Information Update

Frequently asked questions relating to both Aimhigher and match-funded summer schools can now be found on the Action on Access Summer School website

Online Applications
The next phase of the development of the online application system for summer schools Word

Summer Schools Conference 2010
Please follow the link to view the papers from Action on Access 2010 Summer School Conference:

This conference was a great success and was particularly of great interest to those involved in planning, co-ordinating and running widening participation summer schools.

Aimhigher summer schools successful at reaching out to disadvantaged young people.
The first national analysis of the Aimhigher summer school programme was launched at the Action on Access Summer Schools Conference in Birmingham 13th March 2009 Word or PDF

These summer schools aim to give young people from disadvantaged backgrounds a real taste of what life in higher education might be like. The HEFCE report provides evidence that the programme has been successful in this regard: young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are around twice as likely as other groups to attend an Aimhigher summer school.

From 2004 to 2008 the Aimhigher summer school programme was the largest of its kind in England. 41,000 young people attended 1,350 summer schools that took place at 113 higher education institutions. The report found that young people from most types of disadvantaged background have relatively high participation rates in summer schools. The analysis also revealed that summer school participation rates varied across geographical regions, that boys had lower participation rates than girls, and among broad ethnic group categories, the white group had the lowest participation rate.

John Selby, HEFCE Director (Education and Participation) commented:

'Attending an Aimhigher summer school can be a life-changing experience. This report shows that the limited resources available for this important work are focused on disadvantaged young learners from the target group. However, there remains much to be done, including ensuring that factors such as sex and ethnic group should not be barriers to experiencing what summer schools have to offer.'

'Aimhigher summer schools: Analysis of provision and participation 2004 to 2008' (HEFCE 2009/11)

Summer School: GCSE equivalent accreditation available for Summer School activity
Participants attending summer schools can have their learning from such activity accredited through the ASDAN Aimhigher Award short course. Find out more information by downloading this in Word

undefined undefined undefined undefined undefinedundefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefinedundefined

'DCSF announces extra cash and more Summer School Places for Gifted and Talented'
Schools Minister Andrew Adonis announced a package of support to encourage disadvantaged ‘gifted and talented’ pupils to apply for some of the country’s top universities. More details are available here.

Guidance for Summer Schools

Summer schools guidance for 2010 - 2011 is now available on the HEFCE website.