Succeed
    In-person Programme

    Young Leaders Taster Course

    by Reach Cambridge

    A Cambridge add-on that develops leadership through discussion, mind-mapping and practical communication activities alongside a main summer academic course.

    Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Young Leaders Taster Course

    • What Succeed checks

      We review public programme details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.

    • What Last verified means

      Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Programme dates, prices and availability can still change.

    • How official sources are used

      Succeed uses official provider information where available, then rewrites it into a student-facing summary for comparison and planning.

    • Why some dates are reference dates

      If the current cycle is not available, Succeed may show the latest verified cycle dates so you can understand typical timing.

    • Succeed is independent from this provider unless a partnership is clearly stated.

    Young Leaders Taster at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    Main course required

    Age range / Year group

    14-18

    Location / Region

    Cambridge, UK

    Cost

    £595

    Duration

    5 hours

    Format

    In-person add-on

    Latest deadline

    3 August 2026

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Public SpeakingGeneral

    Accommodation: Residential college stay

    Meals: Half board

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate of attendance

    Sessions / cadence: Two weekday afternoons

    Accreditation: BAC short-course provider

    Young Leaders Taster summary

    Young Leaders is an optional leadership taster taken alongside a main Reach Cambridge summer course.

    Students discuss what leadership means, ask challenging questions and map techniques for making a positive impact.

    It suits students who want a compact, discussion-led introduction to leadership and communication without replacing their principal academic subject.

    What is Young Leaders Taster Course?

    The Young Leaders Taster Course is an optional Reach Cambridge add-on that explores what effective leadership can look like for young people. It sits alongside a student's main morning academic course within the Cambridge summer programme.

    Students consider challenging leadership questions with experienced leaders and mind-map techniques for creating the change they want to see. The emphasis is on confidence, thoughtful participation and practical communication.

    Why Succeed highlights Young Leaders Taster

    • The compact format lets students test leadership study without giving up their main academic subject.

    • Discussion and mind-mapping connect broad leadership questions with practical plans for impact.

    • The taster draws on experienced leaders rather than relying only on self-directed activities.

    • Students can leave with a certificate of attendance and a documented course overview.

    • The wider residential programme combines study with an international peer community.

    Who is Young Leaders Taster for?

    Best for

    Students who want to explore leadership, communication and positive impact while retaining a different main academic subject.

    Not ideal if

    You want a standalone leadership course or prefer to keep every afternoon free for the programme's activities.

    Is Young Leaders Taster worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for students who want a concentrated introduction to leadership without committing their full summer programme to the subject. The discussion and planning format offers useful material for reflecting on communication, responsibility and personal impact.

    The limitation is that it costs extra and replaces two afternoons of activities and free time. Students should choose it because they genuinely want the additional academic experience, not simply to add another certificate.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    £595; includes Five hours of teaching, Relevant excursions outside the classroom, Required course materials, Certificate of attendance.

    Accommodation

    Residential college stay

    Meals

    Half board

    Provider details

    Review the Reach Cambridge provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    5 hours; Cambridge, UK.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this programme with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programmes

    How much preparation does Young Leaders Taster need?

    Effort level

    Moderate.

    Best started

    Begin the application two to four weeks before the closing date, allowing time for the personal statement and course choices.

    Main challenge

    Balancing the extra classes with the wider summer schedule.

    Typical preparation

    • Think of one local or global issue you would like to change.

    • Note examples of leaders whose methods you respect or question.

    • Practise explaining an idea clearly to a small group.

    Useful if

    You enjoy discussion, reflection and speaking about ideas.

    What do students do on Young Leaders Taster?

    Students explore leadership through guided questions, collaborative discussion and practical planning activities with experienced leaders.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Consider what leadership means for young people today.

    2. 2

      Discuss difficult questions about responsibility, confidence and making change.

    3. 3

      Mind-map techniques for creating the impact you want to see.

    4. 4

      Practise communication and presentation skills through workshops.

    5. 5

      Reflect on how to apply leadership habits to future study and activities.

    Young Leaders Taster dates and deadlines

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Aged 14-18 in the programme year

    • Open to students of all nationalities

    • Choose a main morning academic course

    • Add Young Leaders as an optional taster

    • Use English confidently in academic discussions

    • Submit a student-written personal statement

    How much does Young Leaders Taster cost?

