Guides for academic opportunities and next steps

    Practical Succeed guides to help you find opportunities, compare options, prepare to apply, track deadlines, build application evidence or discuss decisions with parents.

    Applications

    How to build a strong university application from Year 10 onwards

    Build a strong university application by securing the right subjects and grades, then adding focused super-curricular evidence that explains why the course fits you.

    Build application evidence
    Competitions

    Is the John Locke Essay Competition worth entering?

    The John Locke Essay Competition is one of the most prestigious open to school students, and also one of the most competitive. This guide looks at what entering really involves, who it suits, and whether the time it takes is a sensible investment for your application.

    WritingLawChoose between options
    Scholarships & bursaries

    Summer school scholarships and bursaries: how to find and win funding

    Scholarships for summer schools usually come from the programme itself, university outreach schemes or external grants matched to family circumstances.

    Prepare to apply
    Applications

    What to do in Years 10 to 13 to stand out to top universities

    Stand out by meeting academic requirements first, then building focused super-curricular evidence that proves subject curiosity, reflection and readiness.

    Build application evidence
    Programmes

    Are summer school programs worth it? Applying for human experiences in an age of AI.

    Yes, when they add academic depth, international peers and a clear story you can use later. They are weakest when chosen only for a famous name.

    Build application evidence
    Competitions

    Do essay competitions actually strengthen a university application?

    Entering an essay competition takes real time, so it is worth knowing what you get back. This guide explains how admissions tutors read competition results, which competitions carry genuine weight, and how to make an entry count even if you do not win.

    WritingBuild application evidence

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