Technical Author
Benefit from work experience to employability skill sessions to ongoing university and apprenticeship application support, as well as the opportunity to build your CV and immerse yourself in the possibilities of your future career.
Sutton Trust Pathways focus on the following subjects, and run either in-person at a university local to you, or online -
Banking and finance
Engineering
Law
Medicine
Veterinary medicine
For details and eligibility criteria click here
Many UK universities run programmes, including summer schools, for secondary school students, to attract a more diverse undergraduate student population. Some of these are open to all students, but others prioritise students with particular characteristics, such as under-represented ethnicities, recipients of free school meals or students' whose parents did not attend university. Some of these are listed in the table below -
Please note that there is a cost for these, but bursaries are available for eligible students.
Further details here
Our second Careers Fair took place on 6 November, with a fantastic attendance from students in Years 10 to 13 and their parents.
Find out who was taking part, in the event brochure and access the speakers' slides via the buttons below
In2STEM is a free UK summer programme for Y12 students passionate about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Participants combine a 1-2-week in-person work experience placement with live online workshops, public engagement competitions and events designed to build practical skills and insight into STEM careers.
For further details, eligibility criteria and to apply, click here Deadline for applications 5 April
Calling future physicists! KCL are looking for girls in Y12 who would like to learn more about optics and develop their presentation skills.
Find out more and apply to take part here
The PotMed Spring Conference, organised by the Muslim Medics society of Imperial College London, is designed to give students real exposure to clinical medicine, rather than focusing on applications alone. The conference aims to help aspiring medical students gain meaningful, hands-on experiences that they can confidently reflect on in MMIs, interviews, and personal statements, while developing an early understanding of what practising medicine truly involves.
Throughout the day, students will:
Attend specialist lectures delivered by doctors and medical students, offering insight into different medical specialties, career pathways, and the realities of working in healthcare.
Take part in interactive, hands-on clinical workshops, including CPR/basic life support, suturing, trauma scenarios, vital signs assessment, and clinical case simulations. These sessions are designed to mirror real clinical environments and encourage active participation.
Work through guided clinical case breakdowns, where students learn how doctors assess patients, interpret symptoms, form differential diagnoses, and make safe clinical decisions.
Engage in Q&A sessions with medical students from a range of medical schools, providing honest, relatable advice about medical school life, workload, placements, and applications.
Scan the QR code or use this link to buy tickets.
Students who receive free school meals or the 16-19 bursary can apply for a funded place (do not buy a ticket) by emailing mmpotmed@imperial.ac.uk with evidence.
Find out more and sign up here
In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, “Girls Do Engineering” aims to give you a taste of being an engineer for 1 day and to give you an inside view of the challenges and opportunities that women face in the engineering world.
The event is dedicated to girls in years 11-13 (parents welcomed) and includes:
Hands-on lab activities (building circuits to create timing pulses, writing Python code, creating prototype circuits, etc)
An inspirational talk given by Erica Osakwe, Analyst at CMS Cameron Mckenna Nabarro Olswang LLP
Chats with some of our recent graduates and current undergraduates
A tour of the Electronic Engineering Department
To register email matthew.bryan@rhul.ac.uk For students below Year 12, parents/guardians should be included in all communications.
Are you a budding designer, architect or engineer? The Homerton College Design Programme will help you to develop crucial university-level skills and thinking. You will gain access to a series of workshops run by academics and students, providing the grounding you need to produce your own sustainable design solution to any environmental problem that we are facing. After this, those who meet certain criteria will be invited to Homerton College's free student Health & Sustainability Conference.
Further details here Applications close 5 February 2026
Are you fascinated by languages? If so, Langevity is the programme for you!
Langevity is divided into two parts: 1) a webinar series introducing participants to the various languages taught at Cambridge; and 2) an in-person residential for a small group of select students in April 2026
Click on the image for more information.
Are you curious about cultures, fascinated by the past, or passionate about languages? The Trinity College, Cambridge 2026 Languages, Power and Cultures Programme, is an exciting opportunity to explore how language and culture shape the world around us.
The programme offers a chance to examine the Classical and contemporary worlds through the lenses of power and culture. Together, we’ll explore how different forms of organised power convey meaning, and how the images and texts they produce shape the ways people imagine themselves and others.
This programme will benefit anyone interested in studying languages, classics, history, or related subjects. It provides the opportunity to experience university-level teaching delivered by Cambridge academics.
Further details here Applications close 5 January 2026
Fitzwilliam College is running eight essay competitions, two translation competitions, and an architectural design competition. for details of the individual competitions click here
The deadline for entry for all competitions is 27 February.
This is a 2-part programme -
an online webinar series open to students in Years 10, 11 and 12. Current researchers will be sharing their work and explaining how it builds on topics studied as part of the GCSE curriculum
an in-person visit day to come and see Fitzwilliam College for tours and application information and guidance. There will also be an opportunity to meet current students and staff, and to find out more about what it is like to study your subject at Cambridge
Find out more here
This is an opportunity for students to research and write beyond the curriculum, using one or more of five selected objects from the Lawrence Room museum objects, as their focus. Essays or creative responses (such as dramatic monologues, short stories or poems) are equally welcome.
