15 Internships for High School Students in London
Internships give high school students a way to strengthen their academic profiles while gaining practical experience that goes beyond coursework. Working in a professional setting allows you to build skills relevant to your field and explore your career interests. Internships help you understand workplace expectations, develop communication skills, and connect with mentors who can help you make decisions about your future.
What internships are available for high school students in London?
Doing an internship as a high school student gives you valuable work experience before you've even finished your exams, and London offers several such opportunities for high schoolers. You could work at a tech firm or a historic institution like the British Museum or St. Bartholomew’s Hospital. Some internships allow you to see the inner workings of organizations like Barclays or the Wellcome Trust. Doing an internship is a good way to figure out what you enjoy while building a resume that stands out to universities.
To make your search easier, we have narrowed our list to the 15 best internships for high school students in London!
1. Big City Bright Future (BCBF) Programme
Location: London (Bootcamp at King’s College London; placements at various firms in the City of London)
Stipend: £1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 150–200 students per year
Dates: June 29 – July 17
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Year 13 students or those on a gap year; must meet social mobility criteria (e.g., Free School Meals, first-gen university, low household income <£25k); must have the Right to Work in the UK
This three-week internship is designed for high-achieving school leavers from underrepresented backgrounds. During the program, you will learn about industries like global finance, law, and professional services and participate in a bootcamp, followed by a two-week corporate placement. You will participate in high-level networking events, shadow industry experts, and tackle real-world business challenges. What makes this unique is the generous stipend and the chance to work within world-class firms in the heart of London. By the end, you’ll have mastered professional communication and networking skills that set you apart from future university and job applications.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; financial assistance is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25% acceptance; 70–100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students who can work for 10–20 hours per week, for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder Internship program invites you to dive into dynamic fields like AI, finance, and environmental science through an 8-week virtual placement with global startups. You will engage in high-impact activities such as defining project deliverables with a CEO, conducting market research, attending weekly strategy meetings, and delivering a final professional presentation to your host company. The program features a dual-mentorship model, where you are supported by both a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder coach to ensure your success. Through this experience, you’ll sharpen essential skills in professional communication, data analysis, and project management while building a network of industry leaders. Apply now!
3. Royal Observatory Greenwich Astronomy Work Experience
Location: Royal Observatory Greenwich, National Maritime Museum, London
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive; 9 students per year
Dates: One week during the summer
Application Deadline: March 29
Eligibility: Secondary students in the UK in years 10 through 13, typically ages 14 to 18
In this program, you take part in a short-term work experience placement that introduces you to astronomy and public-facing science work. During the week, you work alongside the Observatory’s astronomy team on projects related to science communication and education. You may contribute to night-sky guides, review educational programs, create digital or social media content, or interview professional astronomers. The placement offers behind-the-scenes exposure to museum operations while the Observatory team is based at the National Maritime Museum. The experience also provides insight into career paths in astronomy, museums, and broader STEM fields.
4. Immerse Education’s London Track
Location: London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo
Cost: Varies according to program. Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 7–10 students per subject
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18
The Career Insights Program lets high school students explore careers in major global industry hubs. The London track is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional reality by providing ambitious students aged 15-18 with a career-focused, immersive internship experience in the heart of the UK's capital. You engage in project-based learning with established companies, attend interactive workshops, and visit offices, factories, and headquarters. The program also includes in-person weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and sessions where you will receive personalized feedback on your resume and overall profile. You’ll also present your findings to industry experts at the end of the program. You can find more details about the application here!
5. JPMorgan & Chase Work Experience Program
Location: JPMorgan office in London
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; limited cohort sizes
Dates: Typically August
Application Deadline: Typically, May–June
Eligibility: Students aged 14–16 in Years 10–11 in England
This short-term work experience program introduces you to careers in finance and technology at a global firm. The experience begins with a virtual skills workshop focused on CV preparation and interview techniques. You then attend in-person sessions at a JPMorgan office, where you meet professionals, tour the workplace, and learn about different business and technology roles. The program includes a team-based business or problem-solving challenge that mirrors real workplace tasks. A final virtual session helps you reflect on your learning and connect your experience to future academic and career interests.
