Sutton Trust Online Student Handbook 2026
Get started
Welcome to Sutton Trust Online
This guide will help you find out more about STO and all the support you can access.
Not got time to read the digital handbook right now?
To get going straight away with STO:
Sign up now!
Launch webinar: 29 April 2026
Join us to learn about your STO journey!
1. Find your activation email and log on.
2. Take the user profile quiz to personalise your journey.
3. Update your content preferences.
4. Start working through the STO Phases - starting with the Explore Phase.
What past students tell us
"I just wanted to say thank you so much for the Online Programme. From the very beginning, the resources and advice from the Sutton Trust have been so helpful."
"I really can't thank you enough ... I will put Sutton Trust Online on my UCAS application with pride."
"It is such a magnificent tool ... and has beyond helped me in choosing my course."
What is STO?
Guidance.
Advice.
Info.
Whatever you need, STO is here for all things university and apprenticeships.
We’ll help you Explore, Apply, Prepare and Succeed.
STO is also widely recognised by universities across the UK so taking part may even help flag you as eligible for contextual offers.
Ready to find out more?
Everything you need to succeed
The four phases - Explore, Apply, Prepare, Succeed - guide you through your journey to university and apprenticeships.
Dont miss out...
STO is packed with content and events from our university partners, including Cambridge, Edinburgh and many more. Check it out!
At the start of each phase, you'll take an interactive quiz that will help us personalise your journey so you get the best content for you!
And there's more...
OSCAR
Events
AVA
STO Chat
We're here every step of the way
Tap on the images to find out more about the STO team!
Key elements and dates
Explore
Apply
Prepare
Succeed
April to August 2026
September 2026 to January 2027
February to mid-July 2027
Mid-July to August 2027
Launch webinar: 29 April 2026
Sign up now!
UCAS application deadlines: Early entry – 15 October 2026 Regular entry – 13 January 2027
STO Chat
With STO Chat you can talk directly to Sutton Trust alumni and current university students at our partner universities about anything and everything to do with university, apprenticeships and careers.
Get advice to help you make decisions, tips on applying and find out what life after school or college is really like.
Not sure what to ask?
Go to STO Chat >
Explore Phase
Decide which post-18 option is right for you
April to August 2026
This is the kind of content you can expect in the Explore Phase!
In Explore we'll help you to:
- weigh up the different options
- understand what you need to think about
- talk about your options with others
- decide which route you prefer
Log in to STO >
University or apprenticeships?
STO has resources, tools and support for you whether you're thinking about university or apprenticeships – or you haven't decided yet
Degrees
Apprenticeships
Not sure yet?
Explore apprenticeships
Explore university
Explore University
Visit
Choose
Understand
Revise
Experience
Explore Apprenticeships
Understand
Create
Choose
Decide
Apply Phase
Everything you need to submit the best application possible
This is the kind of content you can expect in the Apply Phase!
In Apply you'll learn how to:
- write an outstanding CV, cover letter or personal statement
- prepare for interviews and tests
- perform well under pressure
- set yourself up for success
September 2026 to January 2027
Log in to STO >
Apply for university
Decide
Write
Complete
Revise
Prepare
Apply for apprenticeships
Shortlist
Plan
Apply
Understand
Prepare
Personal statements and UCAS information
On STO you'll get advice, resources and tools to help you with your university application
OSCAR
Webinars
Mentoring
University admissions test support
Some universities and courses require you to sit an admissions test to assess your suitability for the course. Your test score is then considered alongside your application and grades to determine whether you’ll be offered a place.
When?
Get support
Interviews and auditions support
Depending on the university and course you’re applying to, you may need to attend an interview or audition. These help the university decide if you’re a good fit for the course you’ve applied for.
Some interviews are informal and chatty whereas others, such as MMIs for Medicine, can feel more like an assessment.
Interviews and auditions are the last hurdle in securing an offer, so be prepared and give yourself the best chance of doing well!
Ask
Learn
Prepare
Be ready
Don't forget...
Prepare Phase
Get ready for university or your apprenticeship.
