The World Photography Organisation’s Youth competition celebrates standout single images created by photographers aged 19 and under. Entry is free, and each entrant can submit up to three images related to the competition theme through the official website or one of the official Sony World Photography Award websites.

Entrants must upload original photographic work taken in 2026, and images are judged as single images rather than as a series. A shortlist of up to 10 photographers is selected, with global press exposure and online promotion available to shortlisted entrants.

The overall winner receives Sony Digital Imaging equipment, a trophy, certificate, copy of the book, inclusion in the annual book and exhibition, plus flights and accommodation to attend the black-tie awards ceremony in London. Winners are announced online and at the ceremony in April 2027.

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.

This in-person taster day gives Year 12 students an opportunity to experience curricula and teaching in UCL's Science and Technology Studies (STS) Department. Attendees will engage with current staff and students and hear about pathways available after sixth form, with a focus on the history, philosophy and sociology of science. Throughout the day students will participate in interactive sessions including teaching workshops, lectures, campus tours and an alumni careers panel designed to provide both a stimulating and informative experience. The event is especially suitable for students who enjoy science subjects but are interested in non-practical, critical or historical approaches to science. The event is free but ticketed and places are limited. Location and the full schedule of activities will be posted in early autumn 2026. For more information or queries about registration, contact sts@ucl.ac.uk.

The Faculty of Medicine summer course at Oxford is an in-person programme combining academic study with practical clinical experience to introduce students to medical study and healthcare careers. Over the course(s) you will study anatomy, physiology, pathology, medical ethics and clinical practice through interactive seminars, hands-on workshops and simulated clinical sessions. The programme includes 25 hours per week of subject-specific content, group case studies, problem-solving tasks and an industry programme with guest speakers and visits to local hospitals or research facilities. Students receive dedicated academic coaching aimed at supporting university application skills (personal statements, presentations) and language development. On successful completion participants receive a Certificate of Achievement and may request a personalised letter of reference.

This two-day workshop is designed for young people aged 14 to 18 who want to explore special effects make-up in a practical, industry-focused setting. It is aimed at participants who are interested in developing professional SFX make-up techniques and learning more about education and career pathways in the field. Led by expert make-up artists from Northern School of Make-Up, the course covers everything from beginner methods using SFX wax through to more advanced techniques involving liquid latex. Participants get hands-on experience and the chance to build skills used in stage, screen, and other creative production environments. The workshop takes place at Stockton Globe in one of the venue’s dressing room spaces, giving attendees a behind-the-scenes setting for the training experience. It is delivered in person and is intended as an intensive introduction to the craft for aspiring young creatives.

Join the University of Gloucestershire for a Psychology Taster Day at the new City Campus in Gloucester. Attendees will gain hands-on experience in the university's facilities and learn about degree-level study in psychology from expert teaching staff.

Participants will receive insider interview tips, have opportunities to chat with current students, and take a guided tour of the campus and facilities. The event is designed to help Year 12 and 13 (or equivalent) students explore what studying psychology at university is like.

For more information or to register, contact the outreach team via [email protected]. The event takes place at City Campus, GL1 1AW, Gloucester.

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.

The Writers' College Annual Short Story Competition is an international fiction competition for emerging writers. It welcomes original short stories from beginners around the world and is designed to showcase fresh voices, strong characterisation, and inventive storytelling. The competition is themed each year, and entrants must write to the set prompt while creating their own unique title. Entries must be original, unpublished, written in English, and no longer than 2,000 words. Writers may enter only one story, and the competition rules exclude professional writers such as journalists, copywriters, web writers, and content writers, as well as anyone who has earned a living from writing. Generative AI is not allowed. The competition offers cash prizes and publication in an anthology of winning stories. The top three winners also receive editorial comments from the judges. It is free to enter during the earlybird period, with a paid entry fee applying afterwards.

The Immerse Education Essay Competition invites students aged 13-18 to write a 500-word academic essay on a chosen question and compete for scholarships to Immerse’s university and career preparation programmes. The competition is designed for ambitious young people who want to explore a subject in greater depth, strengthen their writing, and demonstrate academic potential. Entrants can register interest to access an essay guide with questions, tips, referencing advice, and reminders. Essays are assessed by expert markers and guest judges on research, critical analysis, structure, evidence, and writing quality. The competition is free to enter, open worldwide, and allows one submission per person. Prizes include full and partial scholarships, plus participation recognition for entrants who take part.

Youth Leads UK is recruiting young people to join its Youth Advisory Board and help shape the direction of a youth-led charity. Board members contribute ideas, feedback and lived experience to influence strategy, programmes, campaigns, partnerships and services. The role is designed to ensure young people are genuinely involved in decision-making rather than simply consulted. This opportunity is aimed at people who enjoy working with others, sharing ideas and using their experiences to help make a difference. No previous experience is needed. Youth Leads UK says it is looking for people with passion, potential and a willingness to get involved, as well as those who are empathetic, open to feedback and interested in youth voice and leadership. The commitment is around 3-5 hours a month, with at least three sessions a year, and meetings usually take place in Greater Manchester. Online resources are available where needed, and the organisation says it will support members with mentoring, training and guidance throughout the role. The position lasts for one year with the option to renew, and travel and food costs are covered for in-person involvement.

The Spanish Residential Summer School for Teenagers runs on a secure Albergue campus in Marbella city centre and offers 2- or 4-week options with full-board accommodation. Students can choose residence, homestay, day camp, or course-only options. Residence accommodation is in 3- or 4-bed dormitories with air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms; homestay students stay in twin rooms with shared facilities (no air-conditioning). Extras such as airport transfers and additional nights can be arranged for a fee.