Further details here Deadline for entries Friday 20 March
Based at the University of Cambridge, The Wilberforce Society (TWS) is an independent, non-partisan student think tank and is the oldest of its kind in the UK. The competition is named after Lord Wilson of Dinton, the Society’s Chair of the Board of Patrons. Lord Wilson is a crossbencher in the House of Lords, a former Cabinet Secretary and a former Master of Emmanuel College.
The objectives of the competition are to promote discussion and interest in public policy issues among secondary school students and provide an opportunity to practice writing in the concise style of professional policy papers and memos.
Further details here Deadline for entries 19 January
Explore the world of commercial law with Ashurst’s Access Ashurst Programme, designed to help students from all backgrounds gain valuable exposure to a leading international law firm. You’ll take part in interactive workshops, networking sessions, and career development activities led by Ashurst lawyers.
More details and apply here by 7 January 2026
The Telegraph’s Media Literacy Programme, which is open to all 16-18 year olds across the UK, provides an insight into what it is like to be a journalist at an award-winning multimedia news brand.
Throughout the course of the 4-week online programme, the aim is to break down the barriers to careers in journalism, highlight the importance of trusted and accountable news and equip you with the tools and skills to think critically about the media landscape.
Find out more and apply to take part here by 3 February 2026. The programme starts in March 2026.
The purpose of these Prizes is to encourage you to think, research and frame your own questions that you will answer from further reading and research. This might be the result of a piece of work your teacher has set you to do at home, or it may be a piece of research you are carrying out for your own interest. It is also an opportunity to perhaps tell some of the untold stories around the themes.
Further details here Deadline for entries 17 July 2026
Every year KCL departments run an annual outreach lecture, showcasing the amazing research that takes place at King's, as well as the personal journey their academics have taken through the world of STEM. Some of their 2024-5 season of events were recorded, and these are available to watch for free here
The Exploring Law Conference is an exciting residential programme supporting students who are interested in studying Law at university, by providing a balanced view of Law as an academic subject as well as a profession and offering an insight into life as a Cambridge undergraduate student. The Conference is co-run by a Committee of seven undergraduate Law students and the Faculty of Law.
Both free and self-funded places are available depending on widening participation criteria.
Find out more here Deadline for applications 31 December.
These sessions are open to all prospective students interested in exploring different topics in Computer Science. No previous experience in the subject is required, and they are also ideal for anyone with a passion for Mathematics. Led by female and non-binary members of the Department of Computer Science and Technology, each seminar focuses on a unique topic chosen by the presenter, from Graphics to Computational Complexity.
Weekly webinars on Tuesday evenings (5-6pm) between 20 January and 24 February 2026. Register here
This free programme is for young women interested in pursuing Mathematics and other highly mathematical subjects at a top university.
During your stay, you will have the opportunity to explore both Christ's and Trinity Colleges, experience taster lectures led by our academics, and meet current students from across Maths and other subjects at our colleges, as well as admissions staff. You will gain an insight into what it is like to live and study at Cambridge, the academic challenge involved and social activities to help you meet others on the programme.
Learn more and apply, by 2 February, here
Choose the Career of Your Dreams - Wednesday 14 January 5:30pm
A reflective and practical session to help students explore their strengths and interests while identifying career pathways that genuinely fit them. Register here
CV Masterclass - Monday 26 January 5:30pm
Students will learn how to create a strong CV, highlight achievements, and tailor applications to specific roles or industries. Register here
Law: Insights into Legal Careers - Wednesday 21 January 5:30pm
An introduction to legal careers, apprenticeships, university pathways, and what top firms look for in applicants. Register here
Medicine and the NHS: Pathways & Opportunities - Tuesday 27 January 5:30pm
An overview of careers in medicine and healthcare, including experience requirements, application guidance, and NHS pathways. Register here
Career Compass is offering free, personalised CV feedback to 6th Form students to help them showcase their skills and boost their chances of success.
Send your CV to cvreview@career-compass.co.uk Include your career aspirations or specify a job, apprenticeship, or work experience opportunity you’re applying for. You'll receive tailored feedback to help you create a strong, polished CV.
The links that Tracey supplied are listed below -
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/learn-explore/schools/teacher-resources/the-next-morning/
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/the-estate/
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/learn-explore/young-people/
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/learn-explore/skills-centre/
Our TiffinTalk on 15 May featured two former students who have spent their careers working in the creative sector -
Tracey Low - currently Head of Producing Operations at the National Theatre. Previously she worked as Executive Producer at Manchester International Festival and has also worked at Southbank Centre, Chichester Festival Theatre, Manchester Art Gallery and English Pocket Opera Company
Cecile Shannon – an art valuer and silver specialist, currently working freelance for auction houses, formerly at Bonhams
An exclusive online platform designed for students interested in a career in STEM. In2careers offers vital resources, including employability workshops and expert guidance. Their mission is to equip students with the tools, expertise, and networks they need to thrive.
