Levelling Up: Physics is a university-linked support programme designed to prepare sixth-form (A-level) students for studying physics and related subjects at university. The programme pairs students with a dedicated Programme Tutor and a current-student Programme Support Mentor, and runs alongside A-level studies to complement (not replace) the curriculum.

Students take part in regular guided tutorials, online mentoring sessions, guest lectures from academics, and curated self-study materials. Activities include small-group tutorials led by a tutor, self-study problem weeks followed by discussion, and mentor sessions addressing university life and application support.

The programme is delivered by partner universities (currently University of Birmingham acting as the Hub, plus options at Durham, Nottingham and Southampton). Places are limited and each partner university applies eligibility and selection criteria; students apply via the Levelling Up page for their chosen partner university.

This online course from the University of Nottingham provides virtual veterinary work experience to help learners decide whether a veterinary degree and the veterinary profession are right for them. Over two weeks and around three hours per week, learners explore the structure of veterinary practice, the roles within the wider veterinary team, and the work and responsibilities of veterinary professionals.

The course covers governing bodies (such as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Association), professional conduct, common challenges in the vocation, and current and future issues in veterinary medicine and science. It also highlights roles outside general practice and the range of opportunities a veterinary degree can lead to.

The course is designed for students considering a degree in veterinary medicine and science and for anyone interested in roles within the wider veterinary team. Social learning elements (discussions with other learners) are included, and a digital certificate is available to learners who meet eligibility criteria.

Dev Neuro Academy's flagship Widening Participation Summer School invites 50+ A-level (Year 12) students from schools across London boroughs to spend a week in a university environment exploring neurodevelopment and brain disorders. Participants work alongside research scientists, PhD students and technicians in hands-on neuroscience activities designed to broaden understanding of research and current neuroscience themes.

The programme also includes the Champions year-round programme, which offers alumni opportunities for deeper engagement with research and participation in bespoke projects to build skills needed for onward education and career steps. Dev Neuro Academy alumni may remain involved with the network and help facilitate future summer schools.

Applications are invited from partner schools in March. Teachers and students who wish to find out how to become a partner school should contact leigh.wilson@kcl.ac.uk. More information about the Academy is available on the Dev Neuro website.

This online International Relations, Politics & Leadership course introduces students to core concepts in politics, international relations and leadership through live tutorials, masterclasses and project-based learning. Students will debate global issues, evaluate political decisions and produce policy-style responses under the guidance of expert tutors typically from Oxford and Cambridge.

Courses run with small classes (maximum 15 students) and feature daily live tutorials (1-3 PM UK time), independent study and personalised feedback. Students choose one- or two-week options; two-week courses include 20 hours of live teaching plus four hours of masterclasses and additional assignments.

Successful participants receive an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement, and outstanding students may receive a personalised Letter of Recommendation and an invitation to the Ambassador Programme. The course is aimed at motivated 15-18 year olds and requires a good command of English (minimum CEFR C1 / IELTS 6.5).

This is a four-week, self-paced online course exploring regional development in the Arctic. You will investigate the role natural resources play across the Indigenous, Nordic, Russian and North American Arctics, examine different resource management strategies used in each region, and learn how these approaches affect community planning and development in a changing environment.

The course also examines the impacts of climate change on Arctic communities and surveys adaptations and resilience-building strategies being implemented across northern regions. The material is presented across four modules with readings, short videos, quizzes and assignments designed to give learners an understanding of northern sustainability, geopolitics, resource management, planning and development.

There are no prerequisites and the course is aimed at anyone with an interest in the Arctic, geography, social sciences, urban planning, history or economics. All modules and quizzes are available to audit for free on Coursera; learners may choose to pay for a certificate of completion via Coursera's upgrade option.

Join UCL’s Natural Sciences department for a free in-person taster day aimed at current Year 12 students. The day includes talks about the Natural Sciences courses, guidance on what the degree involves, and information about the range of specialisms you can choose. You will hear about likely careers after graduation and have the opportunity to speak directly with academic staff and current students. Attendees will take a tour of the UCL campus and have the chance to ask admissions tutors questions about the course and the application process. Places are limited and participants will be selected using UCL’s shortlisting/widening participation criteria to prioritise young people from least represented groups. To apply for a place you must complete the online sign-up form; submissions do not guarantee a place.

Alliance Française d'Oxford runs a programme of in-person French courses and themed workshops for learners from complete beginners through advanced (A1-C1).

Courses include comprehensive group classes (e.g. Beginner's A1.1-A2.2, Intermediate A2-B1, Advanced C1), weekly conversation classes, fast-track terms, and short themed workshops such as grammar bootcamps and culture-focused sessions. Classes use standard textbooks (listed per course) which are not provided by the Alliance Française.

Workshops are level-specific and practical in focus: examples on the page include a Future Tense Grammar Bootcamp and the themed workshop "L'amour à la française" (targeted at intermediate B1-B2 adult students). Booking is handled through the Alliance Française d'Oxford course selector/checkout on their website. Venues include local sites such as St Margaret’s Institute.

