Summer schools help young people prepare for university

Over 300 young people have taken part in Durham University summer schools aimed at helping them reach their full potential. Each has participated in one of two six-day residential summer schools aimed at helping talented young people from the North East of England, Yorkshire and Cumbria who have the potential to study at a university like Durham. During the Supported Progression summer schools, which ran from Sunday 29 July to Friday 3 August and Sunday 5 August to Friday 10 August, the young people, all of whom are about to enter school year 13, experienced university-style teaching and learning and living in a Durham University college. In addition, a further 300 young people are expected to attend Durham University Sutton Trust summer schools over the next two weeks. Supported Progression The University's Supported Progression scheme is a programme which young people undertake over the two years prior to starting university. The programme begins with a one-day welcome event for the young people and their parents and carers, during which the young people explore academic study skills, are introduced to Durham's collegiate system and meet their programme mentors, and the parents and carers learn about the university application process and student finance. This is followed by a three-day residential school at the University in the spring, where the young people get a one-day introduction to the academic rigour of university life.