Access to Sheffield Summer School

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Overview

Over four days, you’ll immerse yourself in university life at Sheffield, participating in a range of academic and social activities with other students from across the UK. You’ll be introduced to and develop valuable transferable skills for university life and employment, experience university-level teaching and increase your confidence in preparation for uni. Fun evening events mean you’ll experience the social side of university and learn how our students balance their academic work with their wider interests.You’ll be supported throughout by an inspirational team of student ambassadors who are currently studying with us. 

Who's the summer school for?

This summer school is ideal for students who may not be sure what they would like to study, but would like to prepare themselves by developing the skills needed for university life. You can apply if you are studying in Year 12 in England or Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland (or equivalent).

What's included?

In simple terms; everything is included! All activities and equipment, overnight accommodation, meals and refreshments. We will also fund your travel to and from the University - this will be arranged on an individual basis as part of the application process and we'll help you every step of the way. You’ll even receive your own University branded hoodie, so you can really look the part of a student too.

What's more, throughout Y13, you'll have access to a range of activities designed to support you with your university journey. The sessions cover everything from applying to university, student finance, and accommodation, to scholarships and preparing for results day. You'll also get tutoring support in Y13 to help with your current studies and boost your attainment in preparation for university.

But the support doesn't stop there! As a summer school attendee, if you successfully gain a place to study with us, you'll receive additional consideration to be a Law Family Ambition Scholar. Scholars have access to a wealth of tailored support, activities and events, starting from the very first week in Sheffield. We also have a dedicated careers team who will support you throughout your time at Sheffield.

Where will I stay? 

You’ll stay in our vibrant Endcliffe student residences. Our University owned accommodation is a popular choice with students during their first year of study, so youʼll get a flavour of what it's like to be part of the largest student community in Sheffield. 

When does the summer school take place?

The Access to Sheffield Summer School will take place on Tuesday 29 July - Friday 1 August 2025.

Why should I attend?

• Develop your personal effectiveness in team-working, communication and problem-solving skills
• Be supported by and learn from our current students
• Enhance your preparedness for university and support your application
• Make new friends from across the UK
• Try out a range of sporting, social and evening activities to give you a real taste of university life
• Get to know our inclusive, vibrant and green city through a range of activities in Sheffield
• Access support throughout Y13 to help you with your academic attainment and university journey
• Successful completion of the summer school will result in additional consideration and a contextual offer equivalent to up to three grades below the standard A Level entry requirements for your course
• If you choose to study with us, you'll receive additional consideration to be a Law Family Ambition Scholar. You have the opportunity to apply for one of our Experience Sheffield Scholarships, 30 of which are ringfenced for students on our Access programmes. Scholarships are worth £3600 each and are designed to support your costs as a student
• Get a guaranteed interview to become a student ambassador when you study with us
• Dedicated support when you study with us as an undergraduate student

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Eligibility

Access to Sheffield Summer School is for students from target groups who are currently underrepresented in Higher Education. You can apply if you are studying in Year 12 in England or Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland (or equivalent). As this is a programme for under 18s, we can only accept students in Y12 who will be no older than 17 years old as of 1 September 2025. You must expect to be a home fee paying student unless identified as a forced migrant.

There are two categories of target groups we use to shortlist applicants. You'll also need to meet our GCSE and A Level requirements. 

Please note you cannot apply for the summer school if you are currently a participant on our Access to Sheffield (Y12-13) programme.

Category 1

Priority will be given to students who:

• are eligible for free school meals 
• live in an area of disadvantage, measured by IMD

Category 2

Further consideration will be given to those who are: 

• care experienced
• a care leaver
• young carers
• experiencing estrangement
• a forced migrant

GCSE requirements

Achieved a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-6, plus a minimum of grade 4 in English and Maths (if not already included).

A Level requirements 

You need to be studying at least 3 A Level or equivalent qualifications - at least two should be on the University’s acceptable subject list.

Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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Got a question about the summer school?

If you have any questions, get in touch with the team at summerschool.accesstosheffield@sheffield.ac.uk or call 0114 222 1027.

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Application guidance for schools and colleges

Find useful information to help schools and colleges understand the application process for our Access to Sheffield Summer School.

Application guidance for schools and colleges

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