The BBC Young Writers’ Award 2026, run by BBC Radio 1 in partnership with Cambridge University, invites UK-based writers aged 14-18 to submit short stories of up to 1,000 words. There is no theme requirement - entries must be the entrant's own original work. The award is now in its twelfth year and celebrates young creative writing across the UK. Previous winners have gone on to study across the UK, win other writing competitions and secure professional publishing opportunities. The 2026 judging panel includes BBC Radio 1 presenter Lauren Layfield (chair), musician Lily Fontaine and authors David Almond and Margaret McDonald, with a further judge to be announced. Selected shortlisted stories and past winners are available to listen to on BBC Sounds. Submissions are open now and close at 09:00 GMT on Monday 23 March 2026. Entry instructions, privacy notice and full terms and conditions (including how to submit) are available on the BBC pages linked from the announcement; entrants should consult those pages for the submission form and any further details.

The Access to Sheffield Summer School is a four-day on-campus programme at the University of Sheffield designed to introduce prospective university students to academic study and student life. Over the course of the programme participants take part in academic skills sessions, university-level teaching tasters, and social activities, supported throughout by current student ambassadors. The 2026 programme runs Monday 3 August to Thursday 6 August 2026 and is hosted in University accommodation (Endcliffe residences) in Sheffield. Everything required for the programme is provided: activities and equipment, overnight accommodation, meals and refreshments, and travel to and from the University (arranged and funded individually). The programme is non-subject specific and focuses on transferable academic and study skills, teamwork, communication and problem-solving, and confidence-building. It is accredited by the Skills Builder framework (Impact Level 4) and successful completion can lead to contextual offer consideration and access to further Y13 support. This summer school is aimed at students from target groups underrepresented in higher education. Applicants must meet the stated academic requirements (GCSE and A Level/equivalent) and at least one widening participation criterion (for example eligibility for free school meals, living in an area of disadvantage, care-experienced, young carer, estrangement, or forced migrant). Additional ongoing support and access to the Access to Sheffield (Y13 to Uni) programme is available for attendees as they enter Y13.

Bridging The Gap is an on-campus Newcastle University event offering practical study skills guidance and UCAS application support specifically for Year 12 students. The programme is run jointly by the University's Library Outreach team and Outreach staff, and is designed to prepare students as they move into Year 13. Each day includes four core sessions: Sixth Form Study Skills (practical techniques and access to the University's online study skills resources), UCAS and Personal Statements (an introduction to the UCAS process and how to prepare a personal statement), a campus tour led by current students with optional tailoring to subject interests, and talks from recent graduates about student life at Newcastle University. The event runs across three days (Tuesday 7 July to Thursday 9 July 2026). Sessions run approximately 09:45-14:30 each day. School groups should book via the provided registration link; individual student bookings are only accepted for Thursday 9 July 2026. For queries, contact outreach@ncl.ac.uk.

This is an intensive online UCAT workshop focused on Quantitative Reasoning run by Aspire. The course teaches candidates to identify different UCAT question types and the optimum techniques to answer them, with a focus on boosting speed and accuracy under timed conditions. Participants will learn proven strategies used by high-scoring UCAT candidates, practise answering questions in a time-pressured environment, and receive tips and techniques specifically for the quantitative reasoning section. The session is delivered by experienced instructors and is designed to optimise student learning and improve UCAT scores. The event is delivered online and runs for two hours. Event details will be emailed to attendees nearer the time. Refunds are available up to seven days before the event according to the organiser's policy.

The LMH Taster Day Series 2026 offers Year 12 students from UK state schools and colleges a chance to experience studying specific undergraduate subjects at the University of Oxford and at Lady Margaret Hall. Each single-day event includes subject-specific taster lectures and hands-on academic workshops led by LMH tutors, a tour of the college led by a current undergraduate, and a free lunch in the college dining hall. Subject days in 2026 include Modern Languages and Linguistics (22 April), Physics (27 April), Mathematics and Computer Science (6 May), History (8 May), and Classics and Ancient History (14 May). The taster days also provide information about Oxford admissions relevant to each subject (including mock interviews and discussions of admissions tests where applicable). Events are aimed at supporting students who are considering applying to Oxford and will be useful for those with a keen interest in the relevant subject. To apply, students must complete the online Taster Day application form; the form requests details about background and academic achievements but does not require a personal statement. If travel assistance is needed, applicants should contact outreach@lmh.ox.ac.uk to discuss confidential financial support.

