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.
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!
Featured Notices
Aspiring Professionals Programme by Social Mobility Foundation – 2026 Applications are now open! Support while applying for universities, degree apprenticeships and help navigating the professional world. Eligibility criteria applies. Closing date Friday 12th December at 12pm.
UAT – UK admissions tests
UAT-UK offers three different admissions tests for entry into top UK universities including UCL, University of Cambridge and ICL
- ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test)
- TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for University Admission)
- TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission)
Make sure you book by 29th September 2025
*Separate deadlines apply for candidates requiring access arrangements*
Upcoming Test Dates:
ESAT: 9th/10th October 2025
TMUA: 13th/14th October 2025
TARA: 15th/16th October 2025
Find out More on the UAT website (external URL)
UCAT EssentialsÂ
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test, used by a consortium of UK and partner Universities to help select applicants to their medical and dental degree programmes.
Find out more on the UCAT Website (external URL)
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
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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.
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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
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. Â
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.Â
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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
Biology/
Marine Sciences
In Person Event
Yrs 10-13
Newcastle University, Thursday 9th October, 9.45am – 3.00pm
Net Positive is an event open to Year 10 – 13 pupils with an interest in Marine Sciences/Biology.
We are excited to partner with the Healthy Seas Foundation to host this interactive event focused on ghost fishing, it’s impact on marine ecosystems and the powerful work Healthy Seas is doing to address the issue.
Students will have the opportunity to work with an Animal Scientist specialising in aquaculture; taking part in hands-on activities, looking at human impact on marine ecosystems and also see our aquarium in action.
Location: The Dove Marine Laboratory (Cullercoats, North Shields NE30 4PZ)Â
Parents must also complete a leave of absence request for any student wishing to attend.
Maths
Webinar
Yrs 12 & 13
Channel Talent – Mathematical Modelling, University of East Anglia, Monday 20th October, 2:15 pm – 3 pm
Find out how mathematical modelling can be used to try to predict the flight path of a golf ball by making some simplifying assumptions, formulating mathematical equations and then solving them. Considering the forces acting upon the ball and the hyperbolic functions which arise, then consider how the modelling may need to be modified when looking at the motion of a cricket ball.
Graphics
Webinar
Yrs 12 & 13
Channel Talent – University of Southampton, Wednesday 22nd October, 11:10 am – 12 pm
Discover how graphic communication can drive positive and progressive change through creativity and collaboration with others. This session invites you to rethink the role of graphic communication through a showcase of a live project in partnership with the UNESCO World Heritage site, Kew Gardens.
Explore how designers engage with social, cultural, and political issues to raise awareness, challenge perceptions, and contribute to design debates. By introducing a live project case study, consider how creativity has the power to uplift individuals and communities and inspire people to make thoughtful choices that benefit both society and the environment.
Languages/Pedagogy/
Sociology
Webinar
Yrs 12 & 13
University of Leeds, Tuesday 11th November 2025 at 12pmÂ
The Covid-19 pandemic adversely affected early childhood development across multiple domains, including physical, cognitive, socioemotional, and language skills. UK data indicates that a greater proportion of under-fives did not meet their expected milestones between 2020 and 2022, compared to pre-pandemic levels.Â
These impacts were especially pronounced among the least privileged in society, with children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and those with additional needs falling further behind their peers. Despite targeted fiscal and pedagogical efforts to support educational recovery since the pandemic, there has been limited progress in closing these gaps.Â
Early years education has significant power to level the playing field. This talk will review the progress of the national expansion of childcare entitlements. We will discuss recommendations for the rollout to ensure that families can make maximum benefit of quality early years education.Â
Law
In Person Event
Yrs 12 & 13
Eversheds Sutherland – Life as a Lawyer, Monday 24th November 2025
Eversheds Sutherland is currently in the process of organising our annual Life as a Lawyer event to take place on 24 November 2025. This event will be held in person in our office Newcastle office and we’d love to have students from QEHS sixth form in attendance again.
The day will include a number of workshops and exercises that provide an insight into the role of a lawyer, the work involved in our different practice groups and what it is like to work at Eversheds Sutherland. There will also be a number of Eversheds Sutherland employees present from Partner to Trainee level to speak to you and answer any questions that you may have. We will also have a talk from a local Barrister.
Location:Â 8th Floor, Wellbar Central, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4TD
QEHS has been offered two places, please register your interest with Joanne on sixthform@qehs.net by 8am on Monday 13 October to be considered.
English Literature
Webinar
Age 16+
University Book Club – The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald
Tuesday 14th October, 3:35 pm – 4:30 pm
In this live and interactive Book Club, Allan Kilner-Johnson, Professor of English Literature at the University of Surrey, will discuss The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, guided by the key themes of the novel that the audience wants to explore.Â
Biochemistry
Live Interactive Session
Age 16 +
Channel Talent &Â University of East Anglia
Form & Function, Making Sense of Life by Understanding Protein Structure, Wednesday 15th October, 2:15 pm – 3 pm
This session we look at experiments that allow structure determination, from getting the material, to using one of three major techniques to generate the structure. Discuss practical aspects of the techniques, the strengths and weaknesses of each, and what the future might hold.
Social Sciences
Online Study Skills Session
16+
Channel Talent and University of East Anglia:Â How to Read Tables – Transforming numbers into Insights – Thursday 23rd October, 1:00pm – 2:45pm
In this Social Sciences Study Skills workshop on October 23rd, Dr Peter Dawson from UEA argues that, once you know what to look for, tables become a powerful tool for understanding information quickly and showing insight in your work. Peter will explore how tables are constructed, identify key details, spot trends and comparisons, and avoid common mistakes, throughout exploring real examples to see how data are presented in different subjects.
The session will also explore how to move from reading data to writing, turning raw data into thoughtful analysis that strengthens your arguments.
All Subjects
Information Sessions
Yr 13
Head Start to Uni – Newcastle University – Friday 24th October, 9:30am – 2pm
Head Start to Uni is a chance for your students to visit Newcastle University, see our campus, talk to current students, and gain information and advice to prepare you for your journey into higher education.
This event gives students the opportunity to:
- Discover information about applying to the University.
- Tailor the event to develop your knowledge where you need it.
- Gain confidence in the application process.Â
- Enhance your critical thinking skills.Â
- Meet and chat with current students.Â
- Explore our campus.
Deadline to register is Sunday 12th October 2025 at 6pm
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!
- 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.
Engineering
Interactive Talks
Yr 11+
University of Edinburgh – Are you a future engineer?
Online interactive sessions, talk with academics, students and recent graduates, learn about our programmes and opportunities open to you.
- Electronics and Electrical – 27th October, 12 pm – 1 pm
- Chemical – 28th October, 12 pm – 1 pm
- Civil and Environmental – 30th October, 12 pm – 1 pm
- Mechanical – 31st October, 12 pm – 1 pmÂ
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.Â
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.