What are Aimhigher Summer Schools?

Summer Schools aim to provide an enjoyable and realistic taste of Higher Education to help your child decide if going to university is for them. All summer schools are residential and last four days (three nights) and take place in universities and higher education colleges throughout the North West region.

One of the main aims of summer schools is to show your child how different higher education is to secondary school and to give them the opportunity to try the subjects they might study at university.

During their time at summer school your child will attend workshops, seminars and lectures led by academic staff. They will also be mentored by existing students and have the opportunity to talk to them about the practicalities of student life e.g. the volume of studying required and working part time.

It is not all work though, supervised social activities such as bowling trips, sports evenings and discos are run by the summer school staff to give your child a taste of student social life and the opportunity to make new friends.

Who are Summer Schools For?

These regional summer schools are funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and places are available to pupils who are resident in these local authorities :

Blackburn with Darwen

Blackpool

Cheshire and Warrington

Cumbria

Greater Manchester (all boroughs)

Greater Merseyside

Lancashire

How Much Will it Cost?

All summer school places are free. Accommodation, meals, transport and social activities are paid for. We do advise pupils to take a little spending money with them for any extra snacks etc...they may wish to purchase.

Who Will Look After My Child?

Summer schools are run by a team of staff all of whom are police checked and trained in child protection issues. They are supported by student mentors who supervise and look after small groups of pupils. If your child is on a residential summer school the summer school staff operate on shifts so that there is twenty four hour supervision and care on hand. Student mentors and night time supervisors are also police checked.

The summer school takes the care of your child very seriously and before any pupil arrives ensures health and safety, and child protection policies are in place.

What Can I Do to Support My Child?

• Encourage them to apply for summer school as it is a fantastic opportunity to get an idea of what higher education is all about.
  
  
• If they are awarded a summer school place read through the literature provided by the summer school so you know what your child will be doing and who to contact if they have any questions.
  
  
• Make sure they return all relevant paperwork to the summer school organiser because if they do not return their acceptance form they may lose their place.
  
  
• For many children this will be their first time away from home so try and allay any nerves before they attend by reassuring them they will be looked after during the school and they won't be left on their own. All the summer schools run 'ice breaker' sessions on the first day to help pupils get to know each other and by the end of the week they will have made new friends.

Do Summer Schools Make a Difference?

''Summer School was the best thing I have ever done for myself. It was the greatest experience in my life so far and I could not have picked a better placement.''

''It's made me think about how degrees can improve your career.''