Here, you will find a combination of virtual and in-person opportunities from the University and College Sectors. We ask students and their parents to research fully any opportunities advertised on the noticeboard to ensure they are happy with the organisation they are linking with and its value for money if there is a cost.
Notices & Key Dates
UCAS Key Dates Timeline for 2025 and 2026 Applications.
UCAT exam bookings open on 17th June 2025 (closes 19th September)
- UCAT Essentials – What you need to know.
Find an Open Day – Open days are an important way to learn about how a subject is taught and what you will study, from course tutors. Our advice is to prioritise course talks over general talks. If time/money are a constraint you can learn a lot from visiting local universities. If you are on the Sixth Form bursary, you can request that school helps with the costs, please talk to Mr Brown or Lucy.
The Social Mobility Foundation (SMF) encourages students to aspire to have professional careers / go to university. Students supported often have a financial disadvantage. If you think you might be eligible, please talk to the sixth form team or email sixthform@qehs.net.
Student Finance Applications We recommend that students make their student finance application as early as possible. They should avoid waiting until they get their exam results. Students should apply for student finance based on their first-choice (Firm). They can easily change this before their studies start. The most important thing is to get the application in!
Oxbridge Focus
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge Website
University of Cambridge Events Page
22nd October 2025 – My Cambridge Application Deadline
Complete timeline of dates and deadlines for Cambridge applicants
Think Cambridge Webinar Series
Think Cambridge 2026 is a week-long series of webinars aimed at inspiring Year 11 and 12 students to think about applying to Cambridge. We also welcome teachers and supporters, and parents and advisors to join webinars, which will give you all the tools you will need to support a Year 11 or 12 future applicant.
The series runs from the end of January 2026. Each session is hosted virtually and consists of a presentation, comment from our student ambassadors and additional visual elements. Sessions will be recorded and these will be sent to registered guests up to 48 hours after the session has concluded. This will allow students to watch the session that they are unable to attend at a later date.
For the full list of webinars, and the booking form, please see the Think Cambridge webpage.
Y12 Access and Application Support Programme 2026 – Widening Participation
Our Y12 programme is returning again for 2026, and we are delighted to announce that this year we have partnered with Tutorbility again to provide tutoring for participants, in addition to a series of online sessions and an overnight stay in Cambridge. This programme is aimed at Y12 students who are considering applying to a competitive university, and is designed to support them with making informed decisions and building competitive applications, as well as getting a taste of university life.
To be eligible, students must be:
- A current Year 12 student interested in studying at a competitive university
- Predicted/On track for grades of AAB or higher at A Level (or equivalent at IB)
- A student at a state school within our link area in North East of England, specifically Northumberland, County Durham, Hartlepool, Darlington, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Redcar and Cleveland, York, Hull, and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
More information and the application form can be found on our website here.
Applications Open November 2025
Exciting Mathematics Residential Opportunity at King’s College, Cambridge in August – Year 12 Students
We are hosting an immersive three-night mathematics residential designed specifically for budding mathematicians. This event will take place from 26-29 August.
Students will experience the types of abstract reasoning and critical thinking expected at university level, which will support them when applying to study mathematics at competitive universities, such as the University of Cambridge.
For your convenience in sharing this opportunity with your students, we have prepared both a promotional poster and a detailed pamphlet about the event (see attached). Please feel free to distribute these materials to any Year 12 students who you think would benefit from this residential.
The booking form can be found here – https://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/study/undergraduate//maths-from-the-underground-residential
Should you have any questions about the residential or require additional information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to support you in identifying and encouraging suitable candidates from your school.
CIMR Reaching Research 2025
On the 28th, 29th and 30th of July 2025 (10am-12pm each day), the Cambridge Institute of Medical Research (CIMR) is running an online event called Reaching Research aimed at students in Years 12 and 13 interested in studying medicine, biomedical sciences, biochemistry, biology etc. at university.
Reaching Research will consist of:
- Several talks from biomedical scientists at different stages of their careers.
- A lab experiment carried out in CIMR.
- Information about university admissions.
Speakers include PhD students, research assistants, postdoctoral researchers, and group leaders. Each scientist will discuss their career background, current research topics and advice to students considering careers in science.
At the end of the three days, we will have a quiz with a top prize of £50 and two runner-up prizes of £25 worth of Amazon vouchers!
The event is aimed at students in Y12 and 13 attending state schools, with priority given to students who meet one or more of our additional criteria detailed on our website.
To find out more and apply for a place please look at their website:
Https://www.cimr.cam.ac.uk/reaching-research-2025
King’s College Regular Webinars
As in previous years, King’s College will be running monthly webinars on the following:
- An Introduction to Cambridge and how to Apply
- Super Curriculars and Personal Statements
These will be running once per month until September, with the first of these taking place next week (2nd and 5th June respectively). For the full list of dates, and the links to register, please visit our website here.
