Frequently Asked Questions

You can register online here. Then fill out and print the Application Form as it has areas for your school and parents to complete. When we have your completed Application Form, we will let you know whether we can provide a place on a Headstart course: this will be in March of the year in which the courses take place for summer courses

You will need to be there by 10am for courses starting in the week, or by 4pm for courses starting on a Sunday (these times are estimated). Courses usually finish mid-afternoon on the last day (see website for dates).

Full joining instructions with dates and times will be sent to you approximately 4 weeks before the course is due to start.

All Headstart courses are University based, and the exact address can be found by clicking on the University URL which is attached to each course description (courses page).

Yes, but it is not always possible to fit everyone into their first choice which is why we ask for five choices. Whatever course you attend, the key objectives of a Headstart course - an experience of living and working at university - will be realised.

We do not guarantee to offer you a place and may offer an alternative if your choices are full.

You may send in an application, but you need to be aware that, although you are of age, you will have to obey our no drinking/smoking policy.
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Yes, we accept all qualifications equal to AS and A2 level exams.

We do accept international students, however, due to Headstart being heavily subsidised by British companies, British national students will be given priority.

The cost of each course is included in the course code. For example the course code for Cardiff is CAR/235, meaning that the course is £235. Non British nationals will be charged the full course fee of £330.

Due to the popularity of the courses, we can only allocate one course place per student.

We were unable to allocate nearly a third of applicants last year due to the volume of applications of received; therefore we advise that you send in your application as soon as possible, and before the deadline, to increase your chance of getting a place.

Hand-write any corrections on the form and we will make the changes when we receive it in the post.

Call the Headstart office on 01707 871505 and we will re-set it for you. DO NOT create a new account.

It sounds like you may have a problem with your installation of Adobe pdf. This software needs to be installed in order to view and print the application.

Simply hand-write the corrections to your course choices on the printed form and we will make the changes when we receive it.

Record your courses under AS level and, for those you are planning to continue to A Level, record under this option also.

All of our courses can count towards the residential component of the award, however, if the course does not run for the required time commitment, it can be added to with an additional activity that is accepted by the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

You can bring your log book to the course, and ask the supervisor to sign it, or post it to the Headstart office where we will sign it once you have completed the course. We are also able to complete your log book retrospectively.

You will need to bring your own personal toiletries, but towels and bedding are provided.

More information will be provided in the University joining instructions.

Labcoats and goggles etc. are provided by the university, but it's a good idea to bring sensible shoes otherwise you may not be allowed into some areas.

Each university plans its own activities, which may include bowling, cinema trips, restaurants, sporting events, quiz evenings, karaoke etc.

No. Other than provided by the university with any special dinner, alcohol is not allowed. Smoking is not allowed on university premises.

Refunds are available as per our policy stated in the acceptance form and contract.

Availability of accommodation varies between universities. In some cases accommodation will be available; you will need to contact the University to arrange this. Please note a Headstart representative will not be on site until the course starts.

We strongly advise that you do not bring any valuable belongings with you as they may be damaged or lost.

No. You are only permitted to leave the course if you are sent home or if you are ill and the university arrange it with your parent/guardian.

You can cancel your place at any time but we cannot guarantee that an alternative will be available.

Offer letters will be sent out in January for courses at Easter and during March/April for courses during the Summer. If you have not heard from us by April you can email us at info@headstartcourses.org.uk to enquire about the status of your application.

As the courses are residential courses, and will include evening activities to participate in, you are not permitted to leave the course.

Unfortunately we are not able to allocate more than 1 student from one school on the same course. Therefore it is unlikely that you will be placed on the same course as a friend.

You will usually meet recent graduates during the course, who can tell you about their own company. Most large companies offer bursary schemes to students they see as having potential, so you need to write to a wide range of companies operating in areas of your interest.

Not as yet. All of our courses run during summer, with the exception of our new materials focus course at Cambridge in Easter.