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.

Smart Futures is a youth programme run by the EY Foundation that combines paid work experience, interactive employability skills training and mentoring for young people in Year 12 (England) or S5 (Scotland). The programme is run with employer partners and is designed to give participants practical insight into different industries and working environments while building transferable skills and confidence.

Participants take part in up to two weeks of employability training and workshops, receive a business mentor who supports them through the programme and beyond, and complete paid work experience placements during school holidays. Programmes are industry-specific in some locations (for example Business & Finance, Tech Futures, STEM Futures, Real Estate Futures, Data/Actuarial streams) but are suitable for young people unsure of their exact career path.

Smart Futures runs across many UK locations (including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool, Bradford, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Reading and Luton) with multiple term-time, February, Easter, spring and summer cohorts. Applications are via an online form and shortlisted applicants are invited to a short telephone interview.

Fitzwilliam College is partnering with Zero Gravity to deliver a series of online masterclasses for its students. The sessions are designed to give young people practical guidance about Cambridge, the application process, and what student life is like, helping them feel more confident about applying and preparing for university. The programme includes talks on topics such as Cambridge Foundation Year options, an introduction to Cambridge and Fitzwilliam College, preparing for the Cambridge interview, and a student panel sharing first-hand experiences. The sessions are intended to be informative and supportive, with advice tailored to students who are exploring Cambridge or getting ready for the admissions process. The opportunity is aimed mainly at sixth form students, especially Year 12 and Year 13 students. It is delivered online, making it accessible to students who want to learn more about Cambridge from wherever they are based, while benefiting from guidance from current students and staff connected to Fitzwilliam College.

The Experience Engineering Academy is a two-week on-campus summer course run by Oxford Scholastica Academy on the Oxford University campus. Students tackle real-world engineering challenges-building an engine, designing hydraulic and pneumatic systems, exploring aerodynamics and thermodynamic cycles-and are guided by tutors typically drawn from Oxford and Cambridge.

Beyond daily classes, the programme includes an intensive four-hour Bridge Building Challenge that tests teamwork, budgeting and structural design. Masterclasses, visits from an established engineer, cultural excursions and a full social programme (including an International Boat Ball, punting and college experiences) give participants a taste of university life alongside academic learning.

Class sizes are capped (maximum 15 students). All successful participants receive an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement, and qualifying students may be awarded a personalised Letter of Recommendation and access to the Ambassador Programme for follow-on activities.

Immerse Education’s Criminology Summer Programme Cambridge is a two-week, university-style summer school for high-school students aged 16-18. It introduces participants to key ideas in crime, justice and society through expert-led academic teaching in a prestigious Cambridge setting. Students explore criminological theory and its real-world applications through case studies, discussion and guided study. The programme includes in-depth academic sessions, a personal research project, and 1-on-1 tutoring with experienced mentors. Small class sizes are designed to give students more direct support, while the course also aims to build critical thinking and analytical skills for future study in criminology, law or the social sciences. Participants receive a certificate of achievement, and the programme package includes accommodation, meals and extracurricular activities. An optional UCAS points add-on is also available for eligible students.

New World New Skills Work Experience is a paid, in-person work experience programme from PwC for school and college students from lower socio-economic backgrounds. It gives participants a snapshot of life at PwC and an introduction to the firm’s early careers pathways.

Across four days in selected UK offices, students take part in interactive sessions led by PwC people, learn about different parts of the business, and hear from staff across a range of grades. The programme also includes networking opportunities and skills-focused sessions designed to build confidence, employability and awareness of the working world.

Participants work as part of a team on a business challenge and gain first-hand insight into how PwC supports clients. The experience is intended to help students understand the firm, develop useful workplace skills, and explore whether PwC’s entry-level and Flying Start degree routes could be right for them in the future.

The British Physics Olympiad Senior Physics Challenge (SPC) is a national competition aimed at Year 12 (first year of A-level or equivalent) students. There are two routes: SPC Online, a quiz-style competition made up of two 30-minute multiple-choice sets designed to encourage wider reading and interest in physics; and the traditional paper SPC, a one-hour problem-based paper that challenges students' problem-solving and application of core physics principles.

Both competitions are intended to be taken in school under teacher supervision and are not permitted to be sat remotely. The online event is run via the BPhO Competition Platform and is accessible to capable students (not an Olympiad-level paper). The paper competition uses a problem-set format with past papers recommended for preparation; teachers download papers from the Competition Platform and mark scripts in school using the provided mark scheme.