University of Oxford
University of Oxford website
Step by Step guide to applying to Oxford Read More
The Aim for Oxford Scheme, Aim for Oxford is a free-of-charge programme for Year 12 students attending state schools in the North East of England. Widening Participation, Read More & Apply
Oxford for North East contains useful information for students from the North East who might be considering Oxford University. Here you will find information about residential schemes as well as regional and online workshops Read More
The Oxford University Outreach, page can help guide you to the events being run by the University/Departments Read More
Parent/Carer session Tuesday 15 July
What: an online parent/carer session for those supporting a young person applying to Oxford or any Top Tier university in Autumn 2025, with Oxford for North East staff joined by students from North-East England who are studying at the University of Oxford.
Who: this event is particularly aimed at parents/carers of Year 12 state-school students in North-East England who are applying to Oxford, Cambridge, or other Top Tier universities for 2026 entry.
When: 6.00-7.30pm on Tuesday 15 July
Where: online (live, no recording available).
Links: see Oxford for North East parent/carer session 2024-25 registration to register, by 9am on Tuesday 15 July.
Open Days
Oxford University’s Open Days will be 2nd and 3rd July, 2025. Students are welcome to visit the University, its colleges and academic departments on either day.
Various colleges around the University will be offering free accommodation for students attending the Open Day, details of which can be found here: Open Day accommodation | University of Oxford
Our Open Days are the best place for students to get a first-hand experience of the University, so please do advertise to students who may be interested!
UNIQ
What As one of the most established programmes of its kind in the UK, UNIQ offers participants access to step-by-step online support as well as a residential based in an Oxford college. The programme is completely free and gives pupils the chance to meet Oxford academics, speak to current students and learn first-hand about the application process and what life might be like at Oxford.
Who Year12 state school students with good GCSE grades or equivalent from backgrounds that are under-represented at Oxford. Students can find out more about the programme and selection criteria on the uniq.ox.ac.uk.
When Dates to be confirmed.
Where This is an online programme of academic and application support with the opportunity for an Oxford residential experience in the Easter or Summer vacation of 2026.
Featured New Courses
Undergraduate Study – Duration 3 Years
Special and Inclusive Education prepares you to be a forward-thinking professional, with expertise in creating equitable learning pathways and opportunities for diverse learning profiles, including special and additional educational needs.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Combined Honors in Social Sciences – allows you to create your own bespoke programme suited to your individual interests, strengths and career plans. You can choose up to 4 subjects within Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities.
Undergraduate Study – Duration 4 Years
Drawing on the expertise of leading academics and researchers in the field, you will explore the origins and present-day contexts of societal conflicts about power, participation, and resources.
Latest Opportunities
Mathematics
Interactive Tutorial
16+
Channel Talent – Mathematical Proofs – University of East Anglia, Monday 30th June, 2:05 pm – 2:50 pm
In this live interactive Mathematics tutorial, we will be joined by Shaun Stevens, Professor of Mathematics in the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics at the University of East Anglia, who will present Mathematical Proofs.
Proofs have been at the heart of mathematics for more than 2000 years, with problems such as Fermat’s Last Theorem taking hundreds of years to be proved. In these session, Professor Shaun Stevens will explain what proofs are for and why it is important in mathematics to prove things. Shaun will also talk about, and give examples of, what you should write when giving a proof, where the words are at least as important as the symbols.
Dentistry Abroad
Webinar
Yr 12
A Star Future, Monday 30th June, 5:00pm 2025
Dentistry is without doubt the hardest subject in which to get a place at UK university. This has been our busiest year ever in helping aspiring dentists and their parents. In this webinar, we will give an overview of all the options in Europe and the advantages and disadvantages of the options most popular with British students. As we work with nearly all Spanish dental schools and regularly place nearly 100 students a year in that country, Spain will be our main focus, but we will also discuss Cyprus, Central and Eastern Europe.
Medicine & Veterinary Med Abroad
Webinar
Yr 12
A Star Future, Wednesday 2nd July, 5:00pm 2025
For this webinar, we will be joined by representatives from European University Cyprus who offer degrees in Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, fully taught in English. They also have a campus in Frankfurt, Germany for medicine.
We will focus on the key questions students should be asking before considering studying abroad. There is a lot of information available online and much of it is contradictory. We will aim to ensure that your students go into their research with a clear understanding of what is important and what is possible when studying medicine and veterinary medicine abroad. European University Cyprus will be on hand to provide their perspective.
Physics & Maths
In Person Event
Yr 12
University of Leeds, Wednesday 9th July 2025
Campus Day Event
Take part in hands-on lab experiments, interactive workshops, and inspiring lectures in the School of Physics & Astronomy. It’s a brilliant chance to explore cutting-edge facilities, meet like-minded students, and see what studying physics at Leeds is all about.