February to mid-July 2027
This is the kind of content you can expect in the Prepare Phase!
In Prepare you'll learn how to:
- prepare yourself for university or professional life
- what you need to do to accept an offer
- revise effectively for your exams
- research accommodation and manage your finances
Log in to STO >
Prepare for university
Choices
Funding
Scholarships
Decisions
Prepare for apprenticeships
Remember to use your timeline of opportunities to keep applying to apprenticeships at the right time. Have you received any apprenticeship offers?
Not yet
Yes
Succeed Phase
You’re nearly there! Time to set yourself up for success.
This is the kind of content you can expect in the Succeed Phase!
Mid-July to August 2027
In Succeed we'll cover how you can:
- prepare for results day
- adjust to new environments
- manage money and budgets
- settle into university or your apprenticeship
Log in to STO >
University or apprenticeships?
Whichever route you've chosen, make sure you understand:
What your financial situation is
What happens on results day
TIP: create a back-up plan in case you don't get the grades you're expecting
TIP: create a budget for next year. Make sure it includes rent, food, socialising, travel and course equipment.
Succeed at university
Succeed in apprenticeships
Succeed at university
Choose
Support
Research
Chat
Succeed in apprenticeships
Understand
Plan
Read
Prepare
Research
Support made for you
Planning and getting ready for your next steps at university or in the workplace is an exciting time. But it can also be a lot. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Being a student of colour in higher education
Support for care-experienced students
Looking after your mental wellbeing
Ready to get started?
Simply activate your account and fill out your STO profile.
Don't forget, the STO team is here to help!
Log in to STO
You could start with...
- What do you like the most about your course?
- How did you decide on your five university choices?
- What is it like to live in your city?
- What are your key tips for writing a personal statement?
- How did you narrow down which apprenticeships to apply to?
- What are your top tips for applying to jobs?
Mentoring
You can also apply for a personal statement mentor who will discuss your course choices and university options with you and support you to write an excellent personal statement. There are limited spaces, so keep an eye out for an email when applications open!
Meet Caitlin
Caitlin is Senior Digital Programmes and Platform Manager at the Sutton Trust, overseeing the Sutton Trust Online programme. Her main hobbies are reading sci-fi and fantasy books, listening to and writing music and watching cat videos.
Your user profile
Your user profile helps us to provide the most relevant information for you based on your confidence levels and whether you're planning on applying to university, apprenticeships or both.
To personalise your STO journey, head to the user profile quiz in the 'Get started' section
Complete the user profile quiz
Meet Marissa
Marissa is Programmes Assistant at the Sutton Trust, supporting the delivery of the UK Summer Schools and Sutton Trust Online programmes. In her free time, you are likely to find Marissa playing the piano, crocheting or reading.
Choose
Pick a suitable firm and insurance choice.
Need help? Sign up to our Prepare phase webinar
Visit
Make sure to visit at least two universities. Many universities offer financial support, like travel bursaries, to help you attend. Check with the admissions department. It’s a good idea to make notes about what you like when you visit – and what you don’t!
Read
Read over your job description and any other documents you’ve received from your employer.
Chat
Speak to at least one current student to get tips and advice for your first week at university. Don’t forget STO Chat is here to help!
Admissions tests
Will you need to sit any admissions tests for your university and course choices? Join our expert-led webinars and complete OSCAR modules to boost your confidence.
Create
Set up a ‘Find an apprenticeship’ account on the government website.
Understand
Make a list of what is involved in the application process for each opportunity you're interested in.
Choose
Choose three industries or employers you'd like to apply to – and find out when applications open. Don’t forget there's lots of advice on STO to help you decide.
Revise
Have you created and implemented a revision plan for any admissions tests you need to sit? Don’t forget OSCAR can help you prepare.
Experience
Think about what kind of university experience you want. For example, do you want a campus or city university? To live at home or move away?
Decide
Decide whether you want to apply to university too.
Ask
Get advice from students who have been there on STO Chat. You could ask for tips on preparing for an interview or audition.
Practice makes perfect! Make sure you practice interview questions with someone else at least twice or perform a mock audition in front of at least one person.
