16 Summer Internships for High School Students in The UK
If you’re a high school student looking to gain work experience before university, a summer internship is an ideal option. Participating in a high school internship will help you develop practical skills and gain a clearer sense of direction about your future. They also allow you to explore your preferred field, connect with professionals, and build your resume.
High school internships are often more affordable than you might expect—many programs cover expenses or even offer students a stipend. With universities, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations across the UK providing summer internships for high school students, there is a diverse range of options to consider. Whether your interests lie in literature or tech, participating in a high school internship can help you grow and gain industry exposure.
In this blog, we’ve compiled 16 of the most compelling in-person and virtual summer internships for high school students in the UK.
16 Summer Internships for High School Students in The UK
1. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program; Full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions offered in the spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students
Through Ladder Internships, you’ll work remotely with fast-growing startups on real-world projects lasting 8-12 weeks. As an intern, you’ll commit 10-20 hours per week and receive mentorship from a dedicated Ladder Coach while collaborating closely with your startup supervisor. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, helping you build experience in project management, research, and professional communication. You’ll have the opportunity to explore diverse industries, including technology, AI, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. By the end of the program, you’ll present your project outcomes to your startup team.
2. Aspiring Scientists Training Programme (ASTP)
Location: University of Cambridge, Gurdon Institute, UK
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: 1 week
Application Deadline: Typically closes in March/April
Eligibility: Students aged 16+ attending state (non-fee-paying) schools, currently studying A-level/IB/Higher (or equivalent) courses in Biology, Maths, and either Chemistry, Physics, or Further Maths
The Aspiring Scientists Training Programme (ASTP) gives you the chance to experience life as a biologist at one of the world’s leading research universities. Over the course of a week, you’ll spend afternoons in the lab learning research techniques, attend expert-led workshops, and work on a mini research project that culminates in a presentation to your peers and researchers. You’ll also get to network with PhD students and scientists, gaining insights into higher education and science careers while exploring the University of Cambridge. The program is supported by the Isaac Newton Trust Widening Participation and Induction Fund, along with several Cambridge departments and colleges.
3. Immerse Education’s London Internship Track
Location: London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo
Cost: Varies according to program. Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
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 help students explore careers in fields such as banking and finance, medicine, engineering, journalism, and more. Participants 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!
4. Imperial College London: Year 12 Work Experience Programme
Location: Imperial College, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Not mentioned (typically held in summer)
Application Deadline: Opens January
Eligibility: Year 12 students; More info in the “Academic requirements” and “Eligibility criteria”
The Year 12 Work Experience Programme at Imperial College London offers you the chance to explore life as a researcher and gain firsthand experience in a professional academic setting. During the programme, you’ll engage with research groups across fields such as bioengineering, materials science, climate change, mathematics, physics, and biomedical research. You’ll experience the daily realities of professional life, from time management and commuting to working collaboratively with mentors and peers. The programme emphasizes exposure to university research culture, helping you understand the range of careers available in science and engineering. It’s an opportunity to gain practical insight into higher education and research while developing confidence in a professional environment.
5. Medical Internship and Shadowing Program for High School Students
Location: Various clinics in London, UK
Stipend: £5,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; 2 students/year (tentative)
Dates: 1-4 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-24 (typically Year 10-12); Must show commitment to pursuing a medical or healthcare-related career; Must be fluent in English (IELTS ≥5.5)
In this Medical Internship and Shadowing Program, you’ll shadow a doctor in a London clinic or hospital, gaining hands-on exposure to medical practice. You’ll learn clinical procedures, observe patient care, and participate in day-to-day professional activities. The program emphasizes mentorship, giving you a letter and transcript from your supervising doctor that can support future medical school applications. You’ll also develop essential soft skills, including professional communication, teamwork, and time management. Accommodation is provided in a student residence, and you’ll receive meals and transport to ensure a fully immersive experience.
6. Imperial Global Summer School
Location: Imperial College, London, UK
Cost: £7,260 (tentative)
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: June 29 – July 10 or August 3 – August 14
Application Deadline: Applications open in January
Eligibility: Students aged 16-17 with strong academic performance and English proficiency
The Imperial Global Summer School is a two-week residential program for students interested in STEM and medicine. In the first week, you’ll choose a subject—Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Medicine and Life Sciences, or Physics—and take part in lectures, practical workshops, and group projects. During the second week, you’ll work with students from other disciplines on the Innovation Challenge, which involves solving real-world problems while collaborating with peers. You will stay on campus at Prince’s Gardens and participate in structured social activities. The program offers experience in academic work, teamwork, and problem-solving, while providing insight into university life and research environments.
