Access to Sheffield Summer School
The University of Sheffield
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Curious about university life? Join the University of Sheffield's four-day Access Summer School to explore university-level teaching, build academic skills, and connect with student ambassadors — live on campus. Try out student life, boost your uni application and confidence.
The Access to Sheffield Summer School is a four-day on-campus programme at the University of Sheffield designed to introduce prospective university students to academic study and student life. Over the course of the programme participants take part in academic skills sessions, university-level teaching tasters, and social activities, supported throughout by current student ambassadors.
The 2026 programme runs Monday 3 August to Thursday 6 August 2026 and is hosted in University accommodation (Endcliffe residences) in Sheffield. Everything required for the programme is provided: activities and equipment, overnight accommodation, meals and refreshments, and travel to and from the University (arranged and funded individually).
The programme is non-subject specific and focuses on transferable academic and study skills, teamwork, communication and problem-solving, and confidence-building. It is accredited by the Skills Builder framework (Impact Level 4) and successful completion can lead to contextual offer consideration and access to further Y13 support.
This summer school is aimed at students from target groups underrepresented in higher education. Applicants must meet the stated academic requirements (GCSE and A Level/equivalent) and at least one widening participation criterion (for example eligibility for free school meals, living in an area of disadvantage, care-experienced, young carer, estrangement, or forced migrant).
Additional ongoing support and access to the Access to Sheffield (Y13 to Uni) programme is available for attendees as they enter Y13.
Skills Builder Impact Level 4 accreditation (programme); successful completion may result in contextual offer consideration (up to three grades below standard A Level entry requirements)
2026
Location
- Studying in Year 12 in England or Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland (or equivalent)
- As a programme for under 18s, Year 12 applicants must be no older than 17 years old as of 1 September 2025
- Must expect to be a home fee paying student unless identified as a forced migrant
- Cannot be a current participant on the Access to Sheffield (Y12-13) programme
- Must meet one or more target group criteria: eligible for free school meals; live in an area of disadvantage (measured by IMD); care experienced; care leaver; young carer; experiencing estrangement; or a forced migrant
- GCSE requirements: minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9-6, plus minimum grade 4 in English and Maths (if not already included)
- A Level requirements: studying at least 3 A Level or equivalent qualifications, with at least two on the University’s acceptable subject list
Free to attend. All activities, equipment, overnight accommodation, meals and refreshments are provided. Travel to and from the University is funded and arranged as part of the application process. Participants receive a University branded sweatshirt.
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