Year 12 Sutton Trust Summer School

Before the summer school, you’ll join us for two online webinars. These will introduce you to Imperial, the Summer School team and some of our undergraduate current student mentors, and prepare you to make the most of your experience on campus. 

Applicant Webinar (April - Date TBC)

The applicant webinar will provide key information and guidance to all applicants about higher education.

Welcome Webinar

The pre-programme welcome webinar for all accepted students is an essential preparatory step, ensuring you are informed and ready to make the most of your experience at the in-person summer school. This session will introduce key staff, provide a comprehensive overview of the summer school timetable and aims, and offer practical tips for maximising the opportunity.

Day one of the four-day, three-night residential is all about settling in and becoming more familiar with:

• your mentor and mentor group,
• our South Kensington campus,
• the department you applied for and the degree courses we offer.

You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions about admissions and learn about writing a compelling personal statement.

During days two and three, you’ll spend most of your time in lectures and workshops/lab sessions, exploring your chosen subject in depth. Some of the academic content will be pitched to take you beyond what you’ve learnt in school or college and give you an insight into first-year undergraduate study. This first-hand experience of university-style teaching and learning will give you valuable insight into whether the course is the right path for you and allow you to build essential skills for success in higher education.  

The academic content is coordinated and delivered by a wide range of staff. Timetables vary by department, but this could include academics who are the leading experts in their field, PhD students pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and admission tutors ready to answer your questions about Imperial’s courses.

To find out more about the subjects available on this summer school, please see the course descriptions below.

Alongside academics, you’ll participate in information sessions preparing you for the transition to university, including student finance and student life Q&As. These insights will help you make informed decisions about university and prepare for a smooth transition when you get there. 

During the week you will stay overnight in our student accommodation and get an insight into moving away from home to study. The evenings include team-building activities and opportunities to explore different aspects of student life, including an off-site trip and a celebratory meal on the final evening. And whilst we can’t fully replicate the independence of a university experience, you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to be a university student, helping you feel more confident and prepared for your future at a top institution. 

After your summer school, we’ll provide transition support through an online webinar at the beginning of Year 13, personal statement support, and optional interview practice if you get an interview offer from Imperial. 

Personal Statements Support (August -October)

You'll have the opportunity to have your personal statement reviewed and receive individualised feedback.

Year 13 Progression Webinar (October - Date TBC)

The progression webinar will provide key information and guidance about navigating Year 13 and preparing for interviews. 

Mock Interview

If you receive and invitation to interview for a course at Imperial, and you let us know with enough notice, we will do our best to arrange a mock interview for you. 

To be considered for the Y12 Sutton Trust Summer School, you must:

• be in Year 12 in England or Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland (or equivalent) at the time of application
• be under 18 years old at the time of the summer school
• Attend, and have always attended, a state-funded school or college (non-fee paying) in the UK

This programme aims to support state school students from backgrounds under-represented at university and Imperial. We use the criteria below to assess who is eligible to participate. The more criteria you meet, the more likely your application will be successful.

 We will prioritise your application if:

• You have been in care

 We will also assess whether:

• You are eligible for free school meals and/or pupil premium
• You are the first generation to attend higher education (meaning your parents, step-parents, adoptive parents or guardians have not completed a higher education qualification)
• You live in a neighbourhood with low overall progression rates to higher education (POLAR4 Quintile 1 or 2 areas) or high levels of deprivation (IMD Quintile 1 areas)
• Your school has a high percentage of students receiving free school meals
• Your school has below average attainment

To be eligible for this programme, you should: 

• Expect to study a relevant science, technology, engineering or maths subject at university
• Be currently studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent) and meet the specific course requirements
• Have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs (or equivalent)
• Have achieved five grades 7-9 at GCSE, including maths and sciences
• Have achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language

Please note that each subject strand has specific A-level (or equivalent) subject requirements, which are included in the course descriptions below. 

The Sutton Trust manages the application form for this summer school. Once applications open on 14 January 2025, a link to the form will be available.

Decisions

• The Sutton Trust will provide us access to all Imperial Summer School course applications.
• The outcome of your application is dependent on eligibility, academic criteria, and the competitiveness of the course you applied for.
• We can only make our decisions based on the information you provide in your application.
• If any information is missing or unclear, we may contact you to request more details. You must respond to these requests within the deadline provided to ensure we can use the information to inform our decision-making.
• We will inform you of the outcome of your application by the end of the day on Tuesday 6 May 2025.

If you are offered a place on the programme or on the waitlist, you will have a limited amount of time to accept this offer and send back your conditional documents. Successful applicants will receive details on the next steps.

Are you curious about how technology can be used to help people live longer, healthier and happier lives? 