Prepare
If you’ve been offered a university interview, don’t forget OSCAR and AVA are here to help you prepare.
Choose
Find at least one society you might like to take part in at your chosen university. Societies are clubs of students who share the same interests. Everything from sports to creative groups and more!
Prepare
Get ready for your first day by making sure you know the key things like start time, dress code and journey time.
How to activate your account
If you haven’t activated your account already, look for an email titled Activate your Sutton Trust Online Account! and login using the temporary login details. Make sure you don't accidentally add any spaces when you copy and paste the password.
Need help? Visit the helpdesk
Learn
You’ll find lots of information about which courses might require an interview or audition on STO.
You can also watch our interview webinars run by experts at Causeway Education for more guidance and advice.
OSCAR
Create an outstanding personal statement with OSCAR. The tool breaks everything down into stages and gives you question prompts to help you structure your ideas and write more effectively.
OSCAR
Produce an outstanding personal statement with OSCAR, our personal statement builder.
STO Chat
Find out what life after school or college is really like by asking Sutton Trust Alumni and current university students on STO Chat.
Not yet
Think about what else you could do and make a ‘plan B’ for your future. Try to discuss this with at least one person you trust, such as a teacher or close friend.
Write your personal statement
Have you finished your personal statement and made sure at least one person has proofread it?
Your mentor can help with this.
Meet Bill
Bill is Digital Programmes Officer. Since graduating, he's spent three years working in social mobility. His work covers all things STO, focusing on making the platform as impactful as possible. He's also a devoted football fan, dreaming of seeing his team Bristol City achieve promotion.
Funding
Apply for student finance or explore other funding options. If you're not sure, sign up for our live webinar on STO.
Decide
Decide on accommodation options for university and apply where needed.
Support for care-experienced students
Get tailored guidance on applying for, and settling into, university or an apprenticeship. Find out about the application, accommodation and financial support you may be eligible for, and learn about contextual offers and support available from universities and local authorities.
Understand
Find out who your training provider is and the structure of work vs learning.
Meet Ali
Ali is Senior Programmes Officer: Marketing & Communications at the Sutton Trust. Her role is to lead on all things marketing and communications for the programmes. Outside of work she loves theatre, photography and writing.
Navigating the highs and lows
STO has resources to help you understand more about your mental health and wellbeing and what steps you can take to improve it. You’ll find guidance on managing academic pressure, links to specialist mental health services and tailored support for LGBTQ+ students and students of colour.
Meet Jon
Jon is Head of University Access & Digital at the Sutton Trust, where he leads programmes that help students from all backgrounds go to post-18 pathways and succeed. In his free time, Jon enjoys playing football, training for a marathon and spending time with his family and friends.
Prepare
Start preparing for any interviews and assessment days you're offered. Don't forget to check out the support available on STO.
Complete your application
Make sure to complete your UCAS application by the relevant deadline. Need help? Don’t forget to sign up to our Apply Phase webinar.
Apply
Write your CV and give it to at least one person to proofread. Then, start applying for apprenticeship opportunities (if relevant).
Be ready
Don’t forget to check your emails regularly to see if you have an interview or audition offer.
If your interview or audition is in person, plan your journey beforehand and make sure you know how long it will take to get there.
If you’re meeting online, make sure you’ve got any equipment you need.
AVA
Practice and get interview-ready with AVA, an interactive AI interview coach.
Shortlist
Have you shortlisted the apprenticeships that you want to apply for?
Plan
Create a timeline of application deadlines for the universities and apprenticeships you like.
Support for students of colour
University can be an exciting time to meet new people and explore your identity. But sometimes parts of your identity – like ethnicity and race – can affect your experience in ways you're not expecting. That's why STO has resources, support and guidance specifically for students of colour.
Research
Learn more about the company culture by looking on your employer’s website.
Choose
Narrow down your options to five university and course choices.
Check out more tips on STO
Prepare
OSCAR has information on the types of questions you might be asked and the skills interviewers are looking for.
