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Here you will find some Frequently Asked Questions relating to the Sutton Trust Summer Schools at Cambridge.
Summer School requirements
I don't meet the GCSE or standard grade requirements but I have extenuating circumstances. Can I apply?
We may consider your application if you do not meet the academic requirements because of extenuating circumstances.
Your teacher will need to tell us about anything that has affected your studies using the Teacher Verification form. Make sure that you ask your teacher to do this as we can't consider circumstances that are not listed in the form.
I attended an independent school previously, but I am no attending a state school. Can I apply?
No, applicants must have attended a state-maintained school throughout their schooling.
I'm eligible to apply, but I can only meet one of the selection criteria. Should I still apply?
The application form takes no more than 10 minutes to complete, so you have nothing to lose by putting in an application.
Your Summer School application
I've missed the deadline. Can I stull apply or be put on the reserve list?
We do not accept any applications after the deadline.
If you missed the deadline, there are other opportunities to visit the University. Check our upcoming events.
I didn't get a place on a Summer School. Can I be added to a reserve list?
We already operate a reserve list. We will tell you if you have been selected as a reserve.
What is the teacher verification form? Who needs to complete it? Do they need to write me a reference?
The Teacher Verification form needs to be completed to confirm that the information on your application form is accurate.
Teachers do not write a reference. But they can provide information about extenuating circumstances that have affected your studies.
The Sutton Trust website provides guidance for teachers on filling out this form.
Attending a Summer School
What are the travel arrangements? Do I need to pay for travel?
If you're travelling via public transport, there is no cost to students attending the Summer Schools. We are usually unable to reimburse the cost of car travel.
If you are offered a place, we will be in touch to confirm how you will be travelling to and from Cambridge. Unless you choose to travel by car, we will book train tickets for your return journey to Cambridge. You will be able to collect these from your closest train station.
We will provide you with all the information you need to ensure that you have a stress free journey.
When you arrive, our student ambassadors will meet you and take you to the College that you will be staying in. We will arrange for your luggage to be collected from the station and taken to your accommodation.
What are the accommodation arrangements?
Summer School participants will have their own room in an undergraduate College for the duration of their time in Cambridge.
Rooms on the same corridor will be assigned by gender where possible. Bathrooms will be shared.
The Colleges will provide towels but you should bring toiletries with you.
Ensuite rooms are available on a needs basis.
I have a disability or health condition. How will this be accommodated?
We are committed to ensuring that the Sutton Trust Summer Schools are accessible for all participants.
You will be asked to fill out a Personal Details form in advance of coming to Cambridge. We encourage you to provide as much detail as possible about any needs relating to health or disability. This will help us to make adjustments and provide relevant support.
If you indicate on the form that you need our support, we will follow up via email or phone.
Get in touch if you would like to discuss your application with us: cambridgesummerevents@admin.cam.ac.uk
What do I need to bring?
We will send out a complete checklist to participants in the summer. The key items will be comfortable clothes and toiletries. There is no need to bring formal clothes. You may also wish to bring a small about of money for a souvenir.
Do I need to do any preparation in advance?
For most subjects, there’s nothing to do in advance. If you do need to do some prep work, we will let you know.
I'm attending another summer school organised by one of the University's departments or Colleges. Will the content be the same?
If you are attending multiple events at the University or its Colleges, you may find that some of the content is repeated.
If you no longer want to come to the Summer School, let us know as soon as possible.
How long will I spend in the academic departments?
Each subject will have approximately 18 hours of teaching time during the week. You should expect to be in the departments most of the time during the day.
Applying to Cambridge after a Summer School
Will attending a Summer School affect my Cambridge application?
Applications to the University are completely separate from the Summer Schools. Admissions Tutors will not know whether you attended a Summer School unless you mention it in your personal statement.
Am I unlikely to get a place at Cambridge if I don't get a place on the summer schools?
An unsuccessful application to the Summer Schools does not mean you won't get a place at Cambridge. We use different selection criteria for the Summer Schools to the selection criteria used in the admissions process.