09 - 11 April 2025
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
Applications Now Open!
The application form can be found in the 'How to apply' section further down the page
Applications close at 23:59 on FRIDAY 31st JANUARY
Teacher Presentation with Notes Spring University PosterCheck out the beautiful campus you'll be staying on
The week
What students have previously said about their experience of the Spring University
“I learnt a lot from the lectures we had. It was a good way to make new friends and learn what uni life is like.”
“The residential was so good the bonding between new people, activities were very interactive and a very good overall experience would do it again.”
“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 |
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You are living or have lived in Local Authority Care |
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You are a refugee or asylum seeker |
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Both parents/guardians have no experience of higher education in the UK |
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You’re eligible for free school meals, pupil premium or other additional funding at school or college |
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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 |
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You live in an area where relatively few people go on to study at university (click here to check for POLAR 4 Q1) |
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You are a carer |
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You are a member of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community |
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Your parent/carer serves in the regular armed forces, or as a reservist, or has done at any point during their first 25 years |
For schools
Promoting to students
We are very happy to come into school to speak to your students.
This might be as:
- An assembly
- During tutor time
- Other time that suits you
You can also find teacher notes at the top of this site