Medicine
Series of Online Events
Widening Participation
Yr 12
UCL Target Medicine: Reach – Deadline 11th July 2025
Applications are now open for UCL Target Medicine: Reach – a free series of online events for year 12 students from underrepresented backgrounds with the potential and desire to go to medical school.
Participants on the programme will receive information, advice and guidance about the medicine application process including the UCAT, personal statements, interviews and work experience.
Eligibility
To apply, pupils must:
- Be in year 12
- Currently attend a state school
- Be seriously interested in pursuing medicine at university
- Currently in Year 12 studying 3 A-levels* including Biology and/or Chemistry (Note: *Students taking the IB or BTEC will have their applications considered on an individual basis provided they also meet the other essential criteria.)
The deadline for applications is 10am on Friday 11 July.
Psychology
Online Interactive Session
Yr 11 & 12
Bangor University – Various dates
Explore the fascinating world of psychology with our exclusive free webinar series, brought to you by one of the UK’s leading psychology departments.
Whether you’re interested in a single topic or want to join them all, our webinars are tailored to fit your interests. Plus, you’ll get an opportunity to interact directly with our world-class academics during live Q&A sessions!
- Tuesday 15th July, 4:30pm – Neuroethics
- Wednesday 17th September, 4:30pm – Reverse Engineering the Brain and Mind
- Wednesday 15th October, 4:30pm – Do Left-Handers Worship the Devil? What Science Says about Handedness and Brain Asymmetry
- Wednesday 19th November, 4:30pm – How Big is the AI Revolution?
- Tuesday 16th December, 4:30pm – Recreational Drugs and the Brain
All Subjects
Online Information Sessions
Yr 12
Edinburgh University – Various dates
We run a range of online events that you can access wherever you are in the world.
Our regular ‘Introduction to the University of Edinburgh’ sessions provide an overview of what it’s like to study with us, and the opportunity to ask questions. View the event details and book a session below.
As well as our regular sessions, from time to time we will run online events which are specific to a particular subject area. We will update those on our mailing list when booking opens for relevant events.
Oxford University
Enrichment Programme
Yr 7 to 12
Oxford University, Trinity College Beyond the Classroom
An online after-school academic enrichment programme featuring a series of mini lectures, taster sessions, academic skills talks and advice about preparing for university study and submitting a competitive application to university and the University of Oxford.
A certificate of participation from Trinity College, Oxford, for those attending 7 or more sessions!
Who: Any state school student in Year 7 to 12 interested in exploring learning across a broad range of themes and cross subject beyond the classroom and/or applying to Oxford.
When: starts Wednesday 5 March, concludes Wednesday 9 July, 2025. Where: Online via Teams.
Closing date: 8 July.
STEM
Face to Face
16+
Routes into STEM – Tuesday 29th July to Friday 1st August
Routes into STEM 16+ is a four-day experience that provides young people with an amazing chance to help understand the different routes available into further STEM education and career pathways. Students will gain first-hand experience of life at STEM educational providers and companies.
Medicine & Dentistry
Advice on Preparing for applications
Yr 12
Medical Schools Council – Preparing to apply
The Medical Schools Council recommend that students start preparing now for dentistry and medicine applications so that they have everything in place for this time next year.
Writing a personal statement for Medical School & Dental School
STEM
Residential Insight into University Course
Yr 12
EDT – June-August 2025
These are summer schools at various top Universities that run over 4 or 5 days where students get a taster of university life and an insight into a specific STEM subject. Students will get the opportunity to experience university style lectures and work on activities and group projects with the support of academics and student mentors. Students will stay in halls of residence and will take part in social activities in the evenings, so that they get the full university experience.
Useful Resources/Opportunities
All Subjects
On Demand Webinars
Yrs 12 & 13
UniTasterDays
These impartial videos have one key aim. To support students who are considering university to make informed future subject decisions. They feature guest speakers from a range of different universities, who are always experts in the subject being explored.
Dentistry
Online Resource
Yrs 12 & 13
University of Sheffield
This resource provided from the University of Sheffield gives an insight into the world of dentistry. Resource provided via the Futurelearn portal.
Medical Sciences
Online Lectures
Yrs 12 & 13
UCL
UCL have an online medical sciences lecture series which is free and open to everyone to get inspired.
Natural Sciences
Spotlight
Yrs 12 & 13
Durham University
At Durham, we actively provide our students with opportunities to develop attributes we hope they have by the time they graduate. One way in which we do this is through our excellent multi-subject degree programmes.
Explore our Natural Sciences webpages to discover whether Natural Sciences at Durham could be a good match for your students.