If you’re applying to Medicine, Dentistry or some Oxbridge subjects, you can also sign up for AI interview support. You’ll get access to AVA, an AI interview coach, as well as feedback on your communication, reasoning and confidence based on real admissions criteria. All for free!
Research
Research how studying at university is different to studying at school or college.
When do tests happen?
Most admissions tests take place between August and November the year before you’re due to start university. Make sure you know when the registration deadline is and where you’ll sit your test.
Webinars
Throughout the Explore and Apply phases you’ll have access to webinars on personal statements created in partnership with experts at Causeway Education.
Understand
Do the courses you're interested in have any additional requirements, such as tests or interviews? If so, you'll find more help and support during the STO programme.
Understand
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the different apprenticeship levels. Higher apprenticeships cover levels 4 to 7, and Degree apprenticeships are levels 6 and 7.
Support
Find out what support services, such as mental health services or support groups for students of colour, are available at your university.
Meet Mairead
Mairead is Digital Programmes Events and Content Manager, leading the STO webinar programme and developing new content, having previously mentored students to help them access top universities. In her spare time, she enjoys running, reading, and going to gigs!
Degrees and university
Most people who go to university after school or college will study for an undergraduate degree. Undergraduate degrees usually last 3 to 4 years and you will usually focus on one or two subjects you love.
Get support
You’ll find resources on STO to help you ace your admissions test, including: - Admissions test webinars run by experts
- Interactive modules on preparing for your test on OSCAR
- Access to mock papers
- Advice from alumni on STO Chat
Scholarships
Check to see whether you are eligible for any scholarships or bursaries and find out how to apply for these.
Events
Access exclusive events hosted by the STO team, educational experts and university partners covering everything from choosing your path to interviews, finances and results day.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn, gaining a qualification, a wage, and employment experience at the same time. You can study different levels of apprenticeships, including degree-level apprenticeships.
Yes!
That’s great news! Make sure you take time to think about whether it’s the right offer for you.
You also need to think about accommodation (if you need to move away from home) and your finances such as salary and associated costs.
You should read your contract and review the terms and conditions. That’s things like holiday and sick pay, trade unions, and health and safety.
Decide
Decide which universities you will be applying to. STO has content created by our partner universities to help you choose. You can also attend webinars run by the universities – find out more on STO.
Plan
Decide how you will keep track of assessments and record keeping when doing your apprenticeship.
Sutton Trust Online Student Handbook 2026
Caitlin Brown
Created on March 17, 2026
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Transcript
Sutton Trust Online Student Handbook 2026
Get started
Welcome to Sutton Trust Online
This guide will help you find out more about STO and all the support you can access.
Not got time to read the digital handbook right now?
To get going straight away with STO:
Sign up now!
Launch webinar: 29 April 2026
Join us to learn about your STO journey!
1. Find your activation email and log on.
2. Take the user profile quiz to personalise your journey.
3. Update your content preferences.
4. Start working through the STO Phases - starting with the Explore Phase.
What past students tell us
"I just wanted to say thank you so much for the Online Programme. From the very beginning, the resources and advice from the Sutton Trust have been so helpful."
"I really can't thank you enough ... I will put Sutton Trust Online on my UCAS application with pride."
"It is such a magnificent tool ... and has beyond helped me in choosing my course."
What is STO?
Guidance.
Advice.
Info.
Whatever you need, STO is here for all things university and apprenticeships.
We’ll help you Explore, Apply, Prepare and Succeed.
STO is also widely recognised by universities across the UK so taking part may even help flag you as eligible for contextual offers.
Ready to find out more?
Everything you need to succeed
The four phases - Explore, Apply, Prepare, Succeed - guide you through your journey to university and apprenticeships.
Dont miss out...
STO is packed with content and events from our university partners, including Cambridge, Edinburgh and many more. Check it out!
At the start of each phase, you'll take an interactive quiz that will help us personalise your journey so you get the best content for you!
And there's more...
OSCAR
Events
AVA
STO Chat
We're here every step of the way
Tap on the images to find out more about the STO team!
