In high school, summer often feels like a pause between academic years, but it can also be a turning point. Work experience opportunities in the UK for high school students allow you to step beyond the classroom and engage directly with professional environments, developing practical skills that schools rarely have the time or structure to teach. Through internships and placements, you can gain early exposure to how academic subjects translate into real work.

Imagine spending your summer contributing to research at a leading institution, supporting public sector projects, or working alongside industry professionals in science, engineering, finance, healthcare, or the arts. These work experience programs are not just observational; they are designed to immerse you in structured tasks, mentorship, and reflective learning. 

Even if you’re already familiar with the UK education system, you can benefit greatly from structured work experience. Internships and work-learn programs provide clarity about whether a subject feels right at a professional level, long before committing to a university course. 

What are work experience opportunities in the UK for high school students?

We know that finding high-quality work experience can be challenging. Not all opportunities offer meaningful learning, and many programs come with a high cost. That’s why the right information is important, so you can pick the best work experience opportunities.

Across the UK, numerous universities and institutions offer work experience opportunities that involve research, corporate, and non-profit work. You could work in engineering, science, business, medicine, finance, and more. You will be mentored by university professors and industry professionals.

To make the search easier, this article curates 15 of the best work experience opportunities for high school students in the UK. All programs listed are hosted by respected institutions, are fully funded or offer stipends, and emphasise genuine work-learn engagement.

15 Work Experience Opportunities in the UK for High School Students

1. Year 12 Sutton Summer Trust School

Location: Different universities in England
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Students have always attended state-funded, non-paying schools, and are studying in Year 12 in England/Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland (or equivalent), students under 18 years old 

Sutton Trust UK Summer School is a series of summer schools in different universities in the UK that offer more than 40 courses. You are able to choose courses to attend and which university to go to. During the summer school, you get to live one whole week in a university and immerse yourself in university life with activities such as attending lectures, networking with professors, living in a dorm and socialising with other participants.

During the summer school, you can also take part in workshops where you can receive support on your university application as well as tips on how to manage student finances and find scholarships. The summer school by the Sutton Trust is completely free. Even after the summer school ends, you will still get support through the Sutton Alumni Network and contextual admission to their university of choice.

Why it stands out: As an alumnus, you’ll have an ongoing national membership and support network that has helped students get into top UK universities in the past.

2. Immerse Education’s Career Insights Summer School

Location: London and Cambridge
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; average of 7 participants per class
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts throughout the summer months with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 15-18 currently enrolled in high school

The Career Insights Programme is a UK-based, industry-focused experience for high school students in London and Cambridge. As a participant, you can expect to engage in practical projects with leading UK organisations across key sectors. The programme connects you with industry experts through interactive workshops, site visits, and hands-on projects.

You’ll also visit operational environments, including offices, studios, courts, and professional workplaces. The programme culminates in a final presentation delivered to industry professionals. You can explore career pathways in subjects such as medicine, engineering, law, business, media, and creative industries. The programme also includes weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and sessions where you will receive personalised feedback. 

Why it stands out: It lets you explore practical, real-world applications of academic subjects and career fields, helping you see how professional pathways operate beyond the classroom.

3. Year 9 Girls Engineering Summer School

Location: London, England
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 4-7 August
Application Deadline: 18th March
Eligibility: High school female students in year 9 attending a state-funded, non-fee-paying school or college in the United Kingdom

If you enjoy math and science and consider STEM to be your college major, Imperial College’s Girls Engineering Summer School is a great choice for you. This four-day-long program starts with orientation and getting to know other students with ice-breaking team activities. On the following days, students get to discover engineering through inspiring sessions (called “tasters”) that showcase various engineering disciplines.

On the final day, students get to work with other mates to create a poster based on an engineering concept they have learned, and they will showcase these posters in front of teachers, families, and other students. This summer school is fully funded (including course fees, materials, and lunch). It is not a residential program, so participants and parents need to organise their own accommodation and travel to and from campus each day.

Why it stands out: You’ll have access to engineering tools and prototypes from Imperial’s MakerSpace that are typically not available to pre-GCSE students, so you’ll be better prepared for future STEM education.

