15 Summer Schools in London for Year 12 Students

If you’re in Year 12, you’re probably starting to think seriously about university. You may already have a subject in mind, or you might still be exploring your options. Either way, summer is one of the best times to go beyond school and experience what studying a subject at university actually feels like. One of the summer schools in London for year 12 students lets you do exactly that while giving you a chance to spend time in one of the world’s leading academic cities.

Picture yourself spending two weeks on a university campus, attending lectures taught by academics, working on projects with students from around the world, and exploring a subject in far more depth than your school curriculum allows. Depending on the programme, you could analyse business case studies, conduct laboratory experiments, write essays, build software, debate legal issues, or tackle engineering challenges. You’ll also get a feel for university life long before you submit your applications.

How do you choose the right summer schools in London for Year 12 students?

The first thing to think about is the subject you want to explore. Some summer schools are designed for students who already know what they want to study at university, while others are ideal if you’re still deciding between a few different fields. Choosing a programme that matches your interests will help you get much more out of the experience.

The university and programme structure matter too. London is home to globally recognised institutions such as Imperial College London, UCL, King’s College London, and LSE, and many summer schools draw on the city’s outstanding academic and professional environment. Depending on the programme, you may have opportunities to hear from university faculty, visit research facilities, work on practical projects, or learn from professionals in industries based across the city.

To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of 15 summer schools in London for Year 12 students!

For related opportunities, consider summer programs in Oxford and summer programs in Cambridge.

Key takeaways

• Imperial College London’s Global Summer School costs £7,695 for a two week residential program spanning subject pathways like engineering, medicine, and physics.
• Immerse Education’s Pre-University Summer School takes place across Oxford, Cambridge, and London, working in classes of four to 10 students, open to students worldwide aged 13 to 18.
• The UCL Sutton Trust Summer School is completely free, including accommodation and travel support, but restricted to UK state school students meeting widening participation criteria.
• King’s College London’s K+ Summer School is free but restricted to Year 12 students attending UK state schools in London or the South East meeting widening participation criteria.
• The London International Youth Science Forum draws around 500 students from more than 80 countries for a two week STEM programme costing approximately £3,995.
• Imperial College’s Year 12 Work Experience Programme is completely free but restricted to UK state school students, placing you directly in an Imperial research department for a week.
• The UCL Bartlett Summer School lets you build architecture portfolio work through studio-based learning, with tuition varying by the specific one- or two-week course you choose.
• Program costs for London summer schools range from free options like Imperial’s Sutton Trust programs to over £7,695 for Imperial’s Global Summer School.

15 Summer Schools in London for Year 12 Students

1. Imperial College London Global Summer School

Location: London, UK
Cost: £7,695
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; the acceptance rate and cohort size are not publicly available
Dates: June 29th – July 10th; August 3-14
Application Deadline: Rolling until full; Applications open in January
Eligibility: Students aged 16–17 with strong academic performance, particularly in STEM subjects, and English language proficiency; international students are welcome

Imperial College London’s Global Summer School is a two-week residential program that introduces you to university-level STEM through subject pathways such as engineering, medicine, physics, and life sciences. You attend lectures, laboratory sessions, workshops, and group projects led by Imperial academics while using the university’s teaching facilities. 

The curriculum mirrors introductory undergraduate study, allowing you to apply scientific concepts through practical activities and collaborative problem-solving. Outside the classroom, you take part in campus events and explore London while living in Imperial accommodation. The program provides a realistic introduction to studying STEM at a research-intensive university before you apply to college.

Why it stands out: You’ll experience laboratory-based STEM learning while living and studying on Imperial College London’s South Kensington campus.

2. Immerse Education’s London Summer School

Location: University College London, London, UK
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: Students all over the world aged 13-18, currently enrolled in middle or high school

Immerse Education’s London Summer School gives Year 12 students exactly the kind of preview universities rarely offer before enrolment. Set at UCL in the middle of Bloomsbury, the program puts you in small, tutor-led groups where subjects like Law, Medicine, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, and Psychology are taught at a genuine undergraduate standard.

Instead of the passive learning most school subjects involve, you’ll be expected to think and argue like a university student – building a legal case, working through medical scenarios, or examining psychological studies, often with visits to London institutions that bring the subject to life outside the classroom. The experience closes with a completed personal project, tutor feedback, and a certificate that reflects two weeks of genuine academic work. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: You’ll be taught by top faculty, work on an independent project, and live on campus, giving you a complete experience of future university life.

3. King’s College London Pre-University Summer School

Location: London, UK
Cost: £3,195 for one week; up to £9,375 for three-week residential option
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; the acceptance rate and cohort size are not publicly available
Dates: Multiple one-week sessions in July
Application Deadline: April 10th
Eligibility: Students aged 16-17; international students are welcome

King’s College London Pre-University Summer School gives Year 12 students the chance to study academic subjects such as business, law, medicine, psychology, international relations, and science in central London. You attend lectures, seminars, and subject-specific activities designed to reflect university-style learning. The program helps you build skills in critical thinking, independent study, academic writing, and group presentation. 