    Young Leaders taster

    £595 — One optional taster

    Funding or discounts

    • Two-taster option: £995 — Choose two eligible tasters
    • Refer-a-friend discount: £100 each — Conditions apply
    • Sibling discount: £300 — For eligible families

    What's included

    Five hours of teaching, Relevant excursions outside the classroom, Required course materials, Certificate of attendance

    How to apply to Young Leaders Taster

    1. 1

      Complete the official online application form with parent and student details.

    2. 2

      Choose a dated summer programme and a main academic course.

    3. 3

      Select Young Leaders from the optional taster list.

    4. 4

      Pay the deposit to confirm enrolment, subject to availability.

    5. 5

      Upload the student's 500-1000 word personal statement within 30 days.

    6. 6

      Complete the remaining online-account requirements by the stated deadlines.

    What does Young Leaders Taster cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Leadership mindset

    Question what effective, responsible leadership means for young people.

    Impact planning

    Mind-map practical techniques for creating positive change.

    Confident communication

    Develop public speaking, presentation and interview skills.

    Leadership in context

    Consider youth involvement and local and global engagement.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Young Leaders Taster?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Main subject classes

    Students attend their required academic course before the taster.

    Taster classes

    Young Leaders contributes five hours of additional teaching.

    Evening programme

    Lectures, workshops and organised social activities follow dinner.

    Who teaches on Young Leaders Taster?

    Young Leaders sessions involve experienced leaders who guide students through questions and planning exercises. Across the wider programme, teaching staff include professors, researchers, postgraduates and practising specialists, many connected with leading UK universities.

    Specific Young Leaders instructors are not named publicly.

    Where do students stay on Young Leaders Taster?

    Residential plan

    • College accommodation: Students stay in Cambridge University college accommodation.
    • Room setup: Standard rooms are single or twin with shared bathrooms.
    • Meals: Half board is provided, with breakfast only on excursion days.
    • Pastoral support: Resident supervisors and dedicated welfare staff provide 24-hour support.

    Single-room guarantees and ensuite upgrades are optional and subject to availability.

    What happens after Young Leaders Taster?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use leadership mind maps to plan future school or community initiatives.

    Apply public speaking and presentation skills in academic settings.

    Receive a certificate of attendance with a course overview.

    Use the suggested further reading to continue exploring leadership.

    Reflect on the experience in future applications without treating it as a formal qualification.

    The taster does not award academic credit or a formal qualification.

    Where does Young Leaders Taster take place?

    The taster runs within Reach Cambridge's residential summer programme in central Cambridge. Students live and study in Cambridge college settings and can experience the city's academic, cultural and historic environment.

    Reach Cambridge is independent of the University of Cambridge and hires college accommodation and facilities.

    Young Leaders Taster FAQs

    No. Every student chooses a main academic subject for morning classes, and Young Leaders is added as an optional taster.

    The taster provides five teaching hours spread across two weekday afternoons. Those sessions replace two afternoons of activities and free time.

    Students explore what leadership means, ask challenging questions and map techniques for making an impact. The wider course description also highlights communication, presentation and interview skills.

    Yes. Students may choose up to two tasters for each two-week programme.

    Yes. Students receive a certificate of attendance for academic and taster courses, including a course overview and suggested further reading.

    No. The taster is an add-on to the separately priced residential summer programme, which provides the accommodation and main programme package.

    All courses are taught in English. Students are advised to have an academic English level that allows them to understand lessons and communicate with other students and staff.

    No. Reach Cambridge is an independent educational organisation that hires Cambridge college accommodation and facilities for its programmes.

    Alternatives to Young Leaders Taster

    Compare these published Succeed programmes if you want a longer or more specialised leadership experience.

    Alternatives to Young Leaders Taster

    Faculty of Global Leadership
    Recently closed

    Leadership, diplomacy and international affairs study

    Business & Economics
    6 Jul 2026
    Check official page
    15-17
    Oxford
    In-person

    Best for

    Students interested in diplomacy and international affairs

    View details

    Save this programme in Succeed to compare it with similar programmes, dates, costs and formats in one place.

    Compare with other programmes
    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • FAQ - Reach Cambridge
    • Terms & Conditions (Updated 2026) - Reach Cambridge
    • Useful Info - Reach Cambridge
    • Young Leaders Course - Reach Cambridge
    • Summer Programs - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Reach Cambridge Program Overview Summer 2026
    • Tasters - Reach Cambridge

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 3 Aug 2026)

    • Course identity checked

    • Taster fee verified

    • Schedule reviewed

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Application process checked

    • Accommodation terms reviewed

    • Safeguarding details checked

    • Deadline checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.