If you’re a high school student looking to gain real-world experience while exploring one of the world’s most dynamic professional environments, summer internships in the UK can be an excellent opportunity. You may already be curious about careers in business, law, medicine, engineering, or the arts, but beyond academics, internships allow you to step into real workplaces and understand how these fields operate day to day.

Imagine spending your summer in cities like London, Oxford, or Cambridge, working on projects, attending workshops, and interacting with professionals. Picture visiting company offices, participating in simulations, and collaborating with peers from around the world. Summer internships in the UK combine hands-on experience with academic and career exploration, giving you a well-rounded introduction to future pathways.

How do you choose the right summer internships in the UK for high school students?

It’s important to understand that traditional internships in the UK are often geared toward university students. As a result, most opportunities for high schoolers are offered through structured internship-style programs, which combine workplace exposure with mentorship and training.

Internship experiences are designed to mirror real professional environments while still providing guidance and support. You’ll learn how teams collaborate, how problems are approached, and how ideas are developed into real outcomes.

You’ll also develop essential transferable skills such as communication, adaptability, critical thinking, and professionalism. Along the way, you’ll build confidence, strengthen your CV, and gain a clearer understanding of what pursuing a career in your chosen field might involve.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 Summer Internships in the UK for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their structured learning, mentorship opportunities, and ability to provide meaningful early exposure to professional environments.

To learn skills for participating in internships, consider participating in pre-college summer programs in the UK and summer camps in the UK.

15 Summer Internships in the UK for high school students

1. Immerse Education’s Career Insights Summer School

Location: Cambridge, London, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance Rate: Selective/small cohorts
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: High school students worldwide aged 15-18

The Career Insights Program is designed for high school students who want to explore different career paths in global industry hubs. In the summer track, you take part in project-based work that reflects how teams operate in real professional settings. This includes collaborating on structured assignments, attending small-group workshops, and visiting workplaces such as offices, production sites, or company headquarters. 

Alongside this, you receive weekly one-on-one career guidance and feedback on your resume and overall academic profile. The program concludes with a presentation where you share your work with professionals in the field.

Why it stands out: You gain a clearer understanding of how industries function on a day-to-day basis, connect with professionals, and receive a certificate that you can include in your academic and extracurricular profile.

2. STEM Learning Research Placements, UK-wide

Location: Various UK host organizations (offices, museums, labs, fieldwork), GB
Cost: Free; travel subsidy provided
Acceptance Rate: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: Up to 2 weeks summer after Year 12/S5 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Year 12 UK students (England/Wales)/S5 (Scotland)/Year 13 (Northern Ireland) from low-income/under-represented/first-gen uni backgrounds

You undertake a supervised independent placement in science, quantitative social science, computing, technology, engineering, maths, or combinations during summer holidays after Year 12/S5, lasting up to two weeks with pre/post independent study. Research Placements involve 2-week collaborations on live research questions, producing scientific/technical reports and posters contributing to host work. 

Experience Placements offer 5-day explorations with industry experts, creating workbooks/reflective reports on STEM sector skills, professional environments, and challenges. You apply school knowledge in real workplaces like research centers or labs, mentored by professionals. 100% of participants come from low-income, under-represented groups, or first-in-family to university.

Why it stands out: Free subsidized placements prioritizing disadvantaged Year 12 students with proven academic/career boosts.

3. Royal Observatory Greenwich Astronomy Work Experience

Location: Royal Observatory Greenwich (National Maritime Museum), London
Cost: Free (voluntary placement)
Acceptance Rate: Unspecified
Application Deadline: April (dates may vary by year)
Dates: One week with Royal Observatory astronomers in summer
Eligibility: Students in Year 10-13 (aged ~14-18) in the UK

Through the Royal Observatory Greenwich Work Experience programme, you spend a week learning about careers in astronomy and public engagement with science. During this time, you work alongside the Observatory’s team on a range of tasks, which may include preparing night-sky content, reviewing educational activities, drafting material for digital platforms, or speaking with researchers about their work. 

While the Observatory undergoes refurbishment, the placement is based at the National Maritime Museum, where much of the team’s work is currently carried out. Throughout the week, you gain an understanding of how scientific information is shared with the public, while building skills in research, writing, and communication. You also get a clearer sense of how roles in astronomy, museums, and science outreach are structured.

