In high school, summer is usually a time when you get a break from classes and exams. But summer can be much more than that. You can engage in personal growth, discover new interests, and strengthen your university applications. One of the best ways to spend your summer and achieve these goals is by joining an engineering summer school in the UK.

Imagine designing a project in a real university lab, testing your ideas with advanced tools, or working with other students to solve engineering problems. You could explore robotics, mechanical engineering, artificial intelligence, civil engineering, or physics. These summer schools give you a real taste of university life.

Even if you already live in the UK, joining a summer programme can still be valuable. You’ll meet participants from different backgrounds, see familiar subjects from new perspectives, and better understand how engineering is studied at top universities.

What kinds of engineering summer schools in the UK for high school students are there?

Finding the right program can be confusing. You don’t want to choose one that only focuses on lectures without practical work, or one that doesn’t give you real academic value. Not all programs offer the same experience, so it’s important to carefully choose your best options.

Top universities such as Imperial College London, University of Warwick, University of St Andrews, and University of Glasgow offer engineering-focused summer programs. Some focus on research, some on hands-on projects, and others on exploring different engineering disciplines. You could deepen an existing interest or explore something completely new.

No matter which program you choose, you’ll be stepping out of your comfort zone and learning something meaningful. To make your search easier, we’ve created a list of 15 Engineering Summer Schools in the UK for High School Students. These were selected for their academic quality, hands-on learning, and strong reputation.

For broader STEM opportunities, have a look at STEM summer programs in the UK. For more options in engineering, check out online engineering programs.

15 Engineering Summer Schools in the UK for High School Students

1. Immerse’s Pre-University Engineering Summer School

Location: Oxford, Cambridge, and London
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Dates:  2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students around the world aged 13-18; Enrolled in middle school or high school

Immerse’s Pre-University Engineering Summer School in the UK allows you to explore different fields of engineering. You’ll gain real-world knowledge and skills, receive guidance from industry experts, and prepare yourself for University applications.

You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering through concepts such as force and motion, participate in hands-on activities, develop problem-solving skills, and work on finding solutions to practical challenges. The program offers engineering courses both in-person and online. You’ll collaborate with other students and participate in hands-on workshops, work on a unique personal project on a topic of your choice, and also go on tours to reputed institutions and landmarks.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore mechanical and electrical engineering through hands-on workshops, real-world challenges, and a personal project, while receiving expert guidance

2. King’s College London Pre-University Summer School – Science, Technology and Engineering Session 1

Location: King’s College London, London, UK
Cost: £3,195 + £65 application fee
Dates: July 6-10
Application Deadline: April 10th
Eligibility: Grade 10-12 high school students ages 16-17; Open to international students 

King’s College London Pre-University Summer School- Science, Technology and Engineering offers a one-week immersive experience in your subject area of choice, and it’s one of the most academically rigorous engineering summer school in the UK for students who want research-led learning. You’ll engage in a research-focused environment through seminars, workshops, experiential learning activities and lectures. You’ll work on assignments, conduct independent research, and prepare a presentation in collaboration with other participants.

The program is led by Antonia Pontiki, Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering Education. You’ll also participate in practical work in laboratories and engage in team-based problem-solving activities. As the program concludes,  you’ll be offered a certificate of completion upon meeting attendance requirements.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore science and engineering through hands-on labs, research, and a final presentation while experiencing real university learning.

3. Imperial College London Y9 Girls Engineering Summer School

Location: Imperial College London
Cost: Free
Dates: August 4-7
Application Deadline: March 18th
Eligibility: Girls in year 9 attending a UK state school which is not fee-paying

Imperial College London Y9 Girls Engineering Summer School offers you a four-day hands-on learning experience. You’ll explore different engineering disciplines, attend taster sessions, and participate in hands-on activities. You’ll listen to engaging talk sessions, interact with your mentor and peers and engage in fun ice-breaking sessions.

In the past, the taster sessions have been conducted by multiple departments, including bioengineering, mechanical engineering, material science and engineering, earth science and engineering, civil engineering, and design engineering. The program concludes with a poster exhibition where you’ll present a group poster based on one of the engineering disciplines. The poster will highlight important engineering concepts and careers.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore different engineering fields through hands-on sessions, mentor interactions, and a final group poster presentation while experiencing university-style learning.

4. University of St. Andrews Summer Academic Experience Courses– Physical Science, Mathematics, & Computer Science

Location: University of St Andrews
Cost: £6,850
Dates: July 11th – August 1st
Application Deadline: April 6th
Eligibility: Students ages 16-18; Open to international students 

University of St. Andrews- Physical Science, Mathematics & Computer Science program offers a three-week residential experience to high school students. You’ll attend lectures, seminars, and engage in independent study and group work. You’ll learn about a range of topics, including circuit building, fluid dynamics, programming with Arduino, forensic statistics and more.