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.

The Arts Theatre Cambridge offers a range of volunteer roles that help make every visit welcoming and safe. Roles include Front of House duties such as ushering, greeting audiences, and serving refreshments, and Marketing Distribution volunteer roles that involve the physical distribution of posters and flyers around Cambridge to promote upcoming shows. Volunteering provides practical experience in customer service, teamwork, and theatre operations and is a good way to learn about theatre marketing and build confidence. Distribution volunteers represent the theatre in public and help maintain relationships with local businesses; an information pack for distribution volunteers is available via the theatre website. To apply for distribution volunteering, send an email with the subject line "Distribution Volunteer Application" explaining why you would like to join the Marketing team (contact details and the distribution volunteer information pack are on the theatre website). To apply for Front of House volunteering, email the theatre stating your interest in joining the Front of House team. For further information, contact the theatre using the email addresses provided on the Volunteering page.

The Elite Dual Career Athlete Pathway (EDCAP) at the University of Birmingham is a sport scholarship programme offering high-performance student-athletes tailored dual-career support. It mirrors UK Sport world class performance programmes and provides access to bespoke specialist practitioners (strength & conditioning, nutrition, physiology, psychology and performance lifestyle), unlimited physiotherapy/soft tissue therapy within a fair use policy, funding support for international representation and medical interventions, and academic flexibility through a dedicated Performance Lifestyle Coach. EDCAP consists of two tiers: a one-year Talent programme that can lead onto the Elite programme for athletes meeting performance standards; the Elite tier receives more individualised support and higher funding. Awards include financial support (a component up to £3,000 and total package value typically between £8,000 and £12,000), 12-month Sport & Fitness Peak membership with full facility access, scholar kit and an Athlete Resource Pack, plus induction activities and scholar social events across the academic year. Student-athletes at junior international standard (or above) in Olympic and Commonwealth sports are invited to apply. Students of all years and nationalities (including postgraduates) may be considered. The programme provides contextual admissions benefits for some incoming undergraduates and offers a structured application timeline with wave deadlines and interview dates as published on the Sport Scholarships page.

This online webinar, delivered by Dr Helen Essell (Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Geography, University of Cambridge), introduces palaeoecology and how sedimentary archives such as peatlands are used to reconstruct past environments. The session will explain fossil proxies (for example pollen) preserved in sediments, how these are analysed to trace millennial-scale relationships between climate, environmental change and human activity, and why this evidence matters for contemporary conservation and restoration work. The webinar is aimed at students considering applying to the University of Cambridge and those studying Geography, Archaeology, Politics, Law or Classics who want insight into undergraduate research and teaching in the subject. It is an outreach taster lecture within the Murray Edwards College webinar series and includes time for questions. The event is delivered online via Zoom and is free to attend. Booking is required via the college registration form. Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis where capacity limits apply.

Flavortown is a Hack Club program for teen coders where participants build technical personal projects, earn virtual currency called "cookies," and redeem those cookies for donated prizes. The program runs across a winter window (displayed on the site as Dec 22 to March 31) and showcases many example projects to inspire participants. Participants can make websites, games, hardware projects, or any technical project and ship them for others to experience. Projects must be open-source to qualify. As you share and engage, you accumulate cookies which can be exchanged for tiered prizes ranging from stickers and small credits up to larger electronics (Raspberry Pis, iPads, laptops and more). The program is explicitly aimed at highschoolers (ages 13-18) and is free to join. The site notes that prizes are donated or paid for by Hack Club; international winners should be aware customs may apply. Additional participation details and examples of prior seasons (Summer of Making, High Seas) are provided on the site.