Depending on your module, you may also use London’s museums, legal institutions, businesses, or healthcare settings as part of your learning. The experience can help you test possible degree subjects while gaining a clearer sense of student life at a London university.

Why it stands out: Its modular structure allows you to explore specific academic interests while studying at a major London university.

4. Imperial College London Year 12 Work Experience Programme

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies by department and is not publicly available
Dates: June 29th – July 3rd
Application Deadline: March 6th
Eligibility: Year 12 students attending UK state schools; not open to international students unless they meet the UK state-school eligibility requirement

Imperial College London’s Year 12 Work Experience Programme gives you a short, in-person introduction to research and professional STEM environments. You spend a week in an Imperial department such as Bioengineering, Mathematics, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials, or the National Heart and Lung Institute, depending on placement availability. 

You observe university research culture, engage with academic staff, and learn how scientific work is organised in labs, technical spaces, and research teams. The programme also includes careers guidance, personal statement support, and interview preparation. It is especially useful if you want to understand STEM pathways before applying to university.

Why it stands out: It offers free, department-based exposure to scientific research and university work culture at Imperial College London.

5. London School of Economics and Political Science Summer School

Location: London, UK
Cost: £3,350 (student rate) or £4,450 (standard rate) per three-week session, plus a £60 application fee; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; the acceptance rate and cohort size are not publicly available
Dates: Session 1: June 22th – July 10th; Session 2: July 13th – July 31st; Session 3: August 3-21
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until programmes are full
Eligibility: Primarily intended for university students and professionals. Exceptionally qualified Year 12 students should confirm eligibility directly with LSE before applying. International students are welcome

LSE Summer School allows you to study degree-level subjects such as economics, finance, law, management, international relations, and data science alongside students from around the world. You attend lectures and seminars taught by LSE faculty while completing coursework that reflects the university’s academic standards. 

The programme offers an opportunity to experience one of the world’s leading social science universities and understand the expectations of university-level study. Because admission is based on academic readiness rather than age alone, it is best suited to advanced Year 12 students.

Why it stands out: It provides access to LSE’s internationally recognised teaching in social sciences through intensive university-level courses.

6. UAL Pre-College Summer School (University of the Arts London)

Location: London, UK
Cost: From approximately £1,200 per course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrolment for eligible applicants; cohort sizes vary by course
Dates: Multiple one- and two-week courses offered throughout June, July, and August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until courses are full
Eligibility: Structured into 11-15 and 16-18 age tiers; open to domestic and international students

The UAL International Summer School allows you to experience art and design education at the University of the Arts London through an intensive three-week programme. You’ll work on creative projects inspired by London’s cultural and social landscape while developing practical skills through experimentation, collaboration, and studio-based learning. 

The curriculum is structured similarly to a foundation course in art and design, helping you strengthen your creative process while building a portfolio for future applications. Throughout the programme, you’ll receive guidance from experienced UAL tutors, work alongside an international cohort, and experience life across UAL’s specialist campuses.

Why it stands out: It combines studio-based teaching with London’s creative environment, helping you build practical skills and strengthen your portfolio.

7. University of Notre Dame – London: Knowledge and Power

Location: University of Notre Dame London Global Gateway, London, UK
Cost: Tuition-based; programme fees vary depending on the selected session
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; the acceptance rate and cohort size are not publicly available
Dates: Two-week summer programme
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until programmes are full
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18. International students are welcome

The University of Notre Dame’s London Global Gateway Knowledge and Power programme explores how ideas, institutions, and historical events have shaped political and cultural life in Britain and Europe. You study themes such as leadership, democracy, empire, literature, philosophy, and international affairs through seminars, discussions, and field-based learning across London. 

The city itself becomes an extension of the classroom as you visit museums, historical landmarks, and cultural institutions that reinforce the course material. Small-group teaching encourages critical discussion, analytical thinking, and close engagement with primary and secondary sources. 

Why it stands out: It combines classroom teaching with place-based learning, using London’s historical and cultural sites to deepen your understanding of the humanities and social sciences.

8. UCL Sutton Trust Summer School

Location: University College London, Bloomsbury, London, UK 
Cost: Free (includes accommodation, meals, and travel support) 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies by subject stream 
Dates: One-week residential sessions in July and August 
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in January and close in March 
Eligibility: Year 12 UK state school students meeting Sutton Trust widening participation criteria  

The UCL Sutton Trust Summer School gives Year 12 students the opportunity to experience undergraduate study during a five-day residential stay at UCL’s central Bloomsbury campus. You can choose from subject pathways including laws, chemical engineering, architecture, natural sciences, pharmacy, and crime science. Taught by UCL academics, the curriculum includes lectures, laboratory experiments, interactive seminars, and group projects designed to mirror university-level learning. 