6. Imperial College London Y12 Work Experience Programme
Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington campus, London, United Kingdom
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 10–20 students per department
Dates: June 29 – July 3
Application Deadline: March 5
Eligibility: Current Year 12 students at UK state schools who can commute daily to campus
In this program, you take part in a week-long academic work experience designed to introduce you to university-level STEM research. It places you within a specific Imperial department, where you engage in lab visits, workshops, and activities tied to research areas such as engineering, physics, mathematics, or climate science. The program focuses on how research questions are developed, tested, and communicated in an academic setting. You also attend sessions on UCAS applications and personal statement writing led by Imperial student ambassadors. Throughout the week, you work alongside peers while receiving guidance from researchers and students.
7. British Airways Work Experience & School Programmes
Location: British Airways head office and operational sites across the United Kingdom, including London Heathrow, Cardiff, and Glasgow
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 300+ students per year across all departments
Dates: Three to five days during the summer; additional one-day Insight Days offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines a year, which vary by cohort
Eligibility: UK residents in Year 10 to Year 13, typically ages 14 to 17 and older, with a valid passport and the Right To Work in the UK
This program introduces you to careers in aviation, engineering, and business operations at a major airline. During the placement, you will be assigned to a specific department such as engineering, customer service, logistics, or corporate operations. The program includes workplace tours, hands-on activities, and Q&A sessions with British Airways staff. You may work on small team challenges, such as planning service improvements or solving technical problems. Mentors guide you through daily tasks while helping you understand how large-scale airline operations function. You also gain exposure to career pathways through employee talks and digital learning resources provided by the company.
8. EY Foundation Smart Futures Program
Location: London (EY offices at 1 More London Place/Canary Wharf; some hybrid/virtual elements)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size varies by year
Dates: 10-month cohorts during Easter, Summer, or October, followed by one-two week work placements
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Year 12 students in state schools; must be eligible for Free School Meals in the last 2 years or a college bursary; minimum Grade 6 in GCSE Maths (for London)
The EY Foundation Smart Futures Program in London offers you a unique 10-month pathway into professional sectors like finance, technology, and the charity industry. You’ll participate in workshops, work on business challenges, practice speed networking, and deliver a Dragon’s Den-style pitch to industry experts. You receive personal business mentoring and the official ILM accreditation you earn upon completion. Throughout this process, you’ll develop vital workplace skills in communication, analytical problem-solving, and professional teamwork. This experience effectively demystifies the corporate world, providing you with the confidence and connections to kickstart your career after high school.
9. KPMG Discovery Work Experience
Location: London (KPMG Canary Wharf/CS Square)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 150–200 students across all UK locations
Dates: August 5–7
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Year 12 students; must meet social mobility criteria (e.g., Free School Meals, first-gen university, or low socio-economic background); requires 5 GCSEs (A*-C / 4-9) including Grade 5/B in English & Maths
The KPMG Discovery Work Experience in London offers you a paid, three-day deep dive into the professional services world. You will explore key business areas like Audit, Consulting, Tax, and Technology by interacting with senior leaders and current apprentices. During the program, you’ll join interactive workshops, solve real-world case studies, and deliver a collaborative business pitch. The program features a social mobility focus, providing a fast-track to future apprenticeship roles and fully reimbursed travel expenses. You’ll walk away with skills in commercial awareness, analytical problem-solving, and professional networking. This intensive placement is designed to give you a genuine head start in the corporate sector.
10. Softwire Software Development Program
Location: London (Kentish Town office)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 10–20 students per intake
Dates: February and October half-term school holidays
Application Deadline: Typically 1 month before the program starts
Eligibility: Students in Years 10–13 (GCSE or Sixth Form) with a strong interest in computing
The Softwire Software Development Program in London gives you a hands-on, week-long dive into professional coding during your school half-term. You’ll join a developer-led bootcamp covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and NodeJS to build your own functional Tetris game. During the week, you will practice technical problem-solving, collaborate with mentors, and experience a professional office environment first-hand. The program features a relaxed, non-corporate culture that welcomes beginners, even if you have zero prior coding experience. You’ll walk away with analytical skills and a clear understanding of how the tech industry actually functions. This program is a perfect starting point if you’re considering a future career in engineering.
