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.
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.
NOW OPEN! – 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
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
Somerville College, Oxford’s open days 2026:
University Open Days on 1st and 2nd July and 18th September.
Featured New Courses
This one-of-a-kind programme is taught in English from the heart of Paris.
Our BA in International Politics, with or without a French option, focuses on the practical aspects of international politics in contemporary society while giving you a unique chance to live and study in the French capital, allowing you to gain invaluable international experience and graduate with a renowned University of London degree.
Join us in powering the next generation of space innovation.
Our new BEng Aerospace Satellite Engineering course has been developed by world-leading academics and industry partners to equip graduates with the key skills required to work and thrive within the rapidly growing space sector.
Students will have the opportunity to build comprehensive technical and transferable skills, utilising our state-of-the-art labs. You will also become part of our North East Skills and Technology Centre (NESST), a £50 million investment with partners including the UK Space Agency and industry prime Lockheed Martin UK Space.
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.
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.
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.
Latest Opportunities
Scholarship
Scholarship application
Yr 13
Northumbria University Scholarship, application deadline 30th June 2026
Medicine and Health
Virtual Sessions
Yr 12 & 13
Taster Sessions: Various dates
Bangor University’s College of Medicine and Health is delighted to invite you to our upcoming series of free online Taster Sessions – a programme of live lectures designed specifically for students exploring their options ahead of university.
Sessions are available across the following subject areas:
Sport Science, Medicine, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Nursing, Midwifery, Biomedical Science, Medical Science, Psychology, Health and Social Care
These sessions offer students the chance to:
• Hear directly from Bangor University’s leading researchers and academics
• Get a genuine feel for university-level study in medicine and health
• Ask questions live during dedicated Q&A segments
• Attend from anywhere – no travel required, and no commitment to attend every session
Registration is completely free, and students can sign up for as many or as few sessions as they like. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to deepen your subject knowledge, build confidence, and make more informed decisions about your future studies.
Find out more and sign up (Bangor website)
Social Sciences
Summer School
Y12
Social Sciences Summer School – Deadline for applications is Sunday 5 April 2026.
The University of Leeds is inviting Year 12 learners to apply for its three‑day, two‑night Social Sciences Summer School, running 23–25 June 2026. This free residential programme is an excellent opportunity for students interested in subjects such as Environment, Geography, Sociology, Education, Politics and International Studies, and Business to deepen their understanding of the social sciences.
What the Summer School Offers
- Students will experience university‑level teaching through a series of workshops, lectures, and seminars built around the theme “Creating Change.”
- The programme introduces participants to research‑led insights into how individuals and communities can influence positive societal transformation, drawing on case studies that explore democratic systems, policy reform, community advocacy, and public demonstrations.
- Participants will stay in university accommodation and take part in supervised social activities with Student Ambassadors, gaining a realistic sense of university life.
- Following the residential, students are invited to join additional online UCAS and transition‑to‑university support sessions, helping them make informed decisions about their next steps.
Varied Courses
Live Virtual Bootcamp
Yrs 10 – 12
Future Pathways Scholars Programme (FPSP) Tuesday 7th April – Wednesday 8th April
The Future Pathways Scholars Programme (FPSP) 2026 is a fully funded, two-day virtual bootcamp designed to help Year 10 – 12 students explore academic pathways, understand emerging career opportunities, and prepare strategically for university admissions.
This programme brings together ambitious students for structured academic enrichment, mentorship, and masterclasses, preparing them for university and the future of work. It is ideal for students beginning to make subject choices and early university considerations, equipping them with clarity, confidence and direction.
Computer Science/
Tech Degrees
Virtual Event
Yrs 10 – 12
Young Professionals, Virtual Hack-a-thon event, Tuesday 14th April, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
We’re excited to invite you to an exclusive virtual event designed specifically for Year 11, 12, and 13 students interested in computer science and tech-related careers or degrees at university.
What to expect:
- Discover the possibilities a Computer Science degree can open up.
- Hear directly from our Head of Computer Science, experienced academics, and current students.
- Take part in high-energy, hands-on activities that spark ideas, encourage collaboration, and test their skills.
Session activities will include:
- Mini hackathon challenge to brush up on Python coding skills
- Cyber skills challenges via HackTheBox
- Developing web applications with Python and Django
- Exploring vibe coding and no-code programming
Alongside these activities, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and hear first-hand experiences from students and staff in the department. The session is designed to be interactive, practical, and fun, with a mix of discussion, creative problem-solving, and short, engaging challenges.
English Literature
Webinar
16+
The Handmaid’s Tale – The Power of Language and Communication – Thursday 23rd April, 9:10am – 9:55am
The Handmaid’s Tale is a novel about power. Most obviously, it offers a bleak, dystopian picture of the power of patriarchy and of totalitarian regimes. But it is also a rather more joyful celebration of another kind of power: the power of language, writing and literature.
