Brookes Summer Schools 2025

Coming Soon

Find out what it’s really like to be a university student and explore a subject that interests you.

 Announcement Applications will open in January.

About the Summer Schools

The Oxford Brookes Summer School will give you the opportunity to discover what being a university student is all about, and delve into a subject area of your choice. Don’t worry if you’re not sure whether university is for you - Summer Schools provide the perfect opportunity to help you decide.

The cost of the Summer School is absolutely free with all travel, meals and accommodation provided, free of charge.

Why take part?

  • Experience student life and live in a student flat at the university.
  • Engage in lots of subject content designed by university academics.
  • Explore Oxford and take part in lots of social activities every day.
  • Get plenty of information, advice, and guidance about applying for university and your future career.
  • Hear all about university from current Brookes students.

If you have any questions about the Summer School, please get in touch with us at brookes.summerschools@brookes.ac.uk.

What subjects are available?

Subject streams for Brookes Summer Schools 2025 have yet to be confirmed. Please check back soon to find more information.

Below are last years subject steams which will give you an idea about the range of subjects you can explore during Summer School.

Who’s eligible to apply?

You must meet criteria 1 to 4 and at least 1 other criterion from 5 to 14

Students in England who are:

  1. In the first year (or repeating the first year) of a two-year Level 3 qualification (e.g. A Levels, BTEC, or equivalent)
  2. Aged 16 or 17.
  3. Studying at a non-selective state school or college in England or be on a 100% fee waiver scholarship at at non-selective independent school
  4. Have 5 GCSEs A*-C/ 4-9, including English and Maths (or expect to have 5 GCSEs including English and Maths by July 2024)
  5. You live in local authority care, or have lived in care
  6. You live in an area of higher socio-economic disadvantage (IMD decile 1 2, 3 or 4)*
  7. You live in an area where progression to university is low (POLAR4 quintile 1/2)*
  8. You are of Black, Mixed Black, Asian, Mixed Asian or of minority ethnic origin
  9. You are a young carer (are under 18 and help to look after a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem).
  10. You have a disability or specific learning difficulty or mental health condition.
  11. You are currently eligible for free school meals, or 16-19 bursary fund
  12. You are irreconcilably estranged from both of your birth parents
  13. You are the first in your family to go to university
  14. Have official refugee status in the UK, or are an asylum seeker
*we can assess this for you when reviewing your application


What will I be doing at Summer School?

You’ll have the opportunity to take part in a range of sessions including subject tasters and work on an individual or group project. Where relevant you will also use university facilities such as labs and technical equipment.

Personal statement sessions will enable you to get a head start and individualised support and guidance around applying to university, and if you wish you can also get 1:1 support and feedback from our team on your draft statement.

Social activities will help you get to know each other and experience student life in Oxford. This will include activities such as a games night, going for an evening meal together, and the opportunity to experience the historic city or do some shopping if you just want a bit of retail therapy!

“Beforehand, I was extremely hesitant about if university was the right pathway to undertake after sixth form, but what I can say is that I come out of this programme feeling a sense of confidence. The work that I have been able to do, the social activities I have taken part of, the support from everyone has really allowed me to gain that bigger understanding of university.”

Summer School participant, 2020

Where will I be staying?

You will be staying in Brookes undergraduate student accommodation. 

  • All flats include a kitchen/social area that will be stocked with free snacks (crisps, chocolate bars, cereal bars, fruit, squash and fizzy drinks etc).
  • Everyone is allocated their own en-suite room, and there are accessible rooms available where this is required. 
  • You will select which single-gendered flat you should be assigned to when you complete the application form. 
  • Each flat is also supervised overnight by a member of staff who is available at any time, should a problem arise.
  • You will be provided with a full list of what we provide and what you will need to bring, prior to summer school.

Please do get in touch via our email address if you have any questions or concerns about accommodation.

“Overall, the summer school has not only met but exceeded my expectations of Brookes.”

Summer School participant, 2020

When will I hear back about my application?

We will review applications on a rolling basis. Should you be eligible for an offer you will hear from us within 2 weeks of submitting your application.