11. STEM Learning – Research Placements and Experiences
Location: London and nationwide (Host sites include universities, research centers, and laboratories)
Stipend: None (monetary bursaries may be available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 1,000+ students nationally per year
Dates: Typically 1–2 weeks during July or August
Application Deadline: Early April
Eligibility: Year 12 students; aged 16+; must attend a state-funded school; studying STEM A-levels or Highers
The STEM Learning Research Placements program in London offers you a hands-on dive into professional research across science, engineering, and technology. You will work with experts on projects such as mapping biodiversity or developing AI for construction. During the placement, you’ll conduct experiments, interpret real-world data, and create a formal scientific report and research poster. The program provides full financial support for underrepresented students and the chance to earn a prestigious Gold CREST Award. This experience provides a vital edge for your university applications by showcasing your practical research capabilities.
12. NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) Work Experience Programmes
Location: London (Primarily at the Tooting Blood Centre)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically around 10–15 students per site
Dates: June 2–6
Application Deadline: Mid-March
Eligibility: Students ages 16 to 18 in Years 12 to 13 with an interest in scientific or laboratory-based careers; school sponsorship required
In this program, you take part in a week-long work experience placement focused on healthcare science and laboratory-based careers. The program introduces you to how blood donation, transfusion services, and organ transplantation are supported through scientific and clinical work. You spend time visiting laboratories and observing day-to-day operations across different NHSBT teams. Sessions include interactions with scientists, donor care staff, and healthcare professionals who explain their roles and career pathways. The experience emphasizes how research, diagnostics, and teamwork contribute directly to patient care. Throughout the week, you build practical insight into biomedical and healthcare science environments while developing observation and communication skills.
13. International Education and Financial Aid – Medical Internship and Shadowing Program for High School Students
Location: Partner clinics and hospitals in London, United Kingdom
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 2 scholarships per year; program cohort size is 12 students per group
Dates: 1–4 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students ages 16 to 24, typically in Years 10 to 12, who demonstrate commitment to a medical or healthcare career and are fluent in English with an IELTS score of at least 5.5
In this program, you will participate in a selective medical shadowing experience that places you alongside practicing doctors in London-based clinical settings. During the placement, you observe patient care, clinical procedures, and daily professional routines within a real healthcare environment. The program is structured around close mentorship, allowing you to learn directly from your supervising physician and ask informed questions about medical practice. As part of the experience, you receive formal documentation, including a letter and transcript from your supervising doctor, to support future academic or medical applications. The residential structure is designed to create a focused, immersive introduction to healthcare careers.
14. Deloitte ASPIRE Programme
Location: London (In-person at Deloitte offices)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 50–100 students per cycle
Dates: July 27–29
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Year 12 students at state schools must meet social mobility criteria (e.g., first-gen university, Free School Meals, or lower socio-economic background); on track for 104 UCAS points
The Deloitte ASPIRE Programme in London offers you a three-day introduction to the professional sectors of Audit, Assurance, and Tax. Created specifically to promote social mobility, the program lets you explore various business areas through case studies and professional employability workshops. You will actively participate in group exercises to solve business scenarios, network with current apprentices, and engage in Q&A sessions with senior industry speakers. The program focuses on supporting students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, effectively bridging the gap between high school and a corporate career. Throughout the week, you’ll strengthen your analytical thinking, collaborative teamwork, and professional communication skills.
15. In2STEM (In2scienceUK)
Location: London (Workshops online; placements at local universities and research institutions)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 500–600 students annually across the UK
Dates: July 20 – August 21
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: Year 12 (England/Wales) or S5/S6 (Scotland) students aged 16+; must attend a non-selective state school; must meet social mobility criteria (e.g., Free School Meals, first-gen university, or living in a high-deprivation area).
The In2STEM program in London immerses you in medicine, engineering, and physics through a high-impact summer experience. You will conduct experiments in labs, attend university application workshops, and enter creative competitions to share your scientific findings. The program is entirely free and provides travel bursaries and ongoing support through an exclusive alumni network. By working with expert researchers, you’ll master technical skills like data analysis while sharpening your professional communication and networking abilities. This hands-on journey strengthens your personal statement and gives you the confidence to pursue competitive STEM careers.
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