Entry arrangements vary: SPC Online charges £20 for a school entry (up to 999 students), the paper competition is free for (UK) schools while international schools have a £20 fee for up to 100 students. Results, reports and supporting materials (sample questions, past papers, mark schemes) are available on the Competition Platform. Selected top performers may be invited (with their teacher) to the Royal Society awards.

The Dental Mentor Virtual Work Experience, developed in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, is a self-paced online programme designed for students interested in dentistry. The programme comprises four distinct sessions covering different areas of dentistry, using high-fidelity simulations, real clinical settings, and involvement from practising dentists to take students through a complete patient journey.

Students can complete the e-learning modules in their own time around school work, with each session available for 30 days. The programme includes a free reflective journal to support personal statements and reflection, and students receive a certificate of completion once all four sessions are finished. Dental Mentor also provides free online conferences (Get Into Dentistry) that allow students to speak to dentists and dental students and to begin accessing the virtual work experience.

This virtual placement is explicitly accepted by UK dental schools as a valid form of work experience to support dental school applications. The programme is free and is positioned to help applicants gain people-focused experience, observe healthcare practice, and prepare stronger dental school applications.

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; cohorts are recruited periodically - see the role page for the next intake. 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.

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.

This is an interactive Carbon Literacy training and certification course run by Change Agents UK. The training develops knowledge and practical skills to reduce carbon emissions in personal, community and organisational settings and leads to formal Carbon Literacy certification through the UN-supported Carbon Literacy Project. The course comprises two virtual sessions running 9:15-12:30 on 2 and 9 December, plus approximately 2.5 hours of individual study completed between sessions. To achieve certification participants must submit a short evidence form including a personal and professional pledge to the Carbon Literacy Project. The sessions cover core topics including the science of climate change, carbon footprints, climate equity, net zero pathways, communication skills and steps to become an agent of change. The training is delivered online and is suitable for individuals, students and organisations-particularly those working in or interested in the third sector and sustainability roles. Participants will gain a recognised Carbon Literacy qualification, practical actions to reduce emissions, and skills to advocate for change. Refunds are available up to 7 days before the event.

This undergraduate open day at Camberwell College of Arts introduces prospective students to BA (Hons) Landscape Design and BA (Hons) Interior Architecture. It is a chance to learn more about the college and the courses, and to hear directly from academics and current students about studying in this area. Visitors can explore the studios and facilities, find out more about the application and portfolio process, and learn about the support services available to students. The event is in person, and bookers are asked to bring no more than one guest onsite. UAL Accommodation Services are also offering separate tours of nearby halls of residence for those who want to add to their visit.

The Royal Geographical Society School Essay Competition is a free annual writing contest run in partnership with the Financial Times. It invites students aged 16-18 to respond to a current geographical question, producing a well-evidenced essay of up to 1,000 words or an alternative ArcGIS StoryMap format. The competition is open worldwide to students studying geography as a separate subject, such as A Level, IB, Scottish Higher, or an equivalent final two years of secondary education. Entries must be original, written in English, include referenced sources, and are judged anonymously by a panel from the Royal Geographical Society and the Financial Times. Prizes include a £50 Amazon voucher or local currency equivalent for the winner, along with publication and wider recognition opportunities. It is designed for young geographers who want to develop research, argument-building, and academic writing skills around a topical issue.

The Fashion School offers Arts Award qualifications (Bronze and Silver) that are nationally recognised and operate at a similar level to GCSEs. The programme is open to anyone aged 11+ and is designed for young people interested in fashion, sewing, design and textiles. Students develop leadership, independent learning, communication, planning and fashion knowledge through project-based work and tutor support.

Work for the Arts Award is completed across weekly term classes and at home, supported by an Arts Award trained tutor. Bronze typically involves four 15-minute one-to-one sessions and up to 60 hours of work; Silver involves six 15-minute one-to-one sessions and up to 95 hours. Students are expected to document their process (sketchbooks, diaries, photos), research designers, attend at least one fashion event or trip, and present their project to others.

The programme prepares students for further education and employment in creative fields. Parents and students should note that enrolment requires attendance in a weekly term class; some additional one-to-one tutorials are available at extra cost. For questions or to sign up, contact the school directly.

Christ's College runs a programme of live online webinars aimed at prospective applicants and their supporters. Sessions cover topics such as post-16 subject choices, how Cambridge works and the application process, international applicant issues (visas, exams, fees), writing personal statements and making competitive applications, and understanding student finance. Most webinars include a presentation followed by a typed Q&A; presenters answer questions but attendee cameras and microphones remain disabled.

The webinars run regularly across the year (different session types are scheduled from January through September, with some sessions occurring between January and November). Booking is via the Christ's College webpage and individual Zoom registration links; attendees receive joining details by email after registering. These events are live only and recordings are not provided.