Why it stands out: You engage with both scientific content and public-facing work, offering a balanced view of research and communication in practice. 

4. JPMorgan & Chase Work Experience Program

Location: UK JPMorgan offices in London, Bournemouth, Glasgow, Edinburgh (UK)
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Week-long summer placement (plus virtual and in-person sessions), exact dates vary by year/office
Eligibility: UK students aged 14-16 (Years 10-11 in England / S3-S4 in Scotland) with an interest in finance or technology

Among the more finance-focused summer internships in the UK for high school students, the JPMorgan Chase Work Experience Programme gives you a structured introduction to roles in finance and technology across offices in London, Bournemouth, Glasgow, or Edinburgh. The programme begins with a virtual session focused on CV preparation and interview techniques. You then attend in-person days where you meet professionals working in areas such as banking or software development, take part in guided office visits, and work on a structured business or technical task.

There are also opportunities to ask questions and learn about different career paths within the company. The experience concludes with a virtual session where you review what you’ve learned and reflect on the programme.

Why it stands out: You gain a practical overview of how large financial and technology teams operate within a global firm. 

5. Imperial College London Y12 Work Experience Programme

Location: Imperial College London campus, South Kensington, London, UK
Cost: Free (fully funded; materials and lunch provided)
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Application Deadline: Typically early March. Applications open in January with closing dates dependent on the stream and year
Dates: 5 days in summer (stream dates vary by department)
Eligibility: Current Year 12 students at UK state schools who can commute daily to the London campus

The Work Experience Programme at Imperial College London introduces you to academic research across a range of STEM fields. Over five days, you join a specific department   and take part in activities that reflect how research is carried out at the university level. This may include lab-based sessions, small-group workshops, and guided experiments. 

Alongside this, you attend sessions on the UCAS process and personal statements, led in part by current student ambassadors who share their experiences of studying at Imperial. The programme concludes with a short presentation where you share your work with other participants and staff.

Why it stands out: You engage directly with research-focused learning while also gaining insight into the university application process.

6. British Airways Work Experience & School Programmes

Location: British Airways head office and operational sites across the UK, including London (Heathrow), Cardiff, and Glasgow
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Application Deadline: Rolling basis. Applications open three times a year (September, January, April). The deadline varies by location
Dates: Placements typically last 3-5 days in summer (exact scheduling varies by year; plus 1-day Insight Days)
Eligibility: Students from Year 10/S4 and above (typically aged 14-17+), UK residents with a valid passport able to travel to the placement location

The British Airways Work Experience Programme stands out among summer internships in the UK for high school students by introducing you to different roles within the aviation and business sectors. Over the course of 3–5 days, you are placed within a department such as engineering, customer service, logistics, or operations. During this time, you take part in structured activities that may include team-based tasks, department tours, and discussions with employees about their roles.

Depending on your placement, you might contribute to a small project, work through a practical problem, or attend workshops focused on skills like communication and collaboration. You also explore industry-related content through BA’s Speedbird-Z platform and hear directly from staff about their career paths.

Why it stands out: You gain an overview of how different functions within an airline operate and interact on a day-to-day basis. 

7. Dental Schools Council Summer Schools

Location: Multiple sites across England (residential, commuter, online options)
Cost: Free (funded by NHS England)
Acceptance Rate: 500 places
Application Deadline: Currently closed (check later for updates)
Dates: Summer, exact dates not specified
Eligibility: Years 11-12 students in England from under-represented backgrounds/areas with limited outreach to medical/dental schools

In this program, you will attend funded summer schools run by the Medical Schools Council and Dental Schools Council, with over 500 free places for Years 11–12 students from under-represented backgrounds. You can experience a simulated medicine/dentistry study through varied teaching methods to assess school choices and sixth-form-to-university transition. 

Sessions will cover values/behaviours of students/doctors/dentists, medical/dental career overviews (including shortage specialities/healthcare alternatives), and confidence-building with academics/university students. You will receive application/admissions advice, interview/admissions test prep, and options discussions. Social activities foster networking among participants. Formats include residential, commuter, and online.