7. InvestIN Summer Experiences
Location: University College London (UCL) and the surrounding University of London campus, London, UK
Cost: Programme fees: £2,225 – £4,400; Residential package: £3,725 – £7,550, depending on duration and premium options; Optional Heathrow airport transfers: £300
Cohort Size: Limited spots per program
Dates: Varies by program; Typically, between July – August
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18
In this program, you will spend one or two weeks gaining hands-on experience in a career of your choice, from medicine, law, and engineering to media, architecture, and veterinary science. You will work alongside professionals, completing practical tasks and observing day-to-day operations. Certain days are spent at industry locations across London, while the rest of the program takes place at UCL and the University of London campuses. You will stay in single, en-suite rooms in student halls, with meals provided and social activities included. Throughout the program, you will practice professional skills, receive feedback, and have the opportunity to gain a reference and certificate to document your experience.
8. The Times Summer Academy
Location: News UK offices, London Bridge, London, UK
Cost: £650
Cohort Size: Limited spots available
Dates: July 21 – 25 & August 4 – 8
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Students aged 18+
In this week-long program, you will gain an introduction to the world of journalism, guided by senior journalists and editorial executives from The Times, The Sunday Times, and Times Radio. You will visit newsrooms and studios to see how journalism operates in practice, while learning about story sourcing, news and feature writing, journalism ethics, broadcast journalism, and photography. The program combines hands-on learning with talks and insights from experienced professionals, allowing you to understand the daily workflow of a newsroom. You will also develop practical skills that can enhance your CV and prepare you for potential internships in the media.
9. Mission Discovery at King’s College London
Location: King’s College London, London, UK
Cost: £799 (day); £1,999 (residential)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – 11
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18
In Mission Discovery, you will work in small teams under the guidance of NASA astronauts, space scientists, and professors from King’s College London to design a science experiment that could be launched to the International Space Station. You’ll engage in hands-on STEM activities, develop skills in teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and public speaking, and experience real scientific research. As a residential student, you will receive accommodation, meals, and supervision, with the option to complete your Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. By the end of the week, the top experiment may be selected and built at NASA for execution in space, giving you a rare opportunity to contribute to research with global impact.
10. Nuffield Research Placements
Location: Across the UK (hosted by research institutions, universities, and industry partners)
Cost/Stipend: Free; Travel subsidy provided
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer (exact dates vary by host institution)
Application Deadline: Typically opens in November
Eligibility: High-achieving students in Year 12 or S5 (16+) in full-time education studying science, technology, engineering, or math subjects; More info here
Participating in the Nuffield Research Placements program allows you to spend part of your summer conducting hands-on research alongside experienced scientists and industry professionals. You’ll work on real-world STEM projects that contribute to ongoing research efforts while developing practical and analytical skills. You can expect to deepen your subject knowledge, gain insight into university-level study, and strengthen your UCAS applications. You’ll also have the chance to apply for the Gold CREST Award or enter the Big Bang Competition, both of which recognize innovation in research. Upon completion, you can join the Nuffield Alumni Network, which connects you with peers and professionals across the UK.
11. In2STEM
Location: Across the UK
Cost/Stipend: Free; Travel bursary offered
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 20 – August 21
Application Deadline: November – March
Eligibility: Students in Year 12 or S5/S6 (16-19) with a strong interest in STEM
The In2STEM program offers a mix of in-person work experience and online learning designed to help you explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Over the course of the summer, you’ll take part in professional placements, attend virtual skills workshops, and engage in public engagement competitions, all while gaining real-world insight into STEM pathways. The program begins with an induction event to help you prepare for your placement and ends with a celebration event recognizing your growth and achievements. You’ll also have the chance to convert your placement into a CREST Award submission, strengthening university or apprenticeship applications.