Sessions are open to students from all backgrounds (and to parents, carers, teachers and advisers). Times are varied to accommodate international attendees and those with other commitments; attendees receive a follow-up email within 48 hours with further resources and links.

Dive into the realm of fashion with this Springpod virtual work experience programme designed for those exploring careers in the fashion industry. The programme covers a wide range of roles including design and runway, styling and visual merchandising, buying and merchandising, and marketing and communications. Participants complete interactive modules, quizzes and activities to build understanding and practical skills, finishing with a downloadable portfolio of their work.

The course is delivered remotely with live webinars (recorded and available afterwards) alongside self-paced tasks. There is no strict application cutoff for completing the programme and materials remain accessible after a programme end date. The programme is suitable for school and college students and is explicitly open to anyone aged 13 and above.

CPDN (climateprediction.net) is a University of Oxford-based volunteer computing project that runs climate modelling experiments using the spare processing power of volunteers' home computers. Volunteers install the BOINC client, join the Climateprediction.net project, and allow climate models to run in the background on their machines. The project is not-for-profit and is run by a team of climate scientists, computing experts and graduate students in partnership with researchers worldwide.

Volunteers help run large ensembles of global and regional climate models which are computationally intensive and require many small contributions from ordinary computers. Participation is suitable for anyone with a compatible personal computer and an interest in supporting climate science; no formal qualifications are required. Key practical steps are to download and install the BOINC client, register a CPDN account, add the Climateprediction.net project to BOINC, and configure preferences (for example to suspend work while the computer is in use).

Participants can access technical FAQs and community message boards for setup help and discussion. The role offers engagement with climate research, opportunities to learn about modelling and data, and membership of a global volunteer community, but it does not provide a formal qualification or paid work.

Isaac Science's "Mentoring: Physics Problem Solving" is a free mentoring series aimed at students studying A Level Physics from Year 12 (from February) through Year 13 (until November). The scheme provides challenging problem sets drawn from A Level material (with some questions requiring A Level Maths) and a monthly live webinar where mentors discuss solutions and answer questions on Zoom. Recordings of webinars are posted afterwards on the mentoring page. There will be 10 mentoring sessions in 2026, each focused on a particular A Level Physics topic. For each session a question deck (around eight questions) is released for students to attempt before the webinar; students are encouraged to try the problems themselves and to discuss approaches with peers. The mentoring group on Isaac Science displays assignments and tracks the problems you have been assigned. No certificates will be awarded for this scheme, but completed questions can feed into the Isaac Senior Physics Challenge if you choose to apply. To participate, join the 2026 Mentoring Group on Isaac Science, read the Code of Conduct, and register for webinars on Zoom. The Y11 mentoring scheme remains available separately.

This one-day expedition medicine course is designed for mountaineers, trekkers, and expedition leaders who want to build practical knowledge for travel and decision-making in remote mountain environments. It focuses on recognising, preventing, and managing altitude-related illness when medical support may be limited or delayed. The course covers acclimatisation, AMS, HACE, HAPE, cold injury, and evacuation planning, with an emphasis on realistic case scenarios and expedition-based problem solving. Participants should come away better prepared to look after themselves and their teams when adventures go wrong at altitude. It is not a 16-hour first aid course and does not meet the requirements for Outdoor Instructor Qualifications, but instead offers a more in-depth look at the kinds of incidents walkers, climbers, and mountaineers may encounter in the field. Accommodation is not included with the ticket, though it may be arranged separately with the venue or through local options.

This two-week medical internship in Arusha, Tanzania, is designed for high school students (aged 15-18) who want firsthand experience of a medical career. Participants shadow doctors and nurses in a local hospital, attend medical workshops (including basic first aid and practical skills like measuring blood pressure and suturing), and take part in supervised community medical outreaches in rural Maasai communities. Clinical shadowing hours typically range from 25 to 50, with an additional 15 to 30 volunteer service hours during outreaches.

Accommodation is provided in a guesthouse or with host families in Arusha with three meals a day included, and local staff provide 24/7 support. The programme includes airport pickup, transport to placements, a cultural awareness course, and organised social and tourism activities (including a weekend safari). No prior qualifications or medical experience are required; all tasks are supervised by local medical staff and a dedicated Projects Abroad medical doctor who provides clinical oversight and mentoring.

The project aims to give students practical insights for university applications and careers in medicine while contributing basic healthcare to underserved communities. Participants receive a certificate of project completion and access to alumni services. Flights, travel/medical insurance, and visa fees are not included in the programme cost.