4. Oxford Year 12 Physics Summer School

Location: Oxford, England
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students
Dates: 28th July – 1st August
Application Deadline: 4th June
Eligibility: Students who attend non-paying schools and are in year 12, living in Oxfordshire, Berkshire or Buckinghamshire

Year 12 students who live around Oxford and are interested in work experience opportunities in the UK for high school students can take part in Oxford University’s Department of Physics Year 12 Physics Summer School. During one whole week, the Department of Physics will open its doors for 30 local high school students to explore a taste of life in the Department and the next steps to pursue their passion for physics.

During this program, you get to work on a project and attend lectures and activities such as departmental tours, career talks, and workshops. If you get a placement in the program, you can attend this summer school for free, and the department can take care of local bus fares to get you to and from the University.

Why it stands out: Direct involvement with the department’s technical, research, and operational teams gives you a rare view of how research at major universities operates.

5. Sutton Cambridge Summer School

Location: Cambridge, England
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 17-21 August
Application Deadline: 12th February
Eligibility: Students have always attended state-funded, non-paying schools, and are studying in Year 12 in England/Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland (or equivalent), students under 18 years old

The Sutton Cambridge Summer School is a summer school by the Sutton Trust and the University of Cambridge. During the 5 days of the program, you can take part in classes such as Veterinary Medicine, Mathematics, Modern and Medieval Languages, Engineering, etc. During this course, you will attend these classes for up to twenty hours of academic study while giving them a taste of college life in Cambridge.

You also get to make a competitive application to your university of choice. Sutton Cambridge Summer School will have sessions with topics about personal statement writing, interview tips, and money management. Outside of the academic sessions, you are encouraged to experience life as a Cambridge student by attending events such as punting on the River Cam, dining at the residential hall, or exploring the city with your peers. 

Why it stands out: You’ll be joining their alumni network, giving you access to job opportunities and career-related content.

6. Year 10 Insights Summer School

Location: London, England
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 29th July – 1st August
Application Deadline: 11th March
Eligibility: High school students in year 10 and enrolled in a non-paying school in the UK

The Insights Summer School is a four-day experience from Imperial College London for Year 10 students who would like to focus on learning subjects related to science and engineering and would like to find work experience opportunities in the UK. During this program on campus, you will attend exciting taster subjects and hands-on experiments, enjoy university life, and take part in busy after-school programs.

The science stream is perfect for future scientists eager to learn more about biology, chemistry, science, and maths. The engineering stream is made for students who are more interested in diving deeper into various fields of engineering. At the end of the week, you will work in groups and present a poster about a concept you have learned during the week to your peers, workshop leaders, and invited guests. 

Why it stands out: You’ll get to experience college-level science, work with undergraduate mentors, and learn how to present at a poster conference.

7. Oxford Brookes University Summer School

Location: Oxford, England
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 30th June – 2nd July for Biomedical Science, Architecture, Business School Experience and Creative Industries streams. 7-9 July for Computer Science, Adult and Children’s Nursing, and Law streams.
Application Deadline: Different per streams
Eligibility: High school students from England in year 12 or the first year of college

The Brookes Engage program is designed for high school students who are preparing for college and seeking clarity about their academic direction through a work experience program in the UK. As part of a year-long pathway that begins in January, you get to explore your chosen subject through a combination of academic engagement, masterclasses, and structured mentorship. The program supports you as you navigate the university application process while developing confidence in your academic interests.

During the summer phase, you can continue your studies on campus at Oxford Brookes University and gain familiarity with life in the city of Oxford. After returning to school in September, the program continues online with guided academic support. The experience concludes with a mini-graduation held at Oxford Brookes University the following March.

Why it stands out: Its program is focused on providing university-style practical work and subject tasters, so you’ll be in a better position to make academic decisions for your future.