Further information here
Step into Business provides guidance and support on how to step up a new business. The programme kicks off with a 1-day interactive workshop which leads participants through the various steps needed to take a business idea and turn it into reality. Following the workshop, those with a business idea can request a 1 to 1 business coach with the aim of taking their business idea forward and can apply for a £2,000 start up grant from EY Foundation.
The programme is aimed at students aged 16-19 who are eligible for Free School Meals. More details here
This is a free online AI skilling course, which allows students to learn about real-world examples and ethical considerations of AI, as well as to explore AI’s use across various industries, including sustainability, business and entrepreneurship, and technology careers. It is aimed at the 15-18 age group and is open to anyone interested in learning about AI and employment pathways. Modules are interactive, self-paced, and hosted on Microsoft Community Training, a virtual platform accessible via web and mobile.
Access here, and use the EY Foundation referral code - GB002
Choose Geography: careers in energy transition - Thursday 15 January, 3.30pm-4.30pm
What do geographers actually do? - Thursday 12 February, 3.30pm-4.30pm
Choose Geography: careers in global governance - Wednesday 25 March, 3.30pm-4.30pm
To be eligible, you need to be interested in the relevant sector and eligible for Free School Meals or 6th Form bursary within the last two years. Full details, and how to apply, are in the brochure.
The School of Journalism, based in Twickenham, runs a series of workshops and information events, aimed at students considering studying journalism at university, or thinking of a future career in journalism, as well as a Journalism Summer School for 6th Form students.
Upcoming workshops include -
Tuesday January 13, 2026, 7pm-9:30pm (remote) – News journalism workshop
Saturday February 28, 2026, 10am-1:30pm (in-person) – News journalism workshop (must be aged 16+)
Full details and how to apply here
These new accounts have been created for aspiring medicine and dentistry students to guide them on the university application process. The accounts will share key information about the application process, important diary dates, personal statement and interview tips and links to their library of free resources on their Studying Healthcare website.
The accounts can be found here:
Instagram: @studyinghealthcare
TikTok: @studyinghealthcare
YouTube: @StudyingHealthcare
Complementing the six-part BBC Two and iPlayer series that opens up the world of screen drama, the Bring the Drama Festival, whcih ran in 2024, is your chance to look behind the scenes of film, TV and theatre.
Watch a series of short films which spotlight people in creative roles on productions including Matilda the Musical, Hamilton, Waterloo Road, Shrek the Musical and the Harry Potter films.
Roles that were showcased included everything from stage-managing to wig-making, lighting to line producing, art direction to make-up design. You can connect - through the ERIC careers app - with the hundreds of events that happened in locations across the UK.
These webinars run regularly from February to August each year and provide information about applying to Cambridge. You can find the full list of upcoming webinars and register for any you would like to attend here.
Online series of webinars and student panel events aims to support you through the different stages of the application process.
Full details here
University of London Taster Courses are short courses at participating universities in and around London, such as King's, UCL and Queen Mary. They are one day or half day courses (some run slightly longer) and they give you the opportunity to try out a variety of subjects. To see what's available, click here
Covering a range of different subjects and topics. Further information here
provides an introductory overview of Cambridge. The series is designed for those who do not know much about the University and have not been to our other events.
What you will get out of the series -
An introduction to applying to, and studying at, Cambridge
Stories about student life from current students
Hear from admissions tutors and lecturers
Get advice on how to prepare to apply
Register here
covers specific stages of the application process. Each webinar includes a Q&A so you can ask questions and have any concerns addressed. All sessions are free to attend and are run by Cambridge admissions staff and Admissions Tutors. Full details here
Speakers for Schools runs a regular series of inspirational and informative talks with industry leaders. Browse the recordings here
Free online courses. In-person learning. Certification-aligned pathways in topics like AI, Cybersecurity, Networking, and Python.
Access the courses here
Stanford University offers free online courses where you can learn from Stanford instructors and industry experts.
Take a look at the courses available here
...as does Harvard University. Many of these courses run over several weeks and offer the opportunity to deepen your knowledge about your subject or develop your interest in a new area.
Find out more here
...and MIT. See their full list of free online courses here
EtonX online learning platform offers free online courses developed by teachers at Eton College and partner schools to help students aged 13+ learn vital skills and support them in securing good university places and future employment. Each course typically takes 5-8 hours to complete and you receive a certificate on completion. Please see the Student Guide for more information and sign up using this form
Medical Mentoring Programme
In2MedSchool is a registered charity, which supports Y12 aspiring medical students from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are inviting students to sign up for their free medic mentoring scheme. All their mentors are doctors or medical students who have been through the application process and will do their best to help you with your application. You can find out more here and apply using this form
In2MedSchool also run events open to all students who would like to learn more about life as a doctor/medical student, tips and tricks, UCAT support and much more. Details on their website: www.in2medschool.com