Learn with US Outreach Post-16 | University of Southampton

Our Post 16 team deliver the Learn with US programme to support selected schools and colleges within the South East and South West of England, from the following counties: Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Surrey, West Sussex, and East Sussex. We also work with schools and colleges nationwide through our virtual activities, and through our summer schools and residentials

The purpose of the programme is to offer your students the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities that are academically enriching, as well as providing valuable information, advice, and guidance about the university application process. These activities are intended to complement the academic year and should be viewed as a complete 'package' of support, rather than isolated ad hoc interactions. Our programme can also help your institution meet Gatsby benchmarks.

There is no cost to your school or college for participation in the Learn with US programme. We are also able to offer a travel contribution for our on campus activity.

The programme is aimed specifically, at students from Widening Participation backgrounds that have the potential and desire to progress onto Higher Education. Our activities are delivered either on campus, off campus (in school/ college) and virtually.

On campus activities

We are excited to announce that from the Spring Term we can once again offer school/college visits on set dates with a capped number of students to our Highfield campus. Visits include a tour of the campus and can include a selection of the following sessions;

Choosing Your Course and University
Student Finance/ Budgeting
Personal statement tips and info
Student Life Talk and Q&A session with Student Ambassadors
Subject-specific taster lecture

Read more and book

We also host a number of subject-specific Residentials and Summer Schools to allow your students the chance to experience what it's like to study a subject at university degree level.

Off campus activities

The following off-campus talks are available to schools and colleges throughout the academic year. Talks can be between 30 – 60 minutes with time at the end for a question and answer session or can be tailored to your school timetable.

Our team are available to present to students, parents, teachers and advisers as well as attend your higher education and careers events.

- ‘Why HE?’ Talk
This talk will outline the benefits and opportunities of progressing onto Higher Education.

- Making successful applications (available until the application deadline)
This talk will focus on the three factors required to make a successful application to university: choosing a course, enhancing your application and an introduction to the personal statement. The talk will prepare the student for any HE related research and work experience during the summer recess.

- Standing out from the crowd; writing successful personal statements
This talk or workshop provides guidance on how to structure the personal statement and what Admissions Tutors look for in prospective applicants. We also talk about ways to enhance the student's understanding of their subject and offer practical tips for writing a persuasive statement.
Please note: this talk is also suitable for Year 13 students up to the point of application.

- Student Finance Talk
This talk provides information on the student finance process, with an overview of loans, grants, bursaries and scholarships available to students and some tips on budgeting.

Book Now

Subject-specific talks and workshops are available and can be organised and booked for your students through our Ask the Expert scheme.

Virtual Activities

We facilitate a number of subject-specific webinars. These opportunities are shared via our newsletter and on our social media platforms as the events are confirmed throughout the year.

If you wish to enquire about our Learn with US programme and/ or are interested in any of our activities or events on offer, please contact the Post 16 Team at outreach@southampton.ac.uk