme run over eight weeks; recruitment is open for the May 2026 cohort (training runs on Wednesdays 09:30-12:30 starting 6 May 2026). Locations include the Hospice, Gosforth clinics and the Retail Hub/Ouseburn (NE1), with roles sometimes based at Kingston Park or other local sites. To apply, download the relevant role description and return the completed volunteer application form to volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org. Role-specific contacts (e.g. AnnTraynor@stoswaldsuk.org, Ouseburn@stoswaldsuk.org, brendahodgson@stoswaldsuk.org) are listed on role pages for enquiries.

UNESCO's Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest (8th edition) invites young people worldwide aged 14 to 25 to submit photographs under the 2026 theme “Living Heritage along the Silk Roads.” The contest aims to showcase how traditions, cultural expressions, and ritual practices reflect interconnected histories across the Silk Roads regions, with suggested subjects including traditional craftsmanship, music and dance, culinary traditions, intercommunity gatherings, and portraits capturing cultural identity and everyday life.

Entries will be reviewed by an International Selection Committee. Winners in each age category (14 to 17 and 18 to 25) receive camera prizes (professional, semi-professional, and standard digital models). Approximately 60 standout photographs will be published in the “Youth Lens on the Silk Roads” photo album and may be included in exhibitions organized worldwide, offering participants visibility and professional exposure.

Interested participants should submit their photo entries via the contest website. The submission deadline is 30 June 2026 (see application deadline for time zone details).

Experience an intensive two-week residential Law summer school on Oxford University campus with Oxford Scholastica Academy. The Experience Law Academy introduces key legal principles, criminal and civil systems, international law and corporate law through daily classes, masterclasses and a four-hour Moot Court Challenge where students research cases, craft arguments and present in a mock trial.

Classes are taught by expert tutors from leading universities (typically Oxford and Cambridge). Beyond academics, the programme includes social, cultural and sporting activities, day trips (e.g., Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace), and a formal graduation ceremony at St Anne’s College. Students who complete the course receive a Certificate of Achievement and may be awarded a Letter of Recommendation.

This course is designed for motivated 15-18 year olds worldwide. Small class sizes (maximum 15 students) and tailored feedback aim to strengthen academic skills, public speaking and advocacy, and to support stronger university applications.

This two-week Architecture & Design summer school in Cambridge (ages 16-18) lets students explore how history, creativity and innovation shape the built environment. The programme combines design history with hands-on practice: technical drawing, model-making, daily practical projects and creative challenges that move participants from concept to construction. Students receive 40 hours of teaching from expert tutors in an immersive learning style, with workshops, seminars, masterclasses and guest lectures. Enrichment activities include walking tours of Cambridge, weekend excursions, social activities and a final graduation ceremony. Students live, study and socialise on a prestigious University of Cambridge college campus with college accommodation and meals provided, 24/7 pastoral support, and teaching materials included. Two course dates are offered in summer 2026 (5 July 18 July and 19 July 1 August). Successful participants are awarded an Oxford Royale certificate of completion recording course details and campus.

Vision Theatre Arts runs a summer school in Biggleswade at Ignite Studios, offering a mix of performing arts camps and holiday activities for children and young people during summer 2026. The programme includes Musical Week, Dance Dance Dance Week, Holiday Club for One and All, Acro Workshops and Summer Training, giving families a choice of creative, active and fun-filled sessions across the holidays. Musical Week focuses on singing, dance and acting, with participants working towards a full musical performance for parents on the final day. Dance Dance Dance Week packs in street, jazz, ballet, tap, modern, acro and contemporary dance, while the Holiday Club offers games, crafts and varied activities in a safe, sociable environment. Acro Workshops are single-day sessions split by age and ability, and Summer Training is designed for more experienced students aged 14+ who want to keep skills sharp over the holidays. Most camps welcome beginners as well as more experienced performers, and bookings are made through the online booking system. Optional extras such as early drop-off, late collection and lunch boxes are available on most weeks.

Google's UX Design Professional Certificate is a self-paced online certificate delivered via Coursera that prepares learners for entry-level UX design roles. The program is beginner-friendly with no degree or prior experience required and includes over 200 hours of instruction across multiple courses. You will learn the full design process (empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test), conduct UX research and usability studies, and use tools such as Figma to create wireframes, mockups, and high-fidelity prototypes. Throughout the certificate you complete hands-on, project-based assessments and build a professional portfolio containing three end-to-end projects to showcase to employers. The credential is shareable and, upon completion, learners in some countries can share their information with an employer consortium of hiring companies. The program is delivered entirely online (remote), is available globally in English, and offers options such as financial aid and a 7-day free trial for paid subscriptions.

Join staff and students from the Department of Computing at Imperial College London to explore undergraduate Computing courses and gain insight into life as an Imperial student. The session includes student project presentations and research talks from leading academics, giving attendees a sense of current study and research in computing. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on programming activity in Imperial's computer labs and hear about the course content and the university application process. The event is designed to give Year 12 students (or equivalent) a clear taster of studying Computing and Joint Maths and Computing (JMC) at Imperial. Registration for this event opens at 12:00 (midday) on Friday 1 May 2026. The event takes place on campus at Imperial College London (South Kensington), London. Further details and the registration form will be available via Imperial's events page when registration opens.

CSworks / AlgoPath Coding Academy runs a programme of termly courses, holiday boot camps and self-paced video courses focused on competitive programming and school computer science. Courses range from foundation Python data structures and algorithms up to advanced competitive programming training aimed at national Olympiads, with specific tracks for UK and US contest formats.

Offerings include GCSE and A-Level focused fast-track courses, multi-level Python DS&A foundation-to-advanced sequences, Bebras challenge and Perse challenge crash courses, and AI/ML related modules that combine further mathematics and machine learning competition preparation. The site also highlights online learning tools such as an online Blockly/Python interpreter and on-demand specimen walkthroughs.

The programmes are targeted at senior school students (explicitly GCSE and A-Level cohorts) and are positioned to support students preparing for school exams and national/international coding competitions. Course formats include termly instruction, intensive holiday bootcamps, and self-paced video materials.

The Step Up Programme at Cardiff University offers college and sixth form students the chance to experience university life through academic masterclasses and a university summer school.

The Step Up Masterclasses are designed for Year 12 college and sixth form pupils in Wales and run for four weeks. Each masterclass provides a broad overview of a chosen subject area and develops skills useful for higher education, including communication, research and study skills, presentation skills and critical analysis. Subjects listed include humanities and social sciences, languages, law and politics, medicine and dentistry, business and economics, and science, technology and maths.

Participants will also hear from student ambassadors who share their experiences and provide guidance on applications and choosing the right path. Applications for 2026 are open; applicants should check the application form and the detailed eligibility guidance linked on the programme page.

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.

Forvis Mazars is offering a Year 12 work experience opportunity titled "Future Choices: Access Accountancy Year 12 Work Experience". The listing name and page identify this as an accountancy-focused placement for students in Year 12. The event is scheduled for 27 July 2026 and is located in Sutton (London). The listing title indicates the placement is tied to the Sutton location; no further venue details or times are provided on the page. Further details including full eligibility, how to apply, and any additional information (times, duration, travel support or bursaries) are available on the Forvis Mazars careers site linked from the listing.