Spring University - Years 10 & 11

21 - 23 April 2026

*Before applying, please check with your school if you would be allowed to be off timetable for the duration of this event.

Across 3 days you’ll explore the different higher education options available to you, enjoy a range of activities, including subject taster sessions, meet current university students, and take part in social activities.

You'll stay in our accommodation and experience life as a university student.

Delivered in collaboration with the Higher Education Outreach Network.

Teacher Powerpoint Presentation Spring Residential Poster 2025 Evaluation Report

Check out the beautiful campus you'll be staying on:

The week

What students have previously said about their experience of the Spring University

“It has really opened my mind about so many things and has made me feel more positive about my studies.”

“The residential was so good, the bonding between new people, activities were very interactive and a very good overall experience would do it again.”

"I think the best session of the day was the maths revision session as it gave us a lot of helpful tips for GCSE revision and the professor was really kind and supportive even though he challenged our skills. He gave me confidence to keep trying and working on my maths skills."

“It was absolutely amazing and life changing, the ability to learn as well as socialise easily with others has been spectacular and it’s something I will never forget in my life.”

Academic activities

During the residential, you’ll take part in a programme of academic workshops, as well as information and guidance sessions about options available to you when you finish school like apprenticeships and university. We are working with our partners at HEON to deliver a wide range of subject activities. Our student ambassadors support these sessions, giving you real-life examples and tips about becoming a university student.

Social activities

During the few days you'll spend with us we'll give you the chance to meet new people and get an insight into the social side of university life. We will organise a set of social activities online to recreate some of the fun of a residential.

How much does this cost?

Spring University is free to eligible students.

We will cover the cost of:

Your accommodation
Meals
Resources
Social activities

Application process

Who can apply?

The Spring University is a collaboration between HEON and Royal Holloway, University of London.

To apply for the Spring University you must:

Be in Year 10 or 11
Expected to achieve a minimum of 5 GCSEs grades 9-4
Do not attend a fee paying school

And you meet 1 of the following

Criteria	Further information
You are living or have lived in Local Authority Care	living with foster carers living in a residential children's home being looked after at home under a supervision order living with friends or relatives in kinship care – either through a formal arrangement (e.g. a Special Guardianship order)
You are a refugee or asylum seeker
Both parents/guardians have no experience of higher education in the UK
You’re eligible for free school meals, pupil premium or other additional funding at school or college
You have a disability or health condition that impacts on your daily life	We use the 2010 Equality Act as our basis for categorising disability and health conditions
You live in an area where relatively few people go on to study at university (click here to check for POLAR 4 Q1)
You are a carer
You are a member of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community
Your parent/carer serves in the regular armed forces, or as a reservist, or has done at any point during their first 25 years