University-wide Access Schemes

STEM SMART

Peterhouse is one of the Cambridge Colleges participating in the STEM SMART programme. In August 2024, we enjoyed hosting the third cohort of STEM SMART residential students at the College for a busy programme of events, and are looking forward to the 2025 version of the programme.

STEM SMART (Subject Mastery and Attainment Raising Tuition) is a widening participation initiative from the University of Cambridge in association with Isaac Physics, which provides free, complementary teaching and support to UK (non-fee paying) students who:

  • have either experienced educational disadvantage or belong to a group that is statistically less likely to progress to higher education and
  • are considering applying to Engineering, Computer Science, Physical Sciences (eg physics, chemistry, earth sciences, materials science) or Biological Sciences (eg plant sciences, pharmacology, physiology, evolution and behaviour, biochemistry) courses at university and are studying A Levels (or equivalent) in maths and science. 

Applications for the 2025 programme are now open, and will close on the 31st October, 2024. You can sign-up to the programme here.

HE+

HE+ is a collaborative programme between the University of Cambridge and its Colleges, working together with groups of state schools and colleges in 19 regions of the UK. It has been running for over 10 years and has worked with approximately 30,000 students over the course of that time. The programme is a sustained year-long initiative running from the Autumn or Spring Term of Year 12 through to the Autumn term of Year 13. It provides access to super-curricular activities, designed to stretch and challenge students academically, as well as providing a comprehensive programme of information, advice and guidance sessions, and study skills support.

Under the University's Area Links Scheme, Peterhouse works with two HE+ consortia; Nottingham North and Nottingham Central. Year 12 students from these consortia visit Peterhouse as part of the programme. The day consists of a range of academic taster sessions, a tour of the College with our student ambassadors (PetReps), a Q&A, and time to explore the city of Cambridge and its Colleges. 

 if you are a teacher or school leader interested in becoming involved with the HE+ programme please see the HE+ website or email the HE+ Team on heplus@admin.cam.ac.uk.

ClickCambridge

Peterhouse is one of the Cambridge colleges involved in delivering the ClickCambridge programme. This exciting outreach programme is designed to support Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Arab (BPA)/mixed-BPA students to prepare for Sixth Form and university-level study. The programme is completely free of charge.

Eligible students from state (non fee-paying) schools can join the programme in Year 11 (England and Wales), S4 (Scotland), or Year 12 (Northern Ireland). The programme will begin with a series of interactive webinars held between January-March 2025. Topics will include making post-16 subject choices, study skills, and preparing for university. Sessions will feature insights from current BPA Cambridge students. 

Students can also apply to attend a one-night residential at the University of Cambridge in August 2025. The residential is completely free of charge, including travel, accommodation, food, and all activities. Students will visit Cambridge Colleges and departments, explore the city centre with current Student Ambassadors, and engage in activities with other ClickCambridge participants. Places on the residential are limited. Students do not have to attend the residential to participate in the online portions of the ClickCambridge programme.

ClickCambridge will continue to support participants during Year 12, by offering a further series of online webinars to guide participants through the stages of the university application process. Current Cambridge BPA students will also share their own insights and experiences.

For further information, including the eligibility criteria, please see this page.
Applications are open until 10th January 2025 and can be submitted here.

Any questions about the programme or the application form can be directed to clickcambridge@gmail.com.