That is what this talk will explore. Crowd-source a list of the many different kinds of language and communication the novel represents, from the lip-reading mentioned in the very first chapter onwards. Tease out what the novel says about language, relate this to what it does with language and then connect all this to its criticisms of totalitarian power.
Finally (and turning to the epilogue) think about what the ideal reader of the language of, and in, this novel would be like.
HE Guidance
Webinar
Y12 & 13
How Do I Manage My Money at University – Thursday 23rd April, 4:30pm – 5:15pm
Being able to manage your money at university is key to your long-term success. Why not hear from two current students on their top tips for budgeting? They’ll give real examples of what they spend in a week and how using budget tools helped them to manage money smartly. Advising on finding part-time jobs while studying and what you need to think about before applying. Insider information on saving hacks to get ahead with managing your money. If you have questions about budgeting your money at university this is the forum to get them answered.
By the end of the webinar, you will have everything you need to feel confident about making your money work for you.
Parents and carers are also welcome to attend the session, to better understand how to support their young person.
Scholarships
Opportunities
Y12
St Chad’s College Scholarships – Deadline for applications is Sunday 26th April
St Chad’s is the smallest college in Durham, and we are fortunate, thanks to the generous support of alumni, to have been able to put together a range of named scholarships which carry a value of £3,000 per year.
There are five named scholarships available
- Dr Joe Cassidy Memorial Bursary (St Chad’s Website)
- Shattock Family Scholarship (St Chad’s Website)
- Jim Tyrrell Memorial Scholarship (St Chad’s Website)
- Jim Tyrrell North East Scholarship (St Chad’s Website)
- Sandi Russell Undergraduate Scholarship (St Chad’s Website)
Deadline for applications is Sunday 26th April.
Pharmacy/ Pharmacology
Online webinar
Y12
Pharmacy or Pharmacology – 29th April, 4:30pm – 5:15pm
Do you love chemistry and biology and want to study a degree that will encompass the two? Both pharmacy and pharmacology are popular options but how can you decide between them?
Pharmacy is a clinical course but contains plenty of science fundamentals whereas pharmacology explores how medicines work in the body with laboratory practical skills in both biology and chemistry.
This session will include an explanation of pharmacy and pharmacology degrees discussing the key skills learnt in each with interactive activities for the audience to engage with.
Law & Criminology
Webinar
16+
Think Tank The UK Prison System – Cutting Edge University Perspectives & Debate – Monday 27th April, 4:15pm – 5:15pm
Think Tank Panel of academics each have 5 minutes at the beginning of the sessions to outline the key issues, as they see them, relating to The K Prison System.
Ahead of the event we invite students to submit questions and arguments within the overall session theme which which following he introductory inputs from our academics, are then either posed by the student themselves or by the host, depending upon each student’s preference.
The academics will then share their perspectives with plenty of opportunity for students to engage in the discussion. The event will progress in a similar way to ‘Question Time’.
Woven into the discussion, the speakers are encouraged to shed light on how undergraduates engage in these critical issues during their studies.
Food Science & Nutrition
Summer School
Y12
Food Science & Nutrition Summer School – Tuesday 30th June – Thursday 2nd July
This immersive programme is ideal for students considering degrees or careers in food science, nutrition and related STEM fields. It will support your academic decision-making while giving you a taste of university life.
Applications are now open to join this exciting 3-day residential at the University of Leeds exploring the science behind what we eat.
Closing Date Tuesday 7th April
Biosciences
Summer School
Y12
Biosciences Summer School – Thursday 25th – Friday 26th June
Are you interested in exploring the different areas of biosciences and where they can lead? Join this free two day residential summer school staying in university student accommodation. As well as lab activities and a taster lecture, you will meet student support staff who will answer all your questions to help you prepare for life as an undergraduate student.
Closing Date Tuesday 7th April
All Subjects
Open Days
Y12
University of Oxford Open Days: 1st and 2nd July and 18th September.
Discover Oxford University at its best by visiting an Open Day. It’s the perfect chance to explore historic colleges, meet world‑class academics, and get a real feel for student life. You’ll experience the atmosphere of the city, learn about courses and admissions, and see whether Oxford feels like the right fit for you.
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.
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
Competitions
English
Competition
Yrs 12 & 13
Edward Thomas Fellowship Essay Competition
Our Year 12-13 essay competition is an excellent opportunity for students to critically analyse a single poem in a short essay, deepen their understanding of early twentieth century poetry as well as enrich their UCAS application. There is a £100 cash prize for the winning submission and £50 each for the two runners up, amongst other prizes.
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.