Key elements and dates
Explore
Apply
Prepare
Succeed
April to August 2026
September 2026 to January 2027
February to mid-July 2027
Mid-July to August 2027
Launch webinar: 29 April 2026
Sign up now!
UCAS application deadlines: Early entry – 15 October 2026 Regular entry – 13 January 2027
STO Chat
With STO Chat you can talk directly to Sutton Trust alumni and current university students at our partner universities about anything and everything to do with university, apprenticeships and careers.
Get advice to help you make decisions, tips on applying and find out what life after school or college is really like.
Not sure what to ask?
Go to STO Chat >
Explore Phase
Decide which post-18 option is right for you
April to August 2026
This is the kind of content you can expect in the Explore Phase!
In Explore we'll help you to:
Log in to STO >
University or apprenticeships?
STO has resources, tools and support for you whether you're thinking about university or apprenticeships – or you haven't decided yet
Degrees
Apprenticeships
Not sure yet?
Explore apprenticeships
Explore university
Explore University
Visit
Choose
Understand
Revise
Experience
Explore Apprenticeships
Understand
Create
Choose
Decide
Apply Phase
Everything you need to submit the best application possible
This is the kind of content you can expect in the Apply Phase!
In Apply you'll learn how to:
September 2026 to January 2027
Log in to STO >
Apply for university
Decide
Write
Complete
Revise
Prepare
Apply for apprenticeships
Shortlist
Plan
Apply
Understand
Prepare
Personal statements and UCAS information
On STO you'll get advice, resources and tools to help you with your university application
OSCAR
Webinars
Mentoring
University admissions test support
Some universities and courses require you to sit an admissions test to assess your suitability for the course. Your test score is then considered alongside your application and grades to determine whether you’ll be offered a place.
When?
Get support
Interviews and auditions support
Depending on the university and course you’re applying to, you may need to attend an interview or audition. These help the university decide if you’re a good fit for the course you’ve applied for. Some interviews are informal and chatty whereas others, such as MMIs for Medicine, can feel more like an assessment.
Interviews and auditions are the last hurdle in securing an offer, so be prepared and give yourself the best chance of doing well!
Ask
Learn
Prepare
Be ready
Don't forget...
Prepare Phase
Get ready for university or your apprenticeship.
February to mid-July 2027
This is the kind of content you can expect in the Prepare Phase!
In Prepare you'll learn how to:
Log in to STO >
Prepare for university
Choices
Funding
Scholarships
Decisions
Prepare for apprenticeships
Remember to use your timeline of opportunities to keep applying to apprenticeships at the right time. Have you received any apprenticeship offers?
Not yet
Yes
Succeed Phase
You’re nearly there! Time to set yourself up for success.
This is the kind of content you can expect in the Succeed Phase!
Mid-July to August 2027
In Succeed we'll cover how you can:
Log in to STO >
University or apprenticeships?
Whichever route you've chosen, make sure you understand:
What your financial situation is
What happens on results day
TIP: create a back-up plan in case you don't get the grades you're expecting
TIP: create a budget for next year. Make sure it includes rent, food, socialising, travel and course equipment.
Succeed at university
Succeed in apprenticeships
Succeed at university
Choose
Support
Research
Chat
Succeed in apprenticeships
Understand
Plan
Read
Prepare
Research
Support made for you
Planning and getting ready for your next steps at university or in the workplace is an exciting time. But it can also be a lot. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Being a student of colour in higher education
Support for care-experienced students
Looking after your mental wellbeing
Ready to get started?
Simply activate your account and fill out your STO profile.
Don't forget, the STO team is here to help!
Log in to STO
You could start with...
Mentoring
You can also apply for a personal statement mentor who will discuss your course choices and university options with you and support you to write an excellent personal statement. There are limited spaces, so keep an eye out for an email when applications open!
Meet Caitlin
Caitlin is Senior Digital Programmes and Platform Manager at the Sutton Trust, overseeing the Sutton Trust Online programme. Her main hobbies are reading sci-fi and fantasy books, listening to and writing music and watching cat videos.
