At Hampstead School, we believe learning goes far beyond the classroom. We encourage our students to get involved in a wide range of projects, programmes, and experiences that help them grow, connect with the community, and develop new skills.
We regularly update this page with exciting opportunities that are local, affordable, and valuable for your career and personal development. From volunteering and work experience to creative workshops and competitions, there’s something for everyone.
Please be aware that these opportunities are provided by external organisations. Hampstead School is not responsible for the content or delivery of these activities.
Check back often to see what’s new! If you would like us to share your opportunity with our students, or if you know of an exciting opportunity that we haven't included, please email us at enquiries@hampsteadschool.org.uk.
Current Opportunities
These opportunities are listed by event date, and some may have application deadlines several months in advance. Please check each link for complete details as early as possible.
Many of these opportunities reach us from My Big Career. Those aged 16-21 ca speak with them about education and employment pathways: click here for more information.
Summer Holiday at the Winch
Topic:
Date: Monday 21 July to Friday 22 August
Location: Belsize
Years: Ages 11 to 16
About: You can come to the holiday programme if you’re secondary school age during the summer holidays. It’s a relaxed and fun space and there are different days aimed at different age groups or sessions. The sessions are usually split into ages 11-12 or 13-16. There are a lot of sports sessions, trips every week, creative arts and crafts activities and drop in sessions throughout the whole summer. There are spaces and sessions on some days that are female only. You don’t have to be stuck in front of a screen all summer. Come to the holiday programme, meet new people and see what you could be doing.
Details: email Reece@thewinch.org or call 07761 956806
Earn, save and invest this summer
Topic: Financial planning workshop
Date: 15 July, 16:00 to 18:00
Location: Euston Skills Centre, Starcross Street NW1 2HR
Years: 9 to 11
About: Led by money experts, MoneyCircuit, in this workshop you'll learn how to earn, save and invest your money over the summer, and start to develop healthy money habits for the future. Teaching is through a gamified and scenario-based format.
Study Programme Open Event: Barbering OR Hair & Beauty
Topic: Work experience
Date: Wednesday 16 July, 16:00 to 19:00
Years: 10 to 13
About: Gain the skills you need for your dream job in the hair and beauty industry by learning in a real salon environment.
Details: Click here for more information and to register
University for the Creative Arts Farnham - Free Year 10 Taster Days
Topic: Creative Workshops
Date: 24 to 25 July
Years: 10
About: Take part in creative workshops, experience a university campus and work with professional artists! Applications close Wednesday 16 July.
Details: https://www.uca.ac.uk/study-at-uca/heon/taster-days/
Camden Summer University
Topic: Various
Years: 8 to 13
About: CSU are offering our usual wide range of FREE ACTIVITIES all summer long, courses ranging from Bubble Tea Making to Vegan Cooking; Creative Writing, Clay making and Fashion Design. To get involved you must be eligible. Young people must be aged between 13 to 19, and live in the London Borough of Camden or study at a Camden Maintained School.
Details: https://www.cmdn.co.uk/
Young Leaders Path Programme
Topic: Work Experience
Date: 28 July to 1 August
Years 11 to 13
About: Fitch Group is running the third year of their Young Leaders Path Program, which provides Year 11 to 13 students with a week-long program of technical and professional skills building, while also showcasing what a corporate office environment entails. The program can be a stepping stone towards their Financial Services Career Accelerator 10 week accredited program, and will cover 1) Future Work Readiness, 2) Financial Education, 3) Technology and Digital Literacy, and 4) Glocal Citizens and Wellbeing. This placement will run from their offices in Canary Wharf from 28th July to 1st August for a group of 35 students. 27 June application deadline.
Details: Interested students should contact Ms Morrell.
Future Cities
Topic: Engineering
Dates: 28 to 30 July
Years: 12
About: This course invites students to discover how engineering plays a pivotal role in keeping our cities safer, cleaner, and more sustainable. During the course, students will:
- Harness water to generate renewable energy
- Discover the impact of autonomous vehicles
- Design and build a bridge, learning about structural performance
All materials needed for this course will be delivered to the student’s home address. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain valuable experience that can be added to their UCAS personal statement.
Details: Find out more
Engineering Experience Warwick (residential)
Topic: Engineering
Dates: 5 to 7 August
Years: students aged 12 to 14
About: This three-day residential course introduces students to three different engineering topics they could study further in higher education. During the course, students will:
- Design and build a hydrogen car
- Learn how to program LEGO® SPIKE™ Prime robots using a block-based application
- Design and build a bridge
Students will stay in student accommodation on site. All catering and accommodation will be provided. In the evenings, students will take part in a range of fun evening activities, including games and quizzes.
Details: Find out more
Fashion Retail Academy Summer School
Topic: Fashion Design
Dates: 29 July to 7 August
Years: 9 to 13
About: This is an opportunity for students aged 14-17 with an interest in following a pathway towards fashion. The programme focusses on sustainability, up-cycling, graphic design and marketing. There will be the opportunity to visit a fashion brand during the week as well as learning about working in a fashion environment and the fashion industry.
Details: Click here for more information or to apply.