12. FDM Apprenticeship Programme
Location: Sheffield Hallam University/North Eastern University, London, UK
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round intake; 3-year programme
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Students aged 16+ in the UK who meet degree entry requirements in digital and technology solutions
The FDM Apprenticeship Programme offers you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in IT Support, Robotics Process Automation, Information Security, Salesforce Administration, IT Business Projects, or Software Development. You’ll spend most of your time working on client projects for leading companies, while also dedicating 20% of your schedule to academic study through partner universities like Sheffield Hallam University and North Eastern University (London). Over three years, you’ll build technical expertise, develop job readiness skills, and receive support from a personal mentor throughout the programme. This paid apprenticeship combines professional experience with academic learning, helping you earn while you learn and preparing you for a long-term career in digital and technology solutions.
13. JPMorgan Chase Work Experience Program
Location: London, Bournemouth, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, UK
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Summer and term opportunities (specific dates vary by location)
Application Deadline: Varies by location
Eligibility: Students aged 14-16 (Year 10-11 in England; S3-S4 in Scotland), interested in financial services
In this program, you’ll participate in a combination of virtual and in-person experiences to develop skills relevant to the financial services industry. You’ll start with a virtual workshop that prepares you for the program, followed by a two-day in-person session at a JPMorgan Chase office. During these days, you’ll engage in interactive activities, networking, and skill-building exercises, including CV and interview techniques. You’ll also gain exposure to teams working on projects that impact clients, customers, and communities. After the in-person experience, a virtual workshop allows you to apply what you have learned and reflect on your development. This program emphasizes practical skill-building, professional interaction, and insight into the operations of a major financial institution.
14. Imperial College London: Year 9 Girls Engineering Summer School
Location: Imperial College, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: August 5 – 8
Application Deadline: January 14 – March 17
Eligibility: Year 9 girls studying in UK non-fee-paying schools who are on track to achieve high grades in maths and science; More info in the “Academic requirements” and “Eligibility criteria”
At the Year 9 Girls Engineering Summer School hosted by Imperial College London, you’ll explore different branches of engineering through a mix of taster sessions, lab activities, and interactive talks. Over four days, you’ll work in small groups led by mentors, visiting departments such as Bioengineering, Civil Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Each day includes hands-on tasks and reflection sessions that help you understand the skills and mindset needed for a career in engineering. By the end of the program, you’ll collaborate on a group poster presentation that highlights what you’ve learned. The summer school offers an introduction to university-level STEM study and the variety of engineering fields available for further exploration.
15. KPMG Discovery Work Experience Programme
Location: Multiple UK offices: Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, and London
Stipend: Paid; Participants receive a salary equivalent to the living wage (with lunch and train travel covered up to £100/day)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: 3-day sessions during the October half-term
Application Deadline: Typically closes in early autumn each year
Eligibility: Students finishing Year 13 (or those who’ve already completed it) from state schools who meet Access Accountancy’s social mobility criteria
Through the KPMG Discovery Work Experience Programme, you can explore careers in business, finance, and professional services at one of the UK’s leading firms. Across three immersive days, you’ll work onsite at a KPMG office, engage in interactive workshops, and meet apprentices, graduates, and senior professionals who’ll share their insights and experiences. You’ll learn about the firm’s culture, develop key employability skills, and see first-hand what working in a global professional services environment looks like. The programme is designed for students from low-income backgrounds and offers an opportunity to fast-track your application for future KPMG Apprenticeship Programmes.
16. Imperial College London: Year 10 Insights Summer School
Location: Imperial College, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 30 – August 2
Application Deadline: January 14 – March 5
Eligibility: Year 10 students attending non-fee-paying schools in the UK who meet widening participation criteria and are on track to achieve high grades in maths and science. More info in the “Academic requirements” and “Eligibility criteria”
In the Year 10 Insights Summer School, you’ll spend four days and three nights on Imperial College London’s campus exploring science or engineering through practical, university-level activities. You can choose between two streams—science or engineering—depending on your interests. During the program, you’ll participate in lab experiments, workshops, and academic taster sessions led by Imperial faculty and students. You’ll also prepare a group poster presentation to showcase what you’ve learned at the closing conference. As a residential program, it includes opportunities to stay in university halls, connect with mentors, and gain insight into student life in London. The experience aims to help you understand how studying STEM subjects beyond school can lead to a variety of future pathways.
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