8. BCBF Internship (Bright City Bright Future)

Location: England and Scotland
Cost/Stipend: Free, and students will get a stipend of GBP 1500 if they’re successful in the programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 120 students
Dates: 29th June – 17th July
Application Deadline: 12th January
Eligibility: Students in their Year 13/S6 or having a gap year. Must have the right to work in the UK

The Bright City Bright Future (BCBF Internship) is an annual three-week paid work experience in the UK initiated by IntoUniversity, partnering with more than 20 globally-recognised companies. This internship aims for you to be able to accelerate your career by providing work experience before going to university.

With programs offering internships in areas like Asset Management, Investment and Banking, Law, Technology, and Consultancy, you’ll have the opportunity to decide where a career path is most suitable for you. The first week of the internship will be a bootcamp week. What is interesting about the BCBF Internship is that once you have finished your internship, you will be rewarded with a stipend of GBP 1500. 

Why it stands out: You’ll gain industry insights, creative mentorship, and the chance to network with global publishers and illustrators.

9. JP Morgan Chase & Co Work Experience Program

Location: London, Bournemouth, Glasgow, and Edinburgh
Cost/Stipend: Not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: One week
Application Deadline: Application is now closed
Eligibility: Students in year 10-11 in England or S3-S4 in Scotland, aged 14 to 16 years old

The JP Morgan Chase Work Experience Program is a one-week work experience in the UK for high school students that aims to develop core knowledge and transferable skills. During this week-long program, the company will guide you through sessions on practical expertise and the opportunity to practice these skills with JPMorgan staff.

The program starts with a virtual session to prep you for the in-person program. It will be followed by a two-day program at the JPMorgan office of your choice, where you will learn deeper through interactive learning, networking, and skill-building classes. After the in-person experience, you can apply your new skills in a further virtual workshop to fine-tune your professional portfolio.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain professional skills, mentorship, and insight into highly competitive career pathways like finance, technology, and business.

10. Year 12 Work Experience

Location: London, England
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited number of spaces
Dates: 29th June – 3rd July
Application Deadline: 6th March
Eligibility: High school students in year 12 and enrolled in a state, non-paying school in the UK

The Imperial Year 12 Work Experience Programme is a one-week non-residential summer program for British high school students to give them work experience as a researcher and in other careers in higher education. You can choose from Bioengineering, Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment, Materials, Mathematics, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Research and National Heart and Lung Institute. The programme will be made to simulate real-life working experience.

You will have to commute back and forth each day, have lunch with other peers, and meet deadlines. During the programme, you also get full access to labs, research facilities, and workshops, depending on your department. Besides experiencing the world of research, you will also be given talks with topics about preparing for your life in university, such as writing effective personal statements for your university entrance.

Why it stands out: It places you in functioning labs, divides you into research groups, and prepares you for presenting at a formal academic conference, mirroring how academia works.

11. DSC Summer School

Location: London, England
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: To be confirmed
Application Deadline: 8th March
Eligibility: High school students from England in years 11 and 12 from underrepresented families and backgrounds

The DSC (Dental Schools Council) summer school is a free summer school across England dedicated to high school students from underrepresented families who would like to dive deeper into dentistry before going to university, and offers work experience in the UK for high school students. It allows you to experience a simulation of what it’s like going to dental school, giving an overview of the range of medical/dental careers, seeking university advice, and support regarding preparing for university interviews and admission tests.

You may choose to join DSC Summer School at one of four universities in the UK: the University of Liverpool, Newcastle University, University of Plymouth, Queen Mary University of London and King’s College London. Not only diving deeper into academic programs, but you will also form lifelong friendships through social activities and networking sessions. 

Why it stands out: You can interact with top dentistry departments, admissions teams, and dental professionals to guide college applications.

12. Medical Schools Council (MSC) Medical Summer Schools

Location: Various UK cities, including London
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: To be confirmed
Application Deadline: 30th November
Eligibility: Students in years 11 and 12 in England from underrepresented families 

The Medical Schools Council (MSC) program offers a simulated experience to help you understand what studying medicine involves. You will explore university-style teaching methods and prepare for the transition from sixth form to higher education. The sessions provide insight into the professional values and behaviours expected of medical students, as well as practising healthcare professionals.