The Biomedical Engineering Summer School at Imperial College London offers participants the chance to explore what it might be like to study an undergraduate course in the Department of Bioengineering in the future.  

Description of the course

Building better prosthetics, inventing new medical sensors or understanding how to reverse-engineer technology from animals are just some of the ways biomedical engineers use their understanding of maths and physics to improve human health. If you are looking for a broad degree that develops your mechanical, electrical and computational engineering skills and gives you the tools to apply these to medical and biological problems then Biomedical Engineering could be for you.

You’ll have taster lectures each day and a variety of practical experiences to introduce you to the breadth of options in our course.

Academic requirements

To be considered for this summer school, your application must show that you:

• have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs (or equivalent)
• have achieved five grades 7-9 at GCSE, including maths and all sciences
• have achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• are currently studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent courses accepted by Imperial), including Mathematics and Physics

*We will consider applications from students studying International Baccalaureate or Scottish Highers.

Are you curious about how your ideas can transform into innovative products that solve real-world problems and make a difference in people's lives? 

The Design Engineering Summer School at Imperial College London offers participants the chance to explore what it might be like to study an undergraduate course in the Dyson School of Engineering in the future.  

Description of the course

Design Engineering turns ideas into feasible, functional, user-centric, and market-ready solutions. Design Engineers conceptualise, prototype, and create innovative products or improve existing ones. They use design tools, modelling software, systems thinking, and both conventional and emerging technologies, such as electronics and computing. Their goal is to solve real-world problems tailored to user and industry needs. 

You will: 

• discover the dynamic world of Design Engineering and experience what it’s like to study at Imperial College London.
• dive into key principles of creative design, ideation, and rapid prototyping while exploring vital topics such as human factors and sustainability.
• Collaborate in teams to tackle a real-world design engineering challenges and bring innovative solutions to life.

Academic requirements

To be considered for this summer school, your application must show that you:

• have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs (or equivalent)
• have achieved five grades 7-9 at GCSE, including maths and all sciences
• have achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• are currently studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent*), including Mathematics

*We will consider applications from students studying International Baccalaureate or Scottish Highers. Due to Imperial's undergraduate entry requirements, we are unable to consider applications from students currently studying for any of the following: Access to HE Diploma, BTEC National Diploma, T Levels.

Are you curious about how the intricate fusion of physics, chemistry, and mathematics can help us unlock the secrets of our planet and the universe beyond?

The Earth Science Summer School at Imperial College London offers participants the chance to explore what it might be like to study an undergraduate course in the Department of Earth Science and Engineering in the future.

Description of the course

Discover the fascinating world of Earth Science and unravel the mysteries of our planet and beyond. Earth Science is the dynamic fusion of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and other sciences that help us to explore our planet’s interconnected systems and its turbulent geological past. From the Earth’s core to its atmosphere, and beyond, to the planets of our solar system, join us on this remarkable journey, as we delve into the science and engineering that holds the key to securing our future while unlocking the secrets of the universe.

Academic requirements

To be considered for this summer school, your application must show that you:

• have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs (or equivalent)
• have achieved five grades 7-9 at GCSE, including maths and all sciences
• have achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language

• are currently studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent*), including at least two of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics and Physics.

*We will also consider applications from students studying International Baccalaureate or Scottish Highers. 

Are you curious about the dynamic intersection between economics, finance and cutting-edge data science methodologies?

The Economics, Finance and Data Science Summer School at Imperial College London offer participants the chance to explore what it might be like to study one of our undergraduate courses in the future.

Description of the course

You'll engage in hands-on activities, workshops, and real-world case studies, gaining practical insights into the intersection of economics, finance and data-driven decision-making. The summer school aims to showcase the programme's emphasis on equipping students with the analytical tools to navigate complex financial landscapes and contribute to data-informed policy solutions. By fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere, this summer school offers a taste of the vibrant academic community at Imperial College, where aspiring economists and data scientists can explore their passions and chart a course towards a future in the forefront of global economic challenges.

Academic requirements

To be considered for this summer school, your application must show that you:

• have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs (or equivalent)
• have achieved five grades 7-9 at GCSE, including maths and all sciences
• have achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• are currently studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent*), including Mathematics. Further Mathematics and/or Economics are useful but not required.

*We will consider applications from students studying International Baccalaureate or Scottish Highers. 

Are you curious about how we connect our world, design, and build more efficient and affordable technology?

Description of the course

Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) right now is characterised by its fast-evolving and interdisciplinary nature, driving innovation across unlimited applications, and making it such an exciting and rewarding place for creative and talented problem-solvers.

