The Sutton Trust Summer School (STSS) offers a unique chance for school pupils to get a taste of life as a university student and, for the first time this year, the University of Edinburgh’s programme is offering art and design as a subject. 

The Summer School is completely free with all costs covered, including travel, meals, accommodation and activities.

Participants stay in student halls, can explore subjects they love or try something completely new. They also receive expert support with their future university applications and have fun in exciting social activities across the city. 

Pupils who attend a Sutton Trust Summer School are four times more likely to receive an offer from a top university. 

There are 150 places available for the 2025 summer school (from 14 to 19 July) and applications are open for current S5 pupils who have always attended a state school. The application is short and simple and does not require a personal statement. 

There will be information evenings for pupils, teachers and guardians on the following dates:

• 17 February (6.30-7.30pm) at the University of Edinburgh
• 19 February (6.30-7.30pm) - joint online session with St Andrew’s University

You can register for these sessions here.

Full details about the Summer School are available on the Sutton Trust website, with art and design information available here. 

If you have any questions, you can also email st-summer-school@ed.ac.uk or contact suttontrustsummerschooledin on Instagram.