Your user profile
Your user profile helps us to provide the most relevant information for you based on your confidence levels and whether you're planning on applying to university, apprenticeships or both. To personalise your STO journey, head to the user profile quiz in the 'Get started' section
Complete the user profile quiz
Meet Marissa
Marissa is Programmes Assistant at the Sutton Trust, supporting the delivery of the UK Summer Schools and Sutton Trust Online programmes. In her free time, you are likely to find Marissa playing the piano, crocheting or reading.
Choose
Pick a suitable firm and insurance choice.
Need help? Sign up to our Prepare phase webinar
Visit
Make sure to visit at least two universities. Many universities offer financial support, like travel bursaries, to help you attend. Check with the admissions department. It’s a good idea to make notes about what you like when you visit – and what you don’t!
Read
Read over your job description and any other documents you’ve received from your employer.
Chat
Speak to at least one current student to get tips and advice for your first week at university. Don’t forget STO Chat is here to help!
Admissions tests
Will you need to sit any admissions tests for your university and course choices? Join our expert-led webinars and complete OSCAR modules to boost your confidence.
Create
Set up a ‘Find an apprenticeship’ account on the government website.
Understand
Make a list of what is involved in the application process for each opportunity you're interested in.
Choose
Choose three industries or employers you'd like to apply to – and find out when applications open. Don’t forget there's lots of advice on STO to help you decide.
Revise
Have you created and implemented a revision plan for any admissions tests you need to sit? Don’t forget OSCAR can help you prepare.
Experience
Think about what kind of university experience you want. For example, do you want a campus or city university? To live at home or move away?
Decide
Decide whether you want to apply to university too.
Ask
Get advice from students who have been there on STO Chat. You could ask for tips on preparing for an interview or audition. Practice makes perfect! Make sure you practice interview questions with someone else at least twice or perform a mock audition in front of at least one person.
Prepare
If you’ve been offered a university interview, don’t forget OSCAR and AVA are here to help you prepare.
Choose
Find at least one society you might like to take part in at your chosen university. Societies are clubs of students who share the same interests. Everything from sports to creative groups and more!
Prepare
Get ready for your first day by making sure you know the key things like start time, dress code and journey time.
How to activate your account
If you haven’t activated your account already, look for an email titled Activate your Sutton Trust Online Account! and login using the temporary login details. Make sure you don't accidentally add any spaces when you copy and paste the password.
Need help? Visit the helpdesk
Learn
You’ll find lots of information about which courses might require an interview or audition on STO. You can also watch our interview webinars run by experts at Causeway Education for more guidance and advice.
OSCAR
Create an outstanding personal statement with OSCAR. The tool breaks everything down into stages and gives you question prompts to help you structure your ideas and write more effectively.
OSCAR
Produce an outstanding personal statement with OSCAR, our personal statement builder.
STO Chat
Find out what life after school or college is really like by asking Sutton Trust Alumni and current university students on STO Chat.
Not yet
Think about what else you could do and make a ‘plan B’ for your future. Try to discuss this with at least one person you trust, such as a teacher or close friend.
Write your personal statement
Have you finished your personal statement and made sure at least one person has proofread it? Your mentor can help with this.
Meet Bill
Bill is Digital Programmes Officer. Since graduating, he's spent three years working in social mobility. His work covers all things STO, focusing on making the platform as impactful as possible. He's also a devoted football fan, dreaming of seeing his team Bristol City achieve promotion.
Funding
Apply for student finance or explore other funding options. If you're not sure, sign up for our live webinar on STO.
Decide
Decide on accommodation options for university and apply where needed.
Support for care-experienced students
Get tailored guidance on applying for, and settling into, university or an apprenticeship. Find out about the application, accommodation and financial support you may be eligible for, and learn about contextual offers and support available from universities and local authorities.
Understand
Find out who your training provider is and the structure of work vs learning.
Meet Ali
Ali is Senior Programmes Officer: Marketing & Communications at the Sutton Trust. Her role is to lead on all things marketing and communications for the programmes. Outside of work she loves theatre, photography and writing.