We connect our world, design and build more efficient and affordable technology, and help us live better, healthier, smarter and more sustainably​.  It is about understanding mathematics and physics and being able to apply them to real-world solutions. We call it Engineering for Humanity.

The course will reflect the typical life of our undergraduate students with a combination of lectures giving a flavour of both our first-year modules and a view of some of our research. You will also spend time in the laboratories, where we will introduce you to some of the practical skills and put theory into practice.

Academic requirements

To be considered for this summer school, your application must show that you:

• have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs (or equivalent)
• have achieved five grades 7-9 at GCSE, including maths and all sciences
• have achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• are currently studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent*), including Mathematics and Physics. Recommended (but not required) third subjects include Further Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Computing, Design and Technology, Electronics.

*We will consider applications from students studying International Baccalaureate or Scottish Highers. 

Are you curious about how the properties of different materials can lead to advancements in technology and sustainability?

Description of the course

Materials are all around us, and understanding how physics, chemistry and engineering come together to create our environment is what materials scientists do best. We explore properties, observe materials at the smallest scale and carefully manipulate the structure to mould any molecule into the desired perfect material. In this summer school you will be exploring this incredible world, observing how smart materials can independently change their shape or self-heal and sense; understanding how materials innovation can help us contain nuclear radiation; gaining deeper insights on how materials can survive high temperature combustion in plane engines and you will discover how materials can also be placed within your body and actively help it heal. During your time with us, you will have the chance to discuss and design your “ultimate” material, supported by our academics and explore materials and their properties in detail in our undergraduate laboratories.

Applicants to this summer school are encouraged to engage with some of the super-curricular activities mentioned on our study pages under "Making a strong application, super curricular".

Academic requirements

To be considered for this summer school, your application must show that you:

• have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs (or equivalent)
• have achieved five grades 7-9 at GCSE, including maths and all sciences
• have achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• are currently studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent*), one of which must be Mathematics. You must also be studying Chemistry or Physics.

*We will consider applications from students studying International Baccalaureate or Scottish Highers.

Are you curious about how biological systems can be engineered to benefit human health?

The Molecular Bioengineering Summer School at Imperial College London offer participants the chance to explore what it might be like to study one of our undergraduate courses in the future.

Description of the course

Building DNA probes for cancer diagnosis, creating tissue scaffolds to support wound healing and even creating synthetic life, Molecular Bioengineers use their understanding of Biology and Chemistry to engineer solutions to medical and biological problems. This is a truly interdisciplinary course – as well as biology and chemistry, you will use skills from maths, physics and computing to understand and improve biological systems. You’ll have a series of taster lectures exploring how engineers are at the forefront of medicine and work in our labs, putting your practical skills to the test.

Academic requirements

To be considered for this summer school, your application must show that you:

• have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs (or equivalent)
• have achieved five grades 7-9 at GCSE, including maths and all sciences
• have achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• are currently studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent*), including Mathematics and Chemistry.

*We will consider applications from students studying International Baccalaureate or Scottish Highers. 

Are you curious about how you can use engineering to solve real-world problems and make a difference?

The Aeronautical, Civil and Mechanical Engineering Summer School at Imperial College London offers participants the chance to explore what it might be like to study an undergraduate course in one of the following departments:

• Aeronautics
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Description of the course

Dive into the fascinating fields of Engineering. Over the course of this summer school, you'll get hands-on experience in Mechanical, Aeronautical, and Civil Engineering.

Discover the principles of engineering through interactive lectures and practical workshops. Whether you're interested in the mechanics of flight, the construction of sustainable infrastructure, or the innovation of new technologies, this course will give you a taste of what it's like to be an engineer and a chance to explore the degree courses offered at Imperial.

Academic requirements

To be considered for this summer school, your application must show that you:

• have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs (or equivalent)
• have achieved five grades 7-9 at GCSE, including maths and all sciences
• have achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• are currently studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent courses accepted by Imperial), including Mathematics and Physics

*We will consider applications from students studying International Baccalaureate or Scottish Highers.

Are you curious about the incredible world of living organisms and eager to explore the mysteries of biology, genetics, and more?

The Biological Sciences Summer School at Imperial College London offers participants the chance to explore what it might be like to study an undergraduate course in the Department of Life Sciences in the future.

Description of the course

Biological Sciences is the study of living organisms and covers areas such as biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, physiology and zoology. This stream is aimed at students who are considering studying any of the biological sciences at university and will cover a variety of topics in this field. You will spend much of your time in the lab doing experiments as well as taking part in group discussions and debates which is representative of a degree in Biological Sciences at Imperial.

The content of this course is not relevant for students planning to apply for Medicine.