You will learn about different career paths within medicine, including both clinical and non-patient-facing roles. Activities are designed to build confidence, improve teamwork, and connect you with peers and academic staff. You will also be guided on university applications, interviews, and admissions tests, along with social opportunities to build a supportive community.

Why it stands out: It allows interactions with healthcare professionals and focuses heavily on mentorship, so you’ll have ample guidance on applying to medical schools.

13. FDM Apprenticeship Programme

Location: London and Leeds
Cost/Stipend: Free, and the apprentice will get a monthly salary and full university fee coverage
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Apprenticeship will last for three years
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: Aged over 16 years old, based in the UK, and able to satisfy entry requirements at FDM partner universities

The FDM Apprenticeship Programme is a paid, UK-based degree work experience program in the UK designed for students aged 16 and above who are interested in a career in digital and technology-related fields. You get to work through internal projects in IT Support, Software Development, Information Security, Salesforce Administration, and IT Business Projects, before being placed in FDM’s client companies.

This program combines full-time work experience with academic study through partnerships with Sheffield Hallam University and Northeastern University. You will spend four days per week developing technical and professional skills on the job, with 20% of your time dedicated to structured study. You will also receive a monthly salary, full coverage of university tuition fees, and ongoing support from a personal mentor throughout the program. Upon completion, you get to graduate with a university degree, substantial industry experience, and a clear pathway into full-time roles within the technology sector.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain workplace-ready skills and practical training aligned with industry needs.

14. Oxford UNIQ Summer Programme

Location: Oxford, UK
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: 29th June – 31st July
Application Deadline: 13th January
Eligibility: Year 12 students in England/Wales, Year 13 students in Northern England, or S5 students in Scotland, age needs to be up to 18 years old

For students in Year 12/Year 3/S5 who are interested in continuing their education in university but would like to see if university life suits them, or who wish to have work experience in the UK for high school students, joining the UNIQ Summer Programme is a good option. This programme involves an introductory online chat with a UNIQ team member, meeting prospective participants, and the residency program at Oxford University.

You get to stay in Oxford college residency halls, participate in a comprehensive academic programme, and meet new friends through university-style social events. The UNIQ programme will close with a mini-conference to wrap up the programme. UNIQ is completely free, including tuition, accommodation, food, travel costs, and staffing fees.

Why it stands out: You’ll have rare access to university applications support and guidance from an institution that has a good track record of helping students secure Oxford offers.

15. Seren Academy Summer School

Location: Wales (with residential summer schools at partner UK universities such as Cambridge, Cardiff, Oxford, and Aberystwyth)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded (transport, accommodation, and meals covered); no stipend.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by individual summer school; selective but not centrally published.
Dates: Varies by year and programme; past examples include March through August for different residential schools.
Application Deadline: Set annually via Seren Space; past deadlines have been in early February or similar.
Eligibility: Welsh state school or further education college students identified as academically able (typically Years 8–13, with summer schools often for Year 12).

If you’re a talented, high-achieving, and driven high school student, Seren Academy’s Summer Schools could be the right fit for you. You’ll spend a few weeks at one of the Seren Academy’s partner universities, where you’ll experience life on campus and access high-quality academic enrichment. The Academy is designed to support motivated and capable high school students, giving you opportunities that broaden your horizons regardless of your socio-economic background.

You will have access to the university resources, university-style teaching, and the experience of living on a college campus. Additionally, you’ll receive guidance on applying to universities, completing the UCAS application, and tips for interviews.  

Why it stands out: It partners with multiple Russell Group universities, giving you access to faculty and admissions teams normally unavailable to high-school students and giving you a better shot at college applications.

Laying Foundations for Future Careers

Early work experience helps you connect learning with reality, revealing how interests translate into tasks, teamwork, and responsibility while building confidence beyond exams and classrooms.

By observing professionals and contributing meaningfully, you gain insight into pace, expectations, and culture, allowing smarter subject choices before committing to university pathways.

Through these work experience opportunities in the UK for high school students, you test environments, refine goals, and discover which roles motivate you through practical exposure.

To plan next steps with confidence, explore our Career Exploration blogs for guidance, pathways, and advice that turn experience into informed, long-term decisions for your future goals.