Throughout the week, you live in UCL student accommodation, giving you an authentic taste of student life in central London. Current undergraduate mentors guide you through campus, share personal insights about higher education, and assist with personal statement workshops. By the end of the week, you will have completed academic work that can strengthen your UCAS application.  

Why it stands out: It offers a fully funded, immersive residential experience with access to world-class academics across a wide range of disciplines at UCL.  

9. King’s College London K+ Summer School

Location: King’s College London (Strand & Guy’s Campuses), London, UK
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort sizes vary by academic stream
Dates: July (4-5 day residential or day school)
Application Deadline: Applications open in autumn/winter and close in early spring
Eligibility: Year 12 students attending UK state schools in London or the South East who meet widening participation criteria

The King’s College London K+ Summer School gives Year 12 students an early taste of studying at a major London university. As part of King’s flagship outreach initiative, the summer school offers subject pathways across healthcare, law, science, arts and humanities, and social sciences. You attend university lectures taught by King’s academics, participate in group research tasks, and engage in subject-specific workshops across central London campuses. 

Alongside academic teaching, the programme provides tailored UCAS guidance, personal statement drafting sessions, and advice on university interviews. You work directly with current King’s undergraduate student ambassadors who offer firsthand insights into student life, living in London, and choosing degree courses.

Why it stands out: It provides free, departmental learning and university preparation on central London campuses at one of the UK’s leading Russell Group universities.

10. London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) STEM Summer Camp

Location: Imperial College London and The Royal Geographical Society, London, UK
Cost: Approximately £3,995; scholarships are available through partner organisations in some countries
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 500 students from more than 80 countries
Dates: Late July – early August (two weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by country through national selection partners
Eligibility: Students aged 16-21 who are studying STEM subjects; international students are welcome

The London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) brings together around 500 young scientists from more than 80 countries for a two-week programme exploring science, engineering, medicine, and technology. You’ll attend lectures by leading researchers, visit universities, research laboratories, and technology companies, and take part in scientific demonstrations across London. 

The programme also includes discussions with scientists, university visits, and networking sessions with peers from around the world. Alongside the academic programme, cultural activities give you the opportunity to experience the UK while building an international STEM network and learning about research across different scientific disciplines.

Why it stands out: It connects you with an international STEM community while providing access to researchers, laboratories, and scientific institutions across London.

11. Imperial College Sutton Trust Summer School

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
Cost: Free, including accommodation, meals, and activities
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; the acceptance rate and cohort size are not publicly available
Dates: Multiple residential programmes in July
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in January and close in March
Eligibility: UK Year 12 students attending state schools who meet Sutton Trust widening participation criteria; not open to international students

The Imperial College Sutton Trust Summer School allows you to experience university study through subjects such as engineering, medicine, mathematics, chemistry, life sciences, economics, finance, and data science. During the residential programme, you’ll attend lectures, practical sessions, workshops, and group activities led by Imperial academics while using university teaching facilities. 

You’ll also learn about university admissions, student life, and STEM careers through sessions with current Imperial students and staff. Living on campus throughout the programme provides a realistic introduction to studying at Imperial College London while exploring your chosen academic subject in greater depth.

Why it stands out: It offers a fully funded residential experience that combines subject-specific learning with a realistic introduction to studying at Imperial College London.

12. UCL Bartlett Summer School

Location: University College London, London, UK
Cost: Tuition varies by course; no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies by programme
Dates: Multiple one- and two-week courses during June, July, and August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until courses are full
Eligibility: Most pre-university courses are open to students aged 16-18; international students are welcome

The UCL Bartlett Summer School introduces you to architecture, urban design, sustainability, and the built environment through studio-based learning. You’ll work on design projects while developing practical skills in architectural drawing, sketching, model making, digital design, spatial thinking, and architectural communication. 

Classes are taught by Bartlett academics using UCL’s design studios, giving you experience of the teaching methods used in one of the UK’s leading architecture schools. By the end of the course, you’ll have completed studio work that can contribute to your architecture portfolio while gaining a clearer understanding of university-level architectural design.

Why it stands out: You’ll experience studio-based architectural learning at one of the UK’s leading architecture schools.

13. Imperial College STEM Challenge Summer School

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; the acceptance rate and cohort size are not publicly available
Dates: Four days in July
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May
Eligibility: Year 12 students attending UK state schools who meet Imperial’s widening participation criteria; international students are not eligible unless they meet the programme’s eligibility requirements

Imperial College’s STEM Challenge Summer School explores engineering and science through hands-on design challenges, laboratory activities, and collaborative workshops. Working in teams, you’ll apply STEM concepts to solve practical problems with guidance from Imperial staff and current students. 