Why it stands out: Fully funding 500 placements across medicine and dentistry, focusing on broad career opportunities rather than patient-facing roles.

8. Aspiring Scientists Training Programme (ASTP)

Location: University of Cambridge, Gurdon Institute, UK
Cost: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Typically closes in March/April
Dates: 1 week
Eligibility: Students aged 16+ attending state (non-fee-paying) schools in the UK, currently studying A-level/IB/Higher (or equivalent) courses in Biology, Maths, and either Chemistry, Physics, or Further Maths

The Aspiring Scientists Training Programme (ASTP) introduces you to biological research within a university setting at the University of Cambridge. Over the course of a week, you spend time in teaching laboratories where you learn basic research techniques and apply them through guided practical sessions. Alongside lab work, you attend workshops led by researchers and take part in a small research project, which you present at the end of the programme. 

You also have opportunities to speak with PhD students and academic staff, gaining insight into how research and study are structured at Cambridge. The programme is supported by initiatives such as the Isaac Newton Trust, along with various university departments and colleges.

Why it stands out: You experience a structured introduction to lab-based research while interacting with people currently working in the field

9. Medical Internship and Shadowing Program for High School Students

Location: Various clinics in London, UK
Cost: None; stipend of £5,000
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive; 2 students/year (tentative)
Application Deadline: March 15th
Dates: 1-4 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school students worldwide aged 16-24 (typically Year 10-12); Must show commitment to pursuing a medical or healthcare-related career; Must be fluent in English (IELTS ≥5.5)

In this medical internship and shadowing programme, you spend time observing a doctor in a clinical setting in London. During your placement, you follow day-to-day activities such as patient consultations, basic clinical procedures, and general hospital or clinic workflows. The experience is primarily observational, with opportunities to ask questions and understand how healthcare professionals make decisions in practice. 

You are also guided by a supervising doctor, who provides feedback on your participation and may offer a reference or summary of your work at the end of the programme. Alongside this, you build skills such as communication, teamwork, and professional conduct. Accommodation, meals, and local transport are arranged as part of the programme.

Why it stands out: You gain direct exposure to clinical environments and observe how medical professionals interact with patients and manage their responsibilities.

10. In2STEM

Location: Across the UK
Cost: Free; Travel bursary offered
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: November – March
Dates: July 20th – August 21st
Eligibility: UK students in Year 12 or S5/S6 (16-19) with a strong interest in STEM

The In2STEM programme combines in-person placements with online learning to give you an introduction to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Over the summer, you participate in professional work placements, attend virtual workshops to develop practical skills, and take part in activities like public engagement challenges that reflect real STEM work. 

The programme starts with an induction session to prepare you for your placement and concludes with a closing event to review your experience. You also have the option to turn your placement work into a CREST Award submission, which can support future university or apprenticeship applications.

Why it stands out: You gain structured exposure to STEM careers while developing both practical skills and a portfolio that demonstrates your engagement with real-world projects.

11. FDM Apprenticeship Programme

Location: Sheffield Hallam University (Sheffield, UK) or Northeastern University London (London, UK)
Cost: Fully funded, apprentices earn a monthly salary
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Application Deadline: Rolling applications throughout the year
Dates: Three-year programme combining degree study and ongoing client placements, specific dates vary by cohort and sector
Eligibility: UK residents aged 16 or older, able to meet entry requirements for a degree in Digital and Technology Solutions, interested in tech/IT

The FDM Apprenticeship Programme is a degree apprenticeship in Digital Technology Solutions that combines full-time work experience with university study. During the program, you spend most of your week contributing to IT-related projects, which may include areas like software development, technical support, cybersecurity, or process automation. This work takes place both within FDM and with partner organizations.

Alongside your practical work, you attend academic sessions through Sheffield Hallam University or Northeastern University, where you build theoretical knowledge that supports your on-the-job experience. Throughout the programme, you receive structured guidance, mentorship, and feedback to help you develop both technical and professional skills.

Why it stands out: You gain sustained exposure to real-world tech roles while working toward a formal university qualification. 