Academic requirements

To be considered for this summer school, your application must show that you:

• have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs (or equivalent)
• have achieved five grades 7-9 at GCSE, including maths and all sciences
• have achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• are currently studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent courses accepted by Imperial), one of which must be Biology. You must also be studying at least one of the following: Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.

Are you curious about how chemical engineers drive innovation and transform industries?

The Chemical Engineering Summer School at Imperial College London offers participants the chance to explore what it might be like to study an undergraduate course in the Department of Chemical Engineering in the future.

Description of the course

What do we imagine when we hear ‘Chemical Engineering’? On the whole, the subject is about the design of processes for making different chemicals, and how to make improvements to these processes so that they use fewer toxic materials, less energy and generate minimal polluting waste. But there is a vast world of research that drives the subject forward, with ever increasing focus on sustainability and the development of new experimental and computation tools to help accelerate new discoveries. You will be introduced to different disciplines that are studied in the department – from research on pharmaceuticals, bio-sensors and devices for improving blood flow through the body, to carbon capture and conversion and making fuels from sunlight.

Academic requirements

To be considered for this summer school, your application must show that you:

• have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs (or equivalent)
• have achieved five grades 7-9 at GCSE, including maths and all sciences
• have achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• are currently studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent*), including Chemistry and Mathematics.

Are you curious about how chemistry can unlock the secrets of the universe, from developing life-saving drugs to creating the next generation of solar cells?

The Chemistry Summer School at Imperial College London offers participants the chance to explore what it might be like to study an undergraduate course in the Department of Chemistry in the future.

Description of the course

Chemistry is an interdisciplinary science, underpinning and providing vital links between all the sciences. Developing new drugs and medical diagnostics, quicker to charge and lighter batteries for cars, more efficient solar cells, and imaging down to the atomic scale, Chemistry truly allows you to explore across the field, from the macroscale to the nanoscale. Our Chemistry courses cover topics in inorganic, organic, physical, theoretical and analytical chemistry, now taught through a series of modules spanning across these areas. As practical experience is a major part of all Chemistry undergraduate courses at Imperial, you will spend the academic sessions during the Summer School in our undergraduate laboratories undertaking practical work. You can expect to be challenged and to gain practical and analytical skills, as well as develop your communication, team-working and problem-solving skills too.

Academic requirements

To be considered for this summer school, your application must show that you:

• have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs (or equivalent)
• have achieved five grades 7-9 at GCSE, including maths and all sciences
• have achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• are currently studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent*), including Chemistry and Mathematics.

• Preferred (but not required) third subjects include Biology, Economics, Further Mathematics and Physics.

Are you curious about how mathematics can help you solve real-world problems, from launching rockets to decoding secret messages and exploring the concept of infinity?

The Mathematics Summer School at Imperial College London offers participants the chance to explore what it might be like to study an undergraduate course in the Department of Mathematics in the future.

Description of the course

Maths finds its way into all corners of our teaching and research here at Imperial—but what can you expect from a degree course in the subject? Our students get better and better at doing calculations, and learn to apply the subject to a wider and wider class of problems; they also learn to think more and more carefully and rigorously about what we can really say we know. That’s what the Maths Strand will give you a taste of. You’ll divide your time among our base room, our state-of-the-art computing labs and our improvised rocket launchpad. You’ll apply calculus to space flight, and knowledge about prime numbers to the problem of secret communication. You’ll look hard at the concept of infinity, and discover it’s subtler than you may think. And you’ll see beautiful complexity emerge from simple mathematical processes.

Academic requirements

To be considered for this summer school, your application must show that you:

• have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs (or equivalent)
• have achieved five grades 7-9 at GCSE, including maths and all sciences
• have achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• are currently studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent*), including Mathematics and Further Mathematics.
  
  • We are able to make special cases for applicants who attend schools/colleges that do not offer Further Mathematics A-level.
  • If your school/college offers Further Mathematics AS but not A level, then we expect that you should be taking it.

Are you curious about how physics can unlock the mysteries of our universe and reveal the forces that shape our reality?

The Physics Summer School at Imperial College London offers participants the chance to explore what it might be like to study an undergraduate course in the Department of Physics in the future.

Description of the course

Physics is a vast subject, and the best tool we have to understand our Universe and our place within it. During the week we will look at a variety of physics topics including finding exoplanets in astrophysics, building communications devices in electronics, creating particle detectors to investigate relativity and finding out about some of the weirder materials that make up our world such as superconductors and nanotubes. Through a series of lectures, practical investigations and research, we will explore the laws of our Universe!

Academic requirements

To be considered for this summer school, your application must show that you:

• have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs (or equivalent)
• have achieved five grades 7-9 at GCSE, including maths and all sciences
• have achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• are currently studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent*), including Mathematics and Physics.