The programme combines scientific investigation with engineering design, encouraging you to test ideas, refine solutions, and present your work throughout the four-day experience. You’ll also attend sessions on university study, STEM careers, and life at Imperial, giving you a practical introduction to studying science and engineering at university.

Why it stands out: It combines hands-on STEM challenges with direct exposure to Imperial’s teaching and research environment.

14. UAL Short Course Architecture for 16 to 18-year-olds

Location: Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, London, UK
Cost: Tuition varies by course; no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrolment until full
Dates: Multiple sessions offered during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18; international students are welcome

This University of the Arts London short course introduces you to architectural design through studio practice and project-based learning. You develop ideas using sketching, model making, drawing, and digital techniques while learning how architects approach space, form, and design. 

The course also supports portfolio development and provides an introduction to studying architecture at university. It is suitable whether you’re exploring architecture for the first time or preparing for future applications.

Why it stands out: It focuses on practical studio work and portfolio building at one of London’s leading art and design universities.

15. Young Architect Summer Experience by InvestIN

Location: London, UK
Cost: Approximately £2,150
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly available
Dates: Multiple one-week sessions during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18; international students are welcome

The Young Architect Summer Experience by InvestIN introduces you to architecture through practical projects that mirror different stages of the design process. You’ll take part in design workshops, CAD activities, site visits, and architectural challenges, learning how buildings develop from an initial concept to construction. 

Throughout the programme, you’ll work alongside architects while developing ideas, presenting designs, and exploring how architectural decisions are made in professional practice. Career sessions and networking events with industry professionals also provide insight into different pathways within architecture and the built environment.

Why it stands out: It provides practical exposure to architectural design and professional practice through project-based activities.

Frequently asked questions: Summer schools in London for Year 12 students

Are London summer schools for Year 12 students open to international students?

Eligibility is mixed. Several free UK widening-participation programs, including UCL’s Sutton Trust Summer School, King’s College London’s K+ Summer School, and Imperial’s Year 12 Work Experience Programme, are restricted to UK state school students. However, Imperial’s Global Summer School, King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School, and the London International Youth Science Forum all explicitly welcome international students. Immerse Education’s Pre-University Summer School is also open globally to students aged 13 to 18.

How much do London summer schools cost for Year 12 students?

Costs vary enormously by eligibility and prestige. Free options include the UCL Sutton Trust Summer School and King’s College London’s K+ Summer School, both restricted to UK state school students. Paid options range from around £1,200 for UAL’s Pre-College Summer School to £7,695 for Imperial’s Global Summer School and approximately £3,995 for the London International Youth Science Forum.

What is the difference between a Sutton Trust program and a standard fee-paying summer school in London?

Sutton Trust programs, like UCL’s Sutton Trust Summer School or Imperial’s Sutton Trust Summer School, are specifically funded to widen access for UK state school students from underrepresented backgrounds and are entirely free but not open to international students. Standard fee-paying summer schools, like Imperial’s Global Summer School or King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School, charge tuition but welcome students from anywhere in the world. If you’re not a UK state school student, the paid international programs are your relevant options.

Do London summer schools for Year 12 students award transferable credit?

Most don’t award transferable college credit, instead providing a certificate of completion or UCAS application support. LSE’s Summer School is a partial exception, offering degree-standard courses, though it’s primarily designed for university students rather than Year 12 high schoolers specifically. If credit specifically matters to you, confirm eligibility and credit policy directly with LSE or similarly structured programs before applying.

How selective are London summer schools for Year 12 students?

Selectivity varies considerably. Imperial’s Sutton Trust Summer School and UCL’s Sutton Trust Summer School are both highly selective despite being free, prioritizing widening-participation criteria. Fee-paying programs like Imperial’s Global Summer School and King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School are also described as selective, requiring strong academic performance and English proficiency. Regardless of selectivity, meeting precise eligibility criteria matters as much as academic strength.

Is Immerse Education a good option for a Year 12 student considering London?

Immerse Education’s Pre-University Summer School is a strong choice if you want a genuine London university experience without needing UK state school status, since London is one of its three UK locations alongside Oxford and Cambridge. The two week program places you in small groups of four to 10 students, working on hands-on projects across more than 20 subjects, including AI, medicine, and business management. You’ll complete a personal project, receive written feedback, and earn a certificate of completion, with financial aid available through its bursary programme.

Ready to Build on Your London Experience?

Choosing among these London summer schools for Year 12 students gives you a genuine introduction to university-style lectures, seminars, and campus life.

Once the program ends, you can turn that academic exposure into a clearer sense of your subject choice and university direction.

The critical thinking, independent study, and confidence you built become a strong foundation for your UCAS applications ahead.

Keep building on what you started this summer by exploring our University Preparation blogs for guidance on your next steps.