Step into Bath is a 2-night residential summer school for Year 12 students who are on track to meet the University of Bath's typical offer and who are considering applying to start degree-level study in September 2027. The programme gives participants a taste of university life, with taster lectures, subject-stream teaching, interactive workshops and direct access to admissions tutors and current students.

The summer school runs the week beginning 27 July 2026: 27 July 30 July 2026 for students interested in Engineering and Science, and 29 July 31 July 2026 for students interested in Humanities, Social Sciences or Management and Business. Participants stay in on-campus undergraduate accommodation (own en-suite bedroom) for two nights, attend academic sessions and social activities, and receive support about preparing competitive university applications and personal statements.

Applications are expected to open in January 2026 via an online form. The programme fee (A365) covers accommodation, meals and activities. Applicants must provide their predicted/expected grades and be taking the relevant A-levels or equivalent. Travel to and from the University of Bath is the participant's responsibility and is not reimbursed.

Immerse Education’s Oxford Chemistry Summer Programme is a residential two-week academic course for students aged 16-18. The programme covers organic and inorganic chemistry, chemical reactions and sustainable chemistry through in-depth academic sessions led by tutors with strong university experience. Participants complete a self-directed research project, receive one-to-one tutoring and personalised feedback, and work in small classes (typically 7-10 students). Residential cohorts live in Oxford University colleges (separate male and female accommodation), experience guest lectures, social activities and a graduation ceremony with a certificate of achievement. Total teaching and coaching time is approximately 40 hours. Multiple sessions run in July and August, and non-residential and hybrid-priced options are available. The programme is intended to strengthen university applications and develop analytical, practical and research skills relevant to further study in chemistry and related sciences.

The BPhO Junior Physics Challenge is a national physics competition run by the British Physics Olympiad aimed primarily at Year 10 students in the UK (Year 9 and Year 11 may also participate). Its purpose is to encourage interest in physics and to recognise excellence among young physicists. The challenge covers a range of topics including dynamics, electricity, optics, heat, units, basic astronomy and waves, and is designed to be inclusive and engaging rather than a high-stakes exam.

The competition is delivered online via the Competitions Platform and is sat in school under teacher supervision. It consists of two 25-minute tests, each containing 30 questions, which can be taken consecutively or on two separate occasions within the competition window. A desktop or laptop is recommended (iPads can be used but the system is not optimised for small/touch screens). Schools register via the Competitions Platform (teacher registration required). Cost is £20 per school entry (covers up to 999 students) and certificates are provided; schools are encouraged to award their own prizes.

Kickstart Your Career is a live, online skills workshop delivered by the Essex Apprenticeship Hub aimed at young people aged 16-19. The session focuses on practical, employer-focused guidance to help attendees prepare for apprenticeship applications and interviews. It is organised for those exploring apprenticeships, currently applying, or preparing for upcoming interviews. The interactive 90-minute session covers how to build a clear, effective CV that showcases strengths, techniques to increase confidence when speaking to employers, and key interview skills. Participants will hear advice from industry professionals and careers advisers with examples of what organisations look for during recruitment and application processes. The event is free and online; after registering via Eventbrite attendees receive joining instructions. Participants will leave with practical tips, improved confidence, and a clearer understanding of how to succeed in apprenticeship applications.

This is a one-day online masterclass for students in Year 12 who are considering applying to study Physics at the University of Oxford. The day includes an admissions overview from the Physics Access Officer, a lecture on current physics research, interactive problem-solving workshops, and a panel Q&A with current Oxford physics undergraduates.

The event runs live online and will also be made available as on-demand videos for later catch-up. Attending the live event allows students to ask questions and interact with speakers through the webinar platform. The masterclass is identical in content to the Masterclass held on 7 March 2026; students should not register for both events.

Registration is required in advance. The event is primarily targeted at Year 12 state school students studying Maths and Physics, with prioritisation for those from schools with little or no history of applications to Oxford. If the event becomes oversubscribed, organisers will prioritise the targeted group but may open remaining places more widely.

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 (the page notes the 2023 programme was full) so early enquiries are recommended.

A one-week, hands-on conservation volunteering trip for 16-17 year olds based on the Greek island of Kefalonia. Participants join Pod Volunteers under-18 team and take part in daily conservation activities including national mountain park surveys, coastal and bird surveys, harbour turtle surveys, drone-assisted observations, paddleboard seagrass mapping (weather permitting) and beach/coastal clean-ups. The programme is accompanied by educational presentations on turtle biology, conservation methods and the scientific techniques used in the field.

Accommodation is provided in a family-run resort situated between Argostoli and Lassi, with shared ensuite rooms (single-sex allocation), meals included and local transfers to project sites. Participants are supported throughout by dedicated UK team leaders who stay with the group, and local conservation staff and field leaders. The placement has been approved as meeting the Residential section requirements for the DofE Gold Award and a volunteering certificate and reference can be provided on request.

