Sutton Trust Summer Schools 2025

Are you keen to explore your subject interests in depth? Are you motivated by a challenge and do you like the idea of discussing your ideas with equally motivated students and teachers? If so, we’d love you to consider joining us for our 5 day Summer School.

What are they?

For 2025, we will be inviting you to a 5 day, subject-specific residential held here in Cambridge. The programme aims to give you the full Cambridge student experience (including academic teaching and social life) whilst also providing you with information and advice to support you during the application process.

Find out more and apply on the Sutton Trust website.

What do the Summer Schools involve?

During the day you will join your chosen department, where you’ll be taught by world-leading experts in your subject. They’ll guide you through new areas of study, introducing you to the depth and breadth of a Cambridge undergraduate course. The subject timetables are varied; you might undertake your own research project, participate in seminars, lectures or test out Cambridge’s supervisions (specialised, small-group teaching).

But it’s not all work. During this week you will have the opportunity to explore Cambridge with your Summer School friends, and we’ll put on a host of activities for you. In previous years this has included going on a punt tour of the River Cam, taking part in a range of sports and societies, enjoying a ‘Formal Hall’ and quiz, and more!

What will I get out of it?

By the end of the Summer School, we hope that you’ll leave inspired by your subject, with new knowledge and skills which will stand you in good stead for your final year of school. We hope, too, that you’ll be able to make an informed decision about what you want to do next, whatever subject, university or route you’re considering.

Things to consider

The Sutton Trust Summer Schools are extremely competitive and we aim to ensure that places go to those will take the most away from the experience.

It is essential that participants take part in the entirety of the event. Students who have holidays or commitments which overlap with the Summer School they hope to take part in will not be permitted to attend.

Additionally, if you are attending multiple events at the University or its Colleges, you may find that some of the content is repeated. Please ensure you let us know as soon as possible if you would like to withdraw your place on the Summer School.

How to apply

If you're interested in taking part, you should apply online through the Sutton Trust website. Applications are not processed on a first-come-first-serve basis, so please do not rush your application.

Before you apply, check the eligibility criteria on the Sutton Trust website. You should also find out about the academic entry requirements for your subject (Sutton Trust website).

Find out more about how we select students for our Summer Schools.