This Cambridge-based Business Management summer programme is designed for students aged 15 618 who want an introduction to leadership, marketing, finance and strategic thinking within a real-world entrepreneurial environment. The course leverages Cambridges tech ecosystem and research excellence to give participants insight into start-ups, established companies and key business concepts.

Guided by experienced tutors, students take part in industry visits, team-based challenges and pitching exercises that develop practical skills in market evaluation, creative problem solving and communication. The programme aims to build confidence and provide clear steps for those considering further study or a future in management, entrepreneurship or related fields.

Dons Local Action offers a wide range of volunteer roles to support its community-driven food and support services. Opportunities are available both in person and remotely and range from short shifts outside stores to more regular weekly commitments. Volunteers help ensure efficient collection, preparation and distribution of food and other essentials across the organisation's network.

Roles include store volunteers who staff collection tables, delivery drivers who collect and deliver to households from the Wimbledon hub, hubsters who prepare food boxes, store leaders, onboarders, marketing and newsletter teams, research and administration, event teams, fundraisers, corporate outreach, schools outreach, Keeping Kids Connected (IT/device refurbishment) and furniture/van teams. Time commitments vary by role, typically 1-3 hours per shift or 1-3 hours per week for ongoing roles.

Onboarding is provided and some roles require specific skills or checks (for example a DBS check for drivers, which DLAG will cover). To join a team volunteers are invited to use the "Join a team and register" section on the Dons Local Action website.

This free online student webinar, organised by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), showcases the variety of career pathways available to people who study geography. The session has a business and finance focus and speakers will describe their individual education and career routes and the ways in which geography has equipped them with relevant skills and knowledge. Speakers will explain how they use geography in their work and give examples of real-world impact. The event is aimed at teachers and students considering geography at GCSE, A Level and/or university and is intended to support understanding of careers across sectors such as consultancy and finance. Advance booking is required via the RGS portal; attendees will receive joining instructions in their confirmation email. The event contributes to Gatsby Benchmarks 4 and 5 and is suitable for individual or group bookings by teachers and schools.

Art-House-Life is hosting a series of poetry and art events at its studios in the Osborne Stable Block, East Cowes, and a repeat workshop in Bembridge this spring. Offerings include Scissor Talk, a poetry workshop by Poet-in-Residence Maggie Sawkins (suitable for beginners and more experienced writers), the Figmentum quarterly writers' salon 'Writing at the Edge' for experienced writers, and the Rec Room opening night - a relaxed, vinyl-led evening showcasing Island artists with poetry, projection art and live performance. Workshops and salons are structured with warm-ups, readings, discussion, extended writing and feedback; Figmentum includes drinks/snacks and is limited in numbers. Rec Room provides a social, living-room atmosphere with performances from local poets and musicians - entry is free but donations are welcome. Private one-to-one art tuition is also available, tailored to individuals (practical and theoretical), delivered by qualified, DBS-checked tutors and includes use of studio equipment. Booking is required for all events (even free ones) due to limited capacity. Further details, dates and booking links are available via Art-House-Life's website and the booking forms linked in the event listings.

Withers is offering its PRIME Work Experience programme for 2026 to give Year 12 students an insight into life at a leading private client law firm. The programme is a diversity and social mobility initiative designed to improve access to the legal profession. Participants will get real insight into firm life, attend skills sessions, and learn about routes into law such as Solicitor Apprenticeships and Training Contracts. The programme runs Monday 26 October 2026 to Thursday 29 October 2026 in London and is aimed at students in Year 12 who are interested in a career in law and who meet the PRIME eligibility criteria. Applications are accepted via the Withers candidate portal. For further information contact the recruitment team at recruitment@withersworldwide.com.