Navigating the highs and lows
STO has resources to help you understand more about your mental health and wellbeing and what steps you can take to improve it. You’ll find guidance on managing academic pressure, links to specialist mental health services and tailored support for LGBTQ+ students and students of colour.
Meet Jon
Jon is Head of University Access & Digital at the Sutton Trust, where he leads programmes that help students from all backgrounds go to post-18 pathways and succeed. In his free time, Jon enjoys playing football, training for a marathon and spending time with his family and friends.
Prepare
Start preparing for any interviews and assessment days you're offered. Don't forget to check out the support available on STO.
Complete your application
Make sure to complete your UCAS application by the relevant deadline. Need help? Don’t forget to sign up to our Apply Phase webinar.
Apply
Write your CV and give it to at least one person to proofread. Then, start applying for apprenticeship opportunities (if relevant).
Be ready
Don’t forget to check your emails regularly to see if you have an interview or audition offer. If your interview or audition is in person, plan your journey beforehand and make sure you know how long it will take to get there. If you’re meeting online, make sure you’ve got any equipment you need.
AVA
Practice and get interview-ready with AVA, an interactive AI interview coach.
Shortlist
Have you shortlisted the apprenticeships that you want to apply for?
Plan
Create a timeline of application deadlines for the universities and apprenticeships you like.
Support for students of colour
University can be an exciting time to meet new people and explore your identity. But sometimes parts of your identity – like ethnicity and race – can affect your experience in ways you're not expecting. That's why STO has resources, support and guidance specifically for students of colour.
Research
Learn more about the company culture by looking on your employer’s website.
Choose
Narrow down your options to five university and course choices.
Check out more tips on STO
Prepare
OSCAR has information on the types of questions you might be asked and the skills interviewers are looking for. If you’re applying to Medicine, Dentistry or some Oxbridge subjects, you can also sign up for AI interview support. You’ll get access to AVA, an AI interview coach, as well as feedback on your communication, reasoning and confidence based on real admissions criteria. All for free!
Research
Research how studying at university is different to studying at school or college.
When do tests happen?
Most admissions tests take place between August and November the year before you’re due to start university. Make sure you know when the registration deadline is and where you’ll sit your test.
Webinars
Throughout the Explore and Apply phases you’ll have access to webinars on personal statements created in partnership with experts at Causeway Education.
Understand
Do the courses you're interested in have any additional requirements, such as tests or interviews? If so, you'll find more help and support during the STO programme.
Understand
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the different apprenticeship levels. Higher apprenticeships cover levels 4 to 7, and Degree apprenticeships are levels 6 and 7.
Support
Find out what support services, such as mental health services or support groups for students of colour, are available at your university.
Meet Mairead
Mairead is Digital Programmes Events and Content Manager, leading the STO webinar programme and developing new content, having previously mentored students to help them access top universities. In her spare time, she enjoys running, reading, and going to gigs!
Degrees and university
Most people who go to university after school or college will study for an undergraduate degree. Undergraduate degrees usually last 3 to 4 years and you will usually focus on one or two subjects you love.
Get support
You’ll find resources on STO to help you ace your admissions test, including:- Admissions test webinars run by experts
- Interactive modules on preparing for your test on OSCAR
- Access to mock papers
- Advice from alumni on STO Chat
Scholarships
Check to see whether you are eligible for any scholarships or bursaries and find out how to apply for these.
Events
Access exclusive events hosted by the STO team, educational experts and university partners covering everything from choosing your path to interviews, finances and results day.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn, gaining a qualification, a wage, and employment experience at the same time. You can study different levels of apprenticeships, including degree-level apprenticeships.
Yes!
That’s great news! Make sure you take time to think about whether it’s the right offer for you. You also need to think about accommodation (if you need to move away from home) and your finances such as salary and associated costs. You should read your contract and review the terms and conditions. That’s things like holiday and sick pay, trade unions, and health and safety.
Decide
Decide which universities you will be applying to. STO has content created by our partner universities to help you choose. You can also attend webinars run by the universities – find out more on STO.
Plan
Decide how you will keep track of assessments and record keeping when doing your apprenticeship.