12. PwC New World New Skills Work Experience

Location: Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, GB
Cost: Paid (National Living Wage hourly); free lunches, travel expenses, laptop provided
Acceptance Rate: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: August 3-6 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Year 12 (England/Wales)/Year 13 (NI)/S5 (Scotland); UK state school; free school meals or lower socio-economic background; 96 UCAS tariff

The PwC New World New Skills Work Experience programme gives you a four-day introduction to professional work environments. During the programme, you meet PwC staff across different business areas through interactive sessions that explain how the firm operates and outline early career paths. 

You also take part in networking opportunities with employees at various levels, from Associates to Partners, and attend workshops focused on developing skills useful for future careers. The programme provides an overview of entry-level roles and the Flying Start degree apprenticeships, giving you insight into both professional teams and everyday work life.

Why it stands out: You observe how teams collaborate in a real office setting while building practical employability skills, which can help inform your next steps in higher education or career planning.

13. NHSBT Work Experience Programmes

Location: Bristol (Filton) and London (Tooting), UK
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: 5 days in June and July, varies by location
Eligibility: UK students aged 16 to 18 (Years 12-13) interested in scientific or laboratory careers; must be sponsored by their school

Among the more healthcare-focused summer internships in the UK for high school students, the NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) Work Experience Programme is a one-week placement for students aged 16 to 18 with an interest in healthcare science. Hosted at NHSBT centres in Bristol and London, the programme gives you the chance to observe teams involved in blood donation, transfusion, and organ transplant services.

You visit laboratories, meet staff including scientists and donor care specialists, and take part in practical sessions that introduce aspects of biomedical science, medicine, and nursing. Alongside these experiences, you develop skills in teamwork, observation, and professional communication while learning how scientific work supports patient care.

Why it stands out: You gain direct exposure to the operational and scientific side of healthcare services, providing insight into a variety of careers in medicine, biomedical science, and patient support.

14. KPMG Discovery Work Experience Programme

Location: Multiple UK offices: Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, and London
Cost: Paid; Participants receive a salary equivalent to the living wage (with lunch and train travel covered up to £100/day)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Typically closes in early autumn each year
Dates: 3-day sessions during the October half-term
Eligibility: Students finishing Year 13 (or those who’ve already completed it) from UK state schools who meet Access Accountancy’s social mobility criteria

The KPMG Discovery Work Experience Programme gives you a three-day introduction to careers in business, finance, and professional services. During the placement, you spend time at a KPMG office taking part in workshops and interactive sessions, while also meeting apprentices, graduates, and senior staff who share their experiences and insights. 

You learn about day-to-day operations, the firm’s working culture, and develop practical skills that are useful in professional environments. The programme is aimed at students from low-income backgrounds and provides an opportunity to support future applications to KPMG Apprenticeship Programmes.

Why it stands out: You gain direct exposure to professional workflows and office life in a global firm, while also building connections and skills that can guide your next steps in education or work.

15. Imperial College London: Year 10 Insights Summer School

Location: Imperial College, London, UK
Cost: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: March 11th
Dates: July 29th – August 1st
Eligibility: Year 10 students attending non-fee-paying schools in the UK who meet widening participation criteria and are on track to achieve high grades in maths and science

The Year 10 Insights Summer School at Imperial College London is a four-day, three-night residential programme designed to introduce you to university-level science or engineering. You can choose a focus in either stream, depending on your interests, and take part in lab sessions, workshops, and academic taster classes led by faculty and current students. 

Over the course of the programme, you collaborate with peers to create a group poster presentation, which you share during the closing conference. Living in university halls, you also have opportunities to connect with mentors and gain a sense of student life in London.

Why it stands out: You experience practical STEM learning in a university setting while exploring how academic subjects can connect to a variety of future study or career paths.

From UK Workplaces to Future Career Decisions

A summer internship can make career ideas feel more real, showing you how teams work, how decisions are made, and what professional life demands.

The 15 summer internships in the UK for high school students featured in this article show how early workplace exposure can build confidence, direction, and practical understanding.

Whether you are exploring finance, research, healthcare, aviation, or technology, each experience helps you connect your interests with possible future paths more clearly.

Could your summer experience be the start of something much bigger? Explore our Career Exploration blogs for fresh pathways, real industry insight, and ideas that can shape what comes next.