Are you a Year 10 student curious about university but not sure what it involves? Our summer school offers you the chance to see what it is like to study at university, in particular a research-led institution like Birmingham.
On this three-day, two-night programme you'll find out what it's like to live and learn as a university student. You will attend subject taster sessions with our academics, stay in our en-suite accommodation, and find out tips and tricks to stay focused and motivated throughout year 11. However university life isn’t just about studying, it’s about having lots of fun as well. So there will be many social activities in the evenings too.
While you’re with us, you will be looked after by our student ambassadors, who are all current students at the University. They will be on hand to guide you around campus, make sure you settle in and, most importantly, answer any questions you may have on life at university. Summer school offers you a great opportunity to grow in confidence, gain independence, and make informed decisions about your future.
We’ll make sure you leave the summer school feeling motivated for whichever path you choose. It is vital that the students who are allocated a place are able and willing to attend the full three-day, two-night programme.
Applications for the 2023 summer school are open until 31 March 2023.
Apply for the Year 10 Summer School
What subject taster sessions to expect
During your time on the summer school, you’ll attend a range of subject sessions. Different subjects are available across the dates whilst all other content remains the same. Please note, the subjects will not be limited to the sessions below but are examples of what to expect.
DISCOVER, Sunday 16 July – Tuesday 18 July
On this subject stream, sessions are likely to include Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Biomedical Science, and Pharmacy.
EXPLORE, Sunday 16 July – Tuesday 18 July
On this subject stream, sessions are likely to include English, Psychology, Criminology, Engineering, and History/Geography.
INNOVATE, Wednesday 19 July – Friday 21 July
On this subject stream, sessions are likely to include Business Management, Law, Politics, Mathematics, and Computer Science.
Entry criteria
To be eligible to apply for the summer school, students must meet both of the criteria below:
• Currently attend a Year 10 summer school partner school
• Have the academic potential to achieve good GCSE grades and go to a selective university
Priority will be given to students who also meet at least three of the following criteria:
- Have parents/guardians who have not completed a higher education qualification in the UK or abroad
- Live in a low progression to higher education area
- Attend a school that performs below the national average at Key Stage 4
- Provide unpaid care to a friend or family member (is a young carer)
- Eligible for pupil premium funding or free school meals
- Household income is below the national average (below £42,875)
- Have a recognised disability
- Have experienced significant extenuating circumstances that have had (or are having) a detrimental impact on their studies
- Are estranged from both of their parents or guardians
- Have experienced time (no matter what length the period) in public care at any stage in their life
If a student has had a period of three months or longer in local authority care, they do not need to meet any other criteria.
Questions
Read our commonly asked questions and answers
If you have any other questions, we are more than happy to help. You can contact our friendly team at y10summerschool@contacts.bham.ac.uk.