The Sutton Trust Summer School at St Andrews

• Key details

  • Dates: Sunday 5 July to Friday 10 July 2026
  • Location: University Halls at St Andrews
  • Who can apply: Students in S5, Year 12 (England and Wales), or Year 13 (Northern Ireland)
  • Cost: the course is completely free and travel expenses for students from Scotland will be reimbursed. Travel for those from England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be arranged by the University.

• Your academic journey

  You'll experience a week packed with classes similar to those undertaken by first-year University students. You’ll choose one subject from each of the option lists below.

  Option one:

  • Chemistry
  • Classics and History
  • Computer Science
  • English
  • Geography and Sustainable Development
  • Medicine
  • Psychology
  • Physics and Astronomy

  Option two:

  • Art History
  • Biology
  • Earth Sciences
  • Economics and Management
  • International Relations
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Medicine (can only be chosen for one of your options)
  • Modern Languages

  You'll also join seminars that will help you navigate the UCAS application process and learn about personal development, study skills and funding your education.

  Fun social activities

  Evenings will be filled with social events like sports, music nights and the famous Sutton Trust ceilidh. Plus, current students will be there to share their experiences and help guide you through the week.

  

• Who can apply

  We're looking for students who:

  • Are in S5 (Scotland) or equivalent (Year 12 England or Wales and Year 13 Northern Ireland).
  • Have achieved at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 6 (A* to B), including English and Maths. A minimum of two of these qualifications should be at grades 9 to 7, or five A or B grades at National 5 including one A.
  • Must attend, and have always attended, a state-funded school or college (non-fee paying) in the UK.
  • Have not yet made an application to university.

  You may also meet some of the following criteria: 

  • You are the first generation in your family to attend university.
  • You are taking relevant subjects in relation to the subject stream you are applying for.
  • You attend a school or college with a low overall A-level, Higher, Advanced Higher (or equivalent) point score or a school or college with low progression to higher education.
  • You come from an area with low overall progression rates to higher education or levels of socio-economic deprivation.
  • You are (or have been) looked after, accommodated or in care.
  • You are a registered young carer.
  • You receive an Educational Maintenance Allowance.
  • You receive free school meals.
  • You are under the age of 18 at the time of the summer school.

• How to apply

  Applications for the 2026 Sutton Trust Summer School are now open.

   

  To apply, click on the button at the top of the page, or visit the Sutton Trust website for more details (UK Summer Schools - The Sutton Trust) 

   

  You will need to select two subjects to study at the summer school. Once you have submitted your application, you will not be able to change these choices, so please ensure you consider this carefully before submitting your application.

• Hear from our Sutton Trust alumni

  It was one of the most interesting and fun weeks ever. I never felt bored or overwhelmed because things had been planned so well. Being able to meet so many amazing professors and people who are truly masters in their fields was invaluable and I can’t think of any reason not to apply.

  Rebecca

  ---

  Meeting so many new people really reminded me that there is a world outside of the area I live in and has given me so much motivation for school and applications knowing it's waiting for me. Living in areas where most people think in the same ways can be hard sometimes and being able to see first-hand that the world is so diverse has really helped me gain confidence in myself.

  Florence

  ---

  It has motivated me to pursue my dreams and to keep trying. It was so important in helping me decide what to do with my life. I have found a new appreciation of university life and what it will be like to be a student.

  Cody

  ---

  I genuinely had an amazing time, made great memories and made some great friends, we're already planning to meet up again soon. So really, thank you so much, I loved the whole thing. All of the staff and ambassadors were so lovely too. It was perfect [...] I was genuinely so sad to leave so soon, Scotland and St Andrews were beyond amazing.

  Katie