Summer Schools

The following page provides background information on the 2006-08 summer schools programme. Click on the link to the left for latest news on summer schools from 2008-10.

The 2006-08 summer school programme is match funded by ESF and HEFCE. The programme provides a taste of university life to Year 10, 11 and 12 students who might not realise their potential or whose circumstances could lead them to consider a limited range of subjects/institutions, or not apply for higher education at all.

In a review of widening participation undertaken by HEFCE in 2006, 71 out of the 90 institutions that responded (79%) included summer schools in their list of the five most important activities, while 12 (13.3%) rated summer schools as the most important WP activity overall.

Format

The programmes vary considerably from one institution to another but most include subject tasters, a session on graduate employability/employment skills, an opportunity for HE/careers advice and guidance, and sporting/social activities. The vast majority of the places are provided on a residential basis, although there are a number of non-residential places at some urban HEIs. All course and travel costs, as well as meals and accommodation, are provided free of charge to students.

Participating students can attend a university or college of their choice in their region (subject to availability) and gain an introduction to the academic and social aspects of higher education. Some regions also engage in swapping regional places, which enables pupils to attend a summer school outside of their region.

Eligibility

Eligible students are identified by Aimhigher co-ordinators within schools, where they exist, based on the number of available places. In areas which don't have Aimhigher co-ordinators based in schools, the regional Aimhigher office works with identified schools to target potential participants. To be eligible for a summer school, a student should attend a state school or city technology college, have the potential to achieve at least the minimum entry qualification for higher education (at A level or equivalent), and have little or no parental history of higher education.

Data Collection

HEFCE issued a letter to regional leads and summer school co-ordinators in February 2007 regarding the collection and sharing of data relating to summer school participants. Click on the link below to download a copy of this letter:

Further Information

To find out more about the summer school provision in a specific region, visit the website or contact the regional co-ordinator.

For examples of the different approaches various regions have taken, visit the Summer Schools section within Aimhigher Activities.

The Action on Access Summer School web pages are a resource for all widening participation summer school practitioners and contain information on areas such as risk assessment and child protection.

Click on the link below to download a fact sheet about Aimhigher summer schools: