Your university application advantage starts here.

Innovate Summer Academy is a 2-week pre-university programme hosted at UCL, London, with faculty drawn from Cambridge, MIT, Kings College London and more. The programme is designed to give ambitious students aged 14–18 the academic skills, real-world experience and application support they need to take the next step. From writing a compelling Personal Statement to completing hands-on faculty projects, you’ll leave with a genuine advantage in securing a place at a top university.

Why choose us?

Learn from the best

Lecturers from top-ranking universities such as Cambridge, Kings College London, and MIT

Inspiring London location

Study at world top-10 ranked University College London (UCL), at the heart of London

UCAS application support

Draft a UCAS Personal Statement and build your application strategy during the programme

Industry visits

Prepare for your future career with visits to London start-ups, Royal College of Surgeons and Royal Courts of Justice

Discover Innovate Summer Academy

Innovate Summer Academy is a 2-week pre-university programme at UCL, led by academics from Cambridge, MIT, King’s College London, the University of Edinburgh and more. Designed for ambitious students aged 14–18, it combines specialist academic study, hands-on projects, industry visits and a fully structured UCAS application process — so students leave genuinely better prepared for university, not just inspired by it.

Loved by our students

    
 
 
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   Sanaa Hamid 
 7 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This summer school provides a fruitful and engaging experience to students. It is not only about providing University-level introductory lectures, but also about project based activities that encourage critical thinking and creativity. In addition, there are lectures about preparing for University education, and several campus and company visits. I highly suggest this school for prospective students.
  
 
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   Catrona McDaid 
 7 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter recently returned from the Innovate Summer Academy and had an incredible experience, and I can't recommend it highly enough. The quality of teaching was first-class. The lectures went into real depth, and small class sizes meant she got genuine one-to-one time with them to discuss her learning in more detail. This all came together in her Capstone project, where she applied what she'd learned in class and her industry visits, developed skills in critical thinking and problem-solving and presented confidently to a panel of experienced lecturers. She has since told me this experience has confirmed exactly what she wants to study at university next year and I’m delighted as before, she was a bit unsure. Beyond the academics, the programme struck a brilliant balance. The timetable left space to explore London, bond with her group (she has so many amazing pictures and stories!), take in the city's cultural highlights, and go on industry visits that brought her classroom learning to life. She's made genuine friends who are planning to stay in touch and meet up next year and she’s left feeling motivated and ready for the next step in her academic journey. Huge thanks to the whole Innovate team and a special shout out to Kevin, the programme lead, for creating a summer programme that balances academic rigour with a fantastic life experience, and Josh, who looked after the students so well day to day. Highly recommended without hesitation and thank you so much - my daughter will never forget her time with you all!
  
 
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   Diego D. 
 5 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This program was a great experience. The classes in my faculty (engineering) were very interesting because they showed us how engineers think and approach problems. The talks held each day were inspiring, as they were given by speakers who had genuinely overcome significant challenges and achieved success.
  
 
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   Andreja Popovic 
 5 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excelent experience met people who I will stay friends for a long time and learned sruff I cant learn in school
  
 
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   Tasso Chatzinikolaou 
 5 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great summer experience. Highly recommend
  
 
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   ifemdifechi egwuenu 
 5 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very fun and engaging program and allowed me to see, understand and know what I want to study next. The staff were amazing and always kind and I felt very comfortable here
  
 
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   Megan Sumner 
 5 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A great, immersive experience. We got practical experience and excursions we wouldn’t be able to access anywhere else. We also got to do lots of sightseeing
  
 
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   Георгий 
 5 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. One of the best summer camp experiences I’ve ever had🤝🔥
  
 
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   Joshua Byrne 
 5 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really great program with great faculty options , wonderful student experience would 100% recommend
  
 
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   Berk 
 5 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was the best experience I have ever had.

This is a big step in my path to university, and I feel like it’s really going to help me achieve that dream one day.

Ali from Azerbaijan

—Engineering and Science

I find my classes really interesting and I think this topic will be really important in my life and I want to work with it in the future. I like how the teachers are really passionate about their jobs and how they explain things to us, I really appreciate that.

Niko from Croatia

—Business, Finance, and Enterprise

I love how classes are full of hands-on activities. Dr. Saana is so experienced, and our discussions about computer science and machine learning go much deeper than I’ve ever had before.

Linh Anh Diep from Viet Nam

—Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence

What I like most about my classes is when we collect data and discuss worldwide problems and the environmental effect of different designs. My favourite trip has been to the University of Cambridge; the view was amazing!

Hiver (Bo-Jung) from Taiwan

—Engineering and Science

Overall, my summer at Innovate was amazing and has benefited me in so many ways. I have learned new skills, met new people and cultures, built my confidence, and created lasting memories.

Ava from The United Kingdom

—Law and Global Justice

It’s really interesting to have capstone projects, and the courses are very engaging. I’m very glad that I participated in this summer school.

Jessica from Taiwan

—Medicine, Health, and Biomedical Science

Key information

Age

14-18 years

English level

CEFR level B2+

Programme duration

14 days

Location

University College London (UCL)

Project Based Learning

Our Project Based Learning (PBL) methodology aims to encourage students to learn through actively engaging in real-world projects, apply their knowledge in practical situations. From laboratory experiments to engineering design, our programme is designed to give you real experience in your chosen field.

UCAS Application Masterclass

By the time they complete the programme, every student leaves with a fully written, polished Personal Statement, ready to submit to UCAS. Through our structured Academic Skills sessions, 1:1 mentoring and personalised Learning Portfolio, students don’t just learn about the university application process: they complete it.

Career Dive Module

Our Career Dive module is crafted to help you navigate your future with clarity and confidence. Through personalised counseling, interactive workshops, and expert-led seminars, you’ll gain invaluable insights into various career paths and the skills needed to succeed.

Excursions and University Visits

Expand your horizons with cultural visits to museums, galleries, and historical sites. Our Excursion Programme complements your academic learning, offering you a broader perspective on the world. You will also have the opportunity to explore prestigious universities and leading companies as part of our programme. These visits will help you make informed decisions about your future by providing you with firsthand experience of the academic and professional world.

Our faculties

Innovate Summer Academy provides students with a focused educational experience across five specialised faculties. Computer Science and AI incorporates programming and machine learning, while Engineering and Science focuses on practical applications in various engineering fields. Medicine, Health, and Biomedical Science explores anatomy and clinical skills. Business, Finance, and Enterprise teaches entrepreneurship and financial management, whilst Law and Global Justice delves into legal systems and international justice.