Tuition comprises 20 Spanish lessons per week held between 09:00 and 12:30 in a nearby school (maximum 15 students per class). Course materials are included. Activities are scheduled every weekday afternoon and evening until about 19:30, with half-day excursions during the week and full-day excursions at weekends. Supervised workshops, sports, cultural activities and conversation sessions are part of the programme.

The course is suitable for students aged 1418 of any nationality and ability level, including complete beginners. Students are grouped by age and gender; those aged 15+ may have supervised free time in small groups with parental permission. Arrival is normally the Sunday before lessons start, with departure the Saturday after the course ends.

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.

Dukes Plus runs a programme of free online events and webinars aimed at students, parents, and educators to support university and admissions preparation. Topics cover test preparation (UCAT, TMUA, ESAT, TARA), subject- and sector-specific guidance (medicine, law, drama), how to find work experience, US college admissions and athletic recruitment, and general application strategy for domestic and international universities. Each webinar is delivered online in the evening (listed at 6pm UK time) and is suitable for school-age students preparing for GCSEs, A-levels/IB, and university applications, as well as for parents and teachers seeking guidance on supporting applicants. Past webinars are available as recordings in the archive sections for specific topics (Medicine, Oxbridge, US applications, Drama, tutoring and revision). Sign-up is managed via the Dukes Plus website events page. The series aims to provide practical, actionable advice for students at different stages of the pre-university journey and to demystify admissions tests and application choices.

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.

The IOA (Institute of Acoustics) Young Persons Competition 2026 invites young people to explore acoustics, sound, noise and vibration through creative, scientific or technical responses to the theme "Sound Unleashed". Entrants may discuss how sound shapes experiences, where technology helps or falls short, or how better sound design can improve communities and the environment. Submissions may be from individuals or teams (up to five), and the organisers welcome work from students interested in music, film, engineering, gaming, wildlife and related areas. Participants should submit a short video (preferably MP4) of no more than five minutes. Winners will receive £1,000 per winning entry. Full submission requirements, judging criteria and deadlines are provided in the attached PDF documents linked on the IOA webpage (Terms & Conditions and Full Details). For questions or clarification email discoveracoustics@ioa.org.uk and follow the instructions in the Full Details PDF to make your submission.

The University of Dundee’s Undergraduate Medicine Open Day gives prospective applicants a chance to explore what studying Medicine at Dundee is like. Visitors can find out about the course, the facilities, and the wider student experience, with a programme that includes a welcome session, information about applying to study Medicine, and time for questions. The event also includes subject sessions and tours based at Ninewells Hospital and the medical school. After the visit, attendees can continue on to the City Campus to see the sports centre, join an accommodation tour, or visit the Accommodation Zone in the Dalhousie Building. Booking is required, and the session is restricted to one student plus one guest, so places are designed for small-group attendance.

Medic Mind's Dental Workshops are in-person training days designed for prospective dental school applicants and those considering a career in dentistry. Each day combines fundamental dental teaching with practical clinical exercises, manual-dexterity practice and application guidance, all led by qualified UK dentists. Participants use authentic dental equipment and materials (for example placing fillings in models) under expert supervision.

Workshops are available as short courses (choose 1, 2, 3 or 5 days) and include personalised feedback and a certificate to demonstrate attendance for university applications. Sessions cover practical skills such as oral hygiene techniques and tooth moulding, dental impressions, x-ray handling and treatment planning, giving students hands-on experience relevant to dental school admissions.

Workshops are hosted at various locations across Central London. Booking is via the Medic Mind website; prospective applicants can follow the dentistry/dentistry work experience pages to reserve a place or contact Medic Mind advisers for more information.

A free one-day masterclass at the University of Sussex designed for A-level students who are interested in studying Politics at university. The event offers a genuine campus experience and aims to deepen critical understanding of core A-Level Politics topics while helping students strengthen their UCAS applications through meaningful extracurricular engagement. The day features three specialist lectures: "The Politics of Crisis in Europe" (Dr Neil Dooley), "Democracy After Dictatorships" (Prof Aleks Szczerbiak), and "Ideological and Affective Polarisation" (Dr Stavroula Chrona). Attendees will hear fresh insights from academics working at the forefront of political research and gain exposure to university-level teaching and discussion. This in-person masterclass is an opportunity to engage with subject experts, experience university life at one of the UK’s recognised Politics departments, and build evidence of subject interest for university applications. Spaces are free but require registration via the Eventbrite listing.

Salisbury Museum recruits volunteers for a range of museum roles and runs a local work experience programme. The page points visitors to the Volunteer Hub where they can read role descriptions and complete an application form. Volunteer recruitment is actively seeking people to join the Engagement Team who can provide weekend afternoon availability. The museum runs a work experience programme for local students: placements in 2027 are available for Year 10 and Year 12 students and will run from 7 June to 30 July 2027. The 2026 work experience programme is fully booked. Prospective applicants should state which role(s) they are applying for; general (non-role-specific) applications may not be responded to while teams are at capacity. To apply, download the application form from the museum website and return it via email to katedouglas@salisburymuseum.org.uk, in person to the museum receptionist, or by post to the Volunteer Coordinator at Salisbury Museum, The King's House, 65 The Close, SP1 2EN. For queries contact the Volunteer Coordinator (Kate Douglas) or call 01722 332151.

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.