The program will include laboratory sessions on lasers and diffraction, astronomy, electronics, bagpipes and more. Along with developing academic insights, you’ll also go on field trips to sites of scientific interest, participate in social and cultural activities and receive a certificate from the University of St. Andrews on the successful completion of the program.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore physics, maths, and computer science through labs, field trips, and hands-on projects like circuit building and Arduino programming in a three-week residential university experience.

5. Year 11 Online STEM Challenge – Imperial College London

Location:  Hybrid (online + final day at Imperial College London, UK)
Cost: Free
Dates: June 23-26
Application Deadline: March 4th
Eligibility: Year 11 students living and studying in the UK; Must be able to travel to campus for the final day

Year 11 Online STEM Challenge- Imperial College London offers a four-day hybrid learning experience. You’ll understand the connection between different subjects in STEM and develop creative solutions to a real-world problem. The first three days of the program will be executed online.

You’ll meet your Academic leader, learn the specific problem you are supposed to solve and gain access to related resources. You’ll interact with your team members and a mentor who’ll guide and support you through the challenge. You’ll also interact with student ambassadors and learn the rewards associated with pursuing a university education at Imperial. 

Why it stands out: You’ll solve a real-world STEM challenge with mentor support, collaborate online, and pitch your final solution on campus at Imperial

6. University of Warwick – Pre-University Summer School Taste of Science and Engineering

Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
Cost: £5,250
Dates: July 14-24
Application Deadline: May 31st
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 16-17

University of Warwick- Pre-University Summer School: Taste of Science and Engineering offers an advanced learning experience beyond school classrooms, and it’s a great fit if you want an engineering summer school in the UK that goes deep on how engineering decisions are made. You’ll be introduced to engineering concepts, learn from subject specialists, and explore career opportunities in the field. You’ll take part in interactive sessions on ‘materials for engineering’, exploring why materials matter across civil, electrical, automotive and more.

You’ll study material properties, understand their strength and then learn about the ease of breaking specific materials like aluminium and steel. If you’re a high school student interested in exploring the concepts of science and engineering from up close, then this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore engineering concepts beyond the classroom, study materials like aluminium and steel, and learn from subject specialists in an advanced university-style experience.

7. Imperial College London Y10 Insights Summer School

Location: Imperial College London
Cost: Free
Dates: July 29th – August 1st
Application Deadline: March 11th
Eligibility: Year 10 students living and attending a school in the UK

Imperial College London Y10 Insights Summer School offers you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of science and engineering. You’ll attend a series of taster sessions based on your chosen stream, engage in a pastoral programme, and explore university life. You’ll explore different engineering disciplines, gain exposure to the latest technology development in research labs, and learn the fundamental engineering concepts.

You’ll interact with and work with mentors, peers and attend an academic-style conference. You’ll have the opportunity to explain a specific concept through a poster presentation. You’ll not only have a university-level academic learning experience but also participate in multiple social events in the evenings.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore different engineering fields through lab sessions, mentor support, and a poster presentation at Imperial College London, while experiencing real university life.

8. Imperial College London Global Summer School: Engineering 

Location: Imperial College London, London, UK
Cost: £7,695
Dates: June 29th – July 10th or August 3-14
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students ages 16-17; Open to international students 

Imperial College London Global Summer School offers a pre-university learning experience in STEM. You’ll attend lectures, participate in practical workshops, and engage in laboratory sessions. The engineering summer school will allow you to explore different engineering disciplines and facilities. You’ll solve real-world problems, conduct practical experiments and participate in the collection and analysis of data.

You’ll engage in team-based activities, test your design skills, and work on building and testing models and prototypes. During the second week of the program, you’ll participate in an innovation challenge that will help you build valuable skills for presentation, communication, and teamwork at your University. 

Why it stands out: You’ll explore engineering through labs and real-world challenges, building and testing your own designs while strengthening teamwork and presentation skills.

9. Imperial College London – Year 12 Work Experience Programme

Location: Imperial College London, on campus, London, UK.
Cost: Free
Dates: June 29th – July 3rd
Application Deadline: March 5th
Eligibility: Year 12 students attending a UK state school

Imperial College London- Year 12 Work Experience Programme introduces you to the world of research. You’ll experience life as a researcher and explore careers in higher education. You’ll learn to navigate in a professional environment and explore a range of streams including bioengineering, biomedical research, chemical engineering and more.

You’ll develop and apply engineering skills and solve real-world problems. You’ll gain hands-on experience, connect with like-minded peers and have the opportunity to form meaningful friendships. Along with the academic research exploration, you’ll also attend talk sessions that cover writing effective personal statements and interview skills that will help you in University applications.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain hands-on research experience, solve real-world engineering problems, and receive support for your university applications.

10. Nuffield Research Placements

Location: Multiple locations across the UK (hosted by research institutions, industry partners and universities)
Cost: Free
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Students in Year 12 or S5 (16+); check here

Nuffield Research Placements offers a two-week engaging experience. Through this research collaboration, you’ll be placed with a knowledge expert focused on STEM, work on a research question, and receive supervision. You’ll contribute to the work of a host organisation on projects in engineering, mathematics, science, computing and more.

