Summer schools

Five smiling students holding up the rockets they have made like light sabers

Attending a summer school is a great way to explore your interest in STEM and discover more about Imperial.

About our summer schools

Our summer programmes run between May and August, providing immersive STEM experiences for students from underrepresented backgrounds who attend a non-fee-paying school or college in the UK.

All our programmes are fully funded by the College (and our partners), meaning they are free for successful applicants.  Our programmes are typically over-subscribed, and applicants must meet at least one of our eligibility criteria to be considered.

Applications for our summer 2024 programmes will open on 9 January.  You can learn more about our programmes, including the application deadlines, using the links below.

You can keep up to date with application dates by signing up for the Outreach monthly newsletter.

Summer school video

Find out what our staff and former participants have to say about our Outreach Summer Schools Play video
Find out what our staff and former participants have to say about our Outreach Summer Schools

For UK students

Year 9 Girls Engineering Summer School

You’ll explore different fields of engineering through taster sessions and hands-on activities. At the end of the programme, you’ll work in a group to create a poster showcasing your new-found engineering knowledge, which you’ll then present to staff and visitors.

More information

Year 10 Insights Summer School

You’ll spend four days on campus, attending a series of exciting taster sessions specific to your stream, learning about university life, and enjoying a busy pastoral programme. At the end of the week, you'll share what you've learned with staff and visitors in a poster presentation.

More information

Year 11 Online STEM Challenge Programme

You'll be part of a small team tasked with devising a new and innovative solution to a real-world problem in an online hackathon. With the help of your mentor, you and your fellow team members will combine your diverse skills and knowledge in STEM and design to develop a well-structured plan from your ideas. On the final day, you'll visit Imperial to showcase your project and present your ideas to a panel of judges.

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Year 12 Sutton Trust Summer School

You’ll spend the week immersed in the academic department of your choice, exploring the subject you're passionate about with the support of undergraduate mentors and gaining practical skills that will support you in the transition to university. You'll stay in our halls of residence and take part in a variety of pastoral activities designed to give you an insight into student like at Imperial.

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Year 12 Work Experience Programme

You can apply to one of six of our departments for a one-week placement working alongside researchers in their laboratories. You'll also benefit from specialist talks on topics such as writing effective personal statements and interview skills.

More information