The University of Surrey Residential Summer Schools (part of the Surrey Scholars programme) offer Year 12 students the chance to experience studying a subject at university degree level. The 2026 residential programme is free to attend and provides a short on-campus experience across three subject strands: Business, Engineering Sciences and Veterinary Medicine. There are 100 places in total shared across the strands. During the four-day, three-night programme participants will take part in sample lectures, workshops, research projects, sports tasters and evening social activities. The programme includes overnight accommodation and three meals per day; transport costs are covered on request. The residential summer school is targeted at Year 12 students from under-represented backgrounds who attend non-selective state schools or colleges in the UK and meet the specified widening-participation criteria. Applications for the 2026 Summer Schools open on 2026-01-19 and close on 2026-03-29. Applicants are encouraged to use the Surrey Scholars application form to register interest and apply; places are allocated based on eligibility and capacity of the chosen subject strand. For queries contact summerschools@surrey.ac.uk.

ParkWork is a regular volunteering programme run by Joe McKenna and Bristol Park Vol Team offering practical training and skills development through the maintenance and management of Bristol’s parks. Volunteers support a variety of outdoor tasks such as weeding and scrub clearance, bench installation, pond maintenance and tree care. Sessions are delivered across parks in Bristol and are designed to be hands-on opportunities to learn environmental and conservation skills while helping local green spaces. Sessions run weekly: Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 and Fridays 13:00-15:30. To sign up, volunteers should sign in or register on Can Do Bristol and complete the volunteer form on the Better Impact platform (link on the listing). For questions contact parkvolunteers@bristol.gov.uk or call 07823 719 723; contact Joe directly on 07469 400 689.

This five-day composition course at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama is designed for young composers to develop their composition skills and write a piece for a small instrumental ensemble. You will work closely with a composition teacher and performers on your own music, learning about instrumental writing, technique and how to develop your ideas. The course culminates in a showcase performance of participants' work.

Across the week participants take part in group composition classes, receive one-to-one tuition, work with instrumentalists to try out ideas, and write a piece for a string quartet which is workshopped, rehearsed and performed in an end-of-course showcase. Participants will also receive a mastered audio recording of their piece. The course is led by composer and Guildhall tutor Paul Whitmarsh.

How to apply: complete the online application form (click 'Apply Now'), submit a 250-word statement outlining your composition experience and goals, and upload a portfolio of two fully notated compositions (PDF). Audio files are optional. Spaces are limited; bookings close at 17:00 on Friday 3 July 2026 or when capacity is reached. Participation bursaries are available (bursary deadline 27 April 2026). Accommodation is not provided.

The Maritime Museum Assistant Placement is a six-month paid placement hosted by The Maritime Archaeology Trust at the Shipwreck Centre & Maritime Museum. The role is open to a young person aged 18-25 and will provide hands-on experience of running a small museum with particular focus on marketing and collections. Activities include producing social media content, devising a social media and marketing strategy, assisting with exhibitions and collections, archiving/databasing and researching objects, and supporting school visits. This placement is one day per week for six months, starting at the beginning of April and finishing in September. The placement holder will have the opportunity to work across, or choose between, the established Shipwreck Centre & Maritime Museum in Arreton and the new future museum site in Yarmouth. Applicants will be paid a daily stipend of £100 and the exact day/time will be arranged to accommodate the successful candidate's schedule where possible. To apply you must log in or create an account on Brave Island and complete the online application form (answer all questions; you may optionally upload a CV). For questions about the role you can contact megan@ventnorexchange.co.uk. Please read the information pack linked on the listing for full practical details.

Learn to make a hand-embroidered fabric vessel with artist Louise Goult in a relaxed, inspiring workshop at Shipley Art Gallery. This session guides participants through selecting pre-loved and small scrap fabrics and combining them with hand stitch to create a three-dimensional fabric vessel. You will choose threads from a wide range of options and add calming hand-embroidered details to produce a unique ornament or a practical item such as a thread holder or organiser for the home. The workshop promotes a sustainable approach to textiles by using reclaimed materials. The workshop is led by Louise Goult and is suitable for people aged 16 and over, including beginners and those with some embroidery experience. It takes place at Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead on Saturday 4 July 2026 from 10:30AM to 1:30PM. Tickets are available via the TicketSource event page (price range on the listing: £0.00 - £32.34, inclusive of booking fee).