You’ll work with researchers and industry professionals, and develop research and quantitative skills. The Nuffield placements allow you to gain knowledge and skills helpful in pursuing STEM courses in higher education.

Why it stands out: You’ll work with STEM researchers on a real research question, develop practical skills, and gain experience that supports future university studies in STEM.

11. University of Glasgow Sutton Trust Summer School- Engineering Course

Location: James Watt School of Engineering, UK
Cost: Free
Dates: June 29th – July 3rd
Application Deadline: March 5th
Eligibility: Students in Year 12 in England or Wales who attended a state-funded school or college

University of Glasgow Sutton Trust Summer School- Engineering Course offers a week-long immersive learning experience. You’ll gain knowledge at the James Watt School of Engineering, one of the oldest schools of Engineering in the UK. You’ll explore a range of Engineering disciplines, including aeronautical, mechanical, electronics, and civil engineering.

You’ll attend classes led by leading research and teaching staff. Some of the offered specialised programmes include product design, civil engineering with architecture, biomedical engineering and electronics with music. If you’re a high school student interested in engineering and exploration of University life, then this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore multiple engineering disciplines, attend specialist-led classes, and experience university life in a week-long immersive programme

12. Imperial College Sutton Trust Summer School

Location: Imperial College London, UK
Cost: Free
Dates: July 14-17; July 21-24
Application Deadline: March 5th
Eligibility: Students in Year 12 in England or Wales under 18 years old; Attend, and have always attended, a state-funded school or college (non-fee paying) in the UK

Imperial College Sutton Trust Summer School offers a four-day immersive experience to high school students. You’ll explore the department and subject of your choice, gain access to ongoing resources and support and build valuable real-world skills to pursue a career of your interest. The program offers a range of engineering courses across two weeks.

The courses include biomedical engineering, design engineering, molecular bioengineering, electrical and electronics engineering, material science and engineering, aeronautics with mechanical engineering and more. Along with gaining academic knowledge, you’ll also engage in fun, relaxing activities and get to interact with like-minded peers. There will also be a pre-program welcome webinar for participants where a program overview and practical tips will be shared with you.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore your chosen engineering field, build real-world skills, and experience university life through academic sessions and interactive activities.

13. AI and Machine Learning Pioneers Summer School

Location: Oxford, England
Cost: From £8,995
Dates: July 19th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students ages 16-18; Open to international students 

AI and Machine Learning Pioneers Summer School offers a two-week learning experience for high school students. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to lead in an AI-driven world, participate in engaging discussions guided by the Oxford University faculty and listen to guest speakers and experts to gain real-world insights.

You’ll use tools in AI and science, including Python, address real-world challenges in technology and sharpen a range of skills, including presentation, research and teamwork. The program is not limited to classroom learning but also includes visits to the UK museums and heritage sites, and fun weekend activities.

Why it stands out: You’ll build AI and Python skills, solve real-world tech challenges, and learn through expert-led discussions in a two-week immersive experience beyond the classroom.

14. Oxford University Year 12 Summer School Physics

Location: Oxford University Colleges, Oxford
Cost: Free
Dates: July 28th – August 1st
Application Deadline: June 4th
Eligibility: Local Year 12 students. More information here 

Oxford University Year 12 Summer School Physics offers you a week-long experience of life in a physics department. You’ll develop research knowledge and skills and explore different professions related to the discipline. You’ll gain exposure and work with multiple support services in the physics department, including communications, technical, enterprise, and outreach.

You’ll engage in a project, attend sample lectures, go on departmental tours and participate in career talks. The program focused on two specific physics themes in the past years including particle physics and climate physics.

Why it stands out: You’ll experience life in a physics department, work on a themed project, and explore research and career pathways through lectures and lab exposure in a week-long immersive program.

15. STFC Summer Work Experience Program

Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire, UK
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Dates: 1-2 weeks between June 29th and July 24th
Application Deadline: February 28th
Eligibility: Students living in the UK and in full-time education in Years 10-13 in England and Wales

The STFC Summer Work Experience Program offers you an on-site learning opportunity. You’ll work on an individual or group project that fits your interests, attend learning sessions, and receive guidance from a supervisor assigned to you. You’ll explore a range of disciplines for project selection, including engineering, computing, science and more.

Some of the projects offered in Engineering include Central Laser Facility: Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering with the ISIS Design Division, Thermal Engineering for Space and many more. If you’re a high school student interested in a work-learn experience through a hands-on approach in engineering, then this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll work on a real engineering or computing project with supervisor guidance, gaining hands-on experience in a professional on-site setting.

The Pages Behind Better Prototypes

An engineering summer school in  the UK can turn your break into something real, like testing designs, improving models, and learning how engineers think.

You’ll move past textbook answers through lab-style tasks, teamwork, and practical problem solving that mirrors university expectations.

By the end, you’ll likely feel more confident with technical ideas, clearer on your interests, and better prepared for applications and interviews.

The workshop ends, but your engineering brain shouldn’t. Our Engineering Top Books Guide is the next best lab, packed with titles that upgrade how you think and build.