Inspire Years 12 and 13

Inspire 12 & 13 is open to pupils from all non-selective state schools and sixth-form colleges in the following regions: Brighton and Hove, Buckinghamshire, Ealing, East Sussex, Hampshire, Harrow, Hounslow, Kent, Kingston-upon-Thames, Medway, Portsmouth, Southampton, Surrey, The Isle of Wight, West Sussex.

If you are not sure whether your sixth form or college is in an eligible region, please email us at inspire@sjc.ox.ac.uk.

The Inspire Programme is a free, two-year course designed to inspire, encourage, and support Year 12 and 13 pupils during their final years of study before university. Our flexible programme offers pupils the opportunity to explore their favourite subjects in greater depth, receive up-to-date information about applying to university, and take part in opportunities that can be used in personal statements, interviews, and CVs!

Pupils on Inspire 12 & 13 will have the opportunity take part in:

• Academic Taster Lectures

Our Academic Taster Lectures are specially developed by academics from the University of Oxford and are released once a month. They are then available for pupils to work through at their own pace. Every set of Academic Taster Lectures includes talks from a range of subjects so that pupils can delve deeper into their favourite subjects, and discover new interdisciplinary connections! Each set of lectures are also accompanied by extra resources for pupils to explore, including competitions, exhibitions and public lectures.

• Study and University Skills Sessions

The Inspire 12 & 13 Programme offers valuable skills workshops and resources to help pupils think about their future choices and their university applications.

• Inspire Research Project

Inspire 12 pupils have the opportunity to thoroughly investigate a topic of their choice as part of our Inspire Research Project. This project will develop pupils’ ability to think creatively, critically, and independently – skills which are important for university study.

• Study Days and Subject Exploration Days

Pupils enrolled on the Inspire 12 programme have priority booking on the Inspire Study Days and Subject Exploration Days. These are immersive, subject-specific events that take place at St John’s College, and which enable pupils to experience what it is like to study their chosen subject at university.

• Residential and Virtual Summer Schools

Our Residential Summer School is an exciting opportunity to experience student life at St John’s College. Students will have the opportunity to take part in academic taster sessions delivered by Oxford tutors, and visit some of the University of Oxford’s outstanding galleries, gardens, and museums. In addition, pupils will have the opportunity to experience a taste of student life at the University of Oxford whilst exploring the city.

For students who are unable to attend our in-person event, we offer our Summer Challenge Week, which contains academic lectures, skills sessions and careers advice. This summer school is accessible online and is designed to fit around your busy summer schedules.

• Resources to help you transition for life at university

Applications for the Inspire 12 Programme will open on the 5th October and closes on the 9th November 2026. To register for Inspire Year 12, click here.

Pupils on the Inspire 12 Programme will automatically be enrolled on the Inspire 13 Programme!

Applications for the Inspire 13 Programme will open on the 1st September and close on the 10th October 2026. To register for Inspire Year 13, click here.

This course is delivered through our virtual learning platform, the Inspire Hub. Once your application has been processed, you will be enrolled on the platform and emailed a link where you can activate your account.

After activating your account, you will gain access to all course materials.