Space to Explore Potential (STEP) - Durham University
Durham University
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Want a free taste of uni life and academic challenge? Join Durham’s STEP summer school to explore subjects, build academic and UCAS skills, connect with peers and staff, and experience campus life through cost-free residentials for Black-heritage Year 12s.
Space to Explore Potential (STEP) is Durham University's widening access summer school programme aimed at Year 12 students from Black-heritage backgrounds. The programme offers events and activities during Year 12 and Year 13, academic taster sessions across multiple subject strands, and opportunities to experience student life through cost-free residentials on campus.
Participants develop academic and personal skills, receive guidance on UCAS and student finance, and get support with personal statements. By passing the assessed summer school project, students can work towards a guaranteed alternative offer from Durham (usually two A-level grades below the standard entry requirement for the chosen degree).
Some STEP subject strands have specific A-level or equivalent subject requirements; these are set out in the STEP Subject Requirements guidance. Applications for the 2025-26 cycle open on 28 January 2025 and close on 3 April 2026.
Places are limited and selection uses the published eligibility and selection criteria to prioritise applicants who are most likely to benefit from the programme.
Successful completion of the assessed summer school project can lead to a guaranteed alternative offer from Durham University (typically two A-level grades below standard entry requirements).
28 Jan 2025
03 Apr 2026
Location
- Be in Year 12, or equivalent, and attending a UK state school or college.
- Be currently living in the UK and have been for a minimum of three years prior to the time of application.
- Be a UK national or have settled status (such as indefinite leave to remain) except where residence in the UK is wholly or mainly for the purpose of full-time education.
- Be a Black-heritage student (including Black-African, Black-Caribbean, Dual, or Mixed Heritage).
- Subject-specific eligibility/requirements may apply for certain STEP subject strands (see STEP Subject Requirements).
- Priority may be given to applicants who: come from neighbourhoods with low progression rates to higher education, have experienced significant educational disruption (e.g., care leavers or estranged), are in receipt of or entitled to Free School Meals/Pupil Premium, or will be the first generation in their family to attend university.
- All programmes welcome applications from disabled students; reasonable adjustments will be made to facilitate access to events.
Residentials are provided free of charge to participants (cost-free residentials).
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