Tried and tested group French GCSE preparation classes for the 1st Year of GCSE (Year 10, usually 15 years old). These are revision and support courses delivered by Alliance Française d'Oxford, covering all GCSE exam boards. Course content during the term includes family, hobbies and holidays topics alongside core grammar points such as the present tense and the futur proche to enable students to discuss future plans.

Classes are organised as weekly group sessions (pace: 1.5 hours weekly) and are designed to support Year 10 students as they begin their GCSE course. The programme is classroom-based at the Alliance Française d'Oxford and focuses on building confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing in French. Sign-up and payment are handled via the Alliance Française d'Oxford website (add the course to your cart and complete checkout).

UCL Engineering & Science Summer Camp 2026 is a two-week on-campus programme for teens (ages 15-18) delivered at University College London, Bloomsbury Campus and organised by Best Parents. The course blends academic lessons, hands-on projects and industry exposure across core topics such as mechanics, materials science, thermodynamics, electrical engineering, robotics and sustainability. Classes are small (12 students per class) to ensure personalised mentorship and academic support.

The programme includes 60 hours of academic input, guest lectures, masterclasses, company visits, university visits and full-day excursions (for example visits to Oxford/Cambridge and Brighton). Students undertake student-led capstone projects, laboratory demonstrations and career-focused sessions; the schedule also features industry visits and practical workshops that connect theory to real-world engineering and technology applications.

Accommodation is provided for boarding participants in single ensuite rooms with full board. Safety measures include 24/7 onsite security and medical resources. Applicants should note airport transfers are not included (£150 each way) and a minimum English level of B2+ is required. Booking requires selecting a session and completing the enrolment and payment process via the Best Parents website.

The Medic Mentor Virtual Work Experience Programme, developed in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, provides an immersive remote insight into medicine for students considering medical school. The programme covers six different areas of medicine, involves real doctors and high-fidelity clinical simulations, and takes students through a complete patient journey and the multidisciplinary team.

The course is e-learning based so students can complete sessions in their own time around school work. Students have 30 days to complete each session, and a certificate of completion is awarded once all six sessions are finished. A free reflective journal is included to support personal statements and interview preparation for medical school applications.

This programme is positioned to help prospective medical applicants demonstrate people-focused experience and observation of healthcare to medical schools. Access to the virtual work experience is provided via attendance at a Get Into Medicine conference.

The London Mathematics Summer School at University College London (UCL) is a two-week in-person academic programme designed for students aged 15 6. The course introduces participants to university-level mathematics through interactive lectures, small-group seminars (average 7 students per class), one-to-one tutorials and a personal project. Core topics include logic and proof techniques, algebra and mathematical structures, probability and statistics, and calculus and mathematical analysis.

Students complete a supervised Personal Project on a mathematical topic of interest and participate in practical workshops and collaborative problem-solving to build analytical reasoning and problem-solving confidence. The programme totals 30 academic hours and is led by experienced academic tutors and university mentors who provide academic guidance and wellbeing support.

Beyond academics, the programme includes cultural excursions, evening social events and a global student community. Accommodation options are available (single or twin rooms with en-suite or shared bathrooms), meals are provided daily and 24-hour supervision is in place. Airport transfer services (London Heathrow shared transfer) are offered with specified arrival and departure times.

This is a five-week introductory online course designed specifically for young people who want to learn more about mental health. Through short videos, personal stories, quizzes and brief assignments you will learn to recognise common psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders and ADHD, and explore personal, environmental and genetic factors that can contribute to these conditions. The course is created and taught by experts from the University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen and the University of Cambridge. It focuses on practical steps for prevention and self-management and aims to equip learners with tools to protect and boost their mental wellbeing. Estimated study time is about 2 hours per week and a digital certificate is available when eligibility criteria are met. You can start immediately in a global classroom. The course is introductory and suitable for people aged over 14, as well as parents, caregivers, teachers and medical professionals seeking an accessible overview of youth mental health.

The International Astronomy Olympiad (IAO) is an annual international competition in astronomy for middle and high school students, organised under the Olympic Coordinating Council (OCC) and the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society (EAAS). The event aims to disseminate astronomical knowledge, encourage scientific research and international exchanges in astronomy and physics, and to identify and support talented young students.

The Olympiad is typically hosted each autumn at a participating country for a period of about 8 to 10 days. The competition format includes a Theoretical Round (approximately 4 hours, 5-6 questions, total 40-48 points), a Practical Round (3-4 hours, 1-2 questions, total ~20 points based on research data provided by the host), and an Observational Round (nighttime outdoor observations, 1-3 questions, total ~20 points; may be moved indoors if weather prevents observation).

Eligibility is divided into juniors and seniors with specific age and participation restrictions: juniors must be age 15 or under as of January 1 of the Olympiad year and must not have prior Olympiad participation; seniors are typically students in their graduating year with age caps that depend on prior participation. Each country may send up to three juniors and two seniors; former gold/silver winners may attend as supernumerary members if they meet age rules.