Youth Wellbeing Day
Topic: Community Event
Date: 17 August
About: Join us for a fun filled day of dance, music and performances. Open to young people and their families.
Details: https://juliancampbellfoundation.org/w/
Human Habitat on Mars
Topic: Science
Dates: 20 to 22 August
Years: 10 and 11
About: Join us on this three-day virtual course, where students will be introduced to the following:
- Aerospace: Design and build a prototype rocket
- Biomedical: Build a pulse sensor using Arduino boards
- Computer Science: Learn about the power of quantum computing
All materials needed for this course will be delivered to the student’s home address. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain valuable experience and get a glimpse of university life from the comfort of their own home.
Details: Find out more
Junior Chef Academy
Topic: Cooking
Dates: course starts September 2025
Years: 10 and 11
About: The course takes place over 10 weeks, with the final week being the Graduation Ceremony hosted by the students, where they will design, prepare and cook their own special menu for several guests, including their families. The students will learn cooking skills, master culinary techniques and food safety in a fun and interactive environment.
Details: Find out more
Registration: https://forms.microsoft.com/e/Zni16F6xm2
Q5 Youth Panel 2025-26
Topic: Work experience
Deadline: 14/09/2025
Years: Sixth Form
About: Q5 are a Management Consultancy firm that works with businesses to help them solve a range of problems, from how they are organised to what their business strategy should be. They are recruiting for their advisory board of Sixth Form students who share their views, expectations and insight on business challenges faced by Q5 Partners and their clients.
Details: https://apply.workable.com/q5-partners/j/6C32A219C0/
UK University and Apprenticeship Search Fair
Topic: Post-graduation opportunities
Date: 15 October
Years: any
About: This exciting and informative event will provide attendees with the opportunity to speak to a multitude of universities including; Russell Group, red brick, specialist and modern universities. Students will also be able to talk to a variety of the UK’s best apprenticeship providers, HE colleges, specialist institutions, and student related organisations. The fair is for students of all abilities and aims to widen participation as well as cater for higher academic achievers. Email jude@ukuniversitysearch.co.uk to find out more and/or book places.
Details: https://www.ukuniversitysearch.com/storage/app/uploads/public/67a/cbe/a44/67acbea44476b042516122.pdf
What University? & What Career? Live returns to Olympia London on 14 & 15 November
Topic: Post-graduation opportunities
Date: 14 and 15 November
Years: 11 to 13
Abouts: This free event offers your Year 11 – 13 students the chance to explore their school leaver options, all under one roof. Book your school trip today to give your students the opportunity to: ● Chat to top universities and leading employers, including Aon, Swansea University, JLR, University of Kent, British Airways, University of Oxford, Coca-Cola and many more ● Get one-to-one advice from career experts ● Watch 35 + inspiring talks, covering everything from applying for an apprenticeship through to student finance ● Take part in interactive skills workshops, and much more! This free event enables you to meet Gatsby Benchmarks 5 & 7. Plus, travel subsidies are available for group bookings (T’s & c’s apply). Spaces are limited, we advise booking your school trip ASAP to secure your preferred timeslot
Details: Click here to book
Ongoing Opportunities
Aaron Evans Architects
Topic: Architecture, Work Experience
Years: 12 to 13
About: Individually arranged work experience at their London office. Website says they like to offer work experience to sixth form students, but don’t have a set format for it.
Details: http://www.aaronevans.com/Work_Experience
British Army
Topic: Work Experience
Years: 14 to 18 year olds
About: Students keen to explore careers in the Army can book onto our four-day residential work experience. For 14-18 year olds, the programme develops teamwork, leadership, confidence and resilience. This is a great way for students to get a taste of Army life and fully appreciate the wealth of career opportunities.
Details: https://jobs.army.mod.uk/base/
Cambridge Arts Theatre
Topic: Theatre management
Years: ages 16 – 25
About: 1 week placements run throughout the year. Experience will usually include technical, front of house, box office, finance, marketing. Very competitive, so apply as early as possible and at least six months in advance. Application involves sending CV and letter, then an interview.
Details: https://www.cambridgeartstheatre.com/discover-more/work-experience
KPMG Work Experience programme
Topic: Work Experience, Consulting
Years: 13
About: student work experience programmes have been designed to help you learn, develop and discover more about what it’s like to work at KPMG. Our programmes are a perfect opportunity for year 13/S5-S6 students to gain professional work experience, get an insight into our diverse teams and explore the variety of career opportunities we offer. We’ll inspire you to grow through your experience with us, helping you to develop new skills, build your confidence, make new friends and broaden your professional network. You’ll get a first-hand view into the projects we work on, the businesses we work with and the work we do that makes a positive difference for our clients, people and the communities we serve. Bring your unique perspective, curiosity and ambitions to our KPMG community, and we’ll empower you to uncover a world of career opportunities.
Details: https://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/apprentice/work-experience/discovery-work-experience/
Nuffield placements
Topic: Science
Years: 12
About: 4 – 6 week placements over the summer holidays, usually in university research facilities. Over 1,000 placements each year, working alongside professional scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians. Probably the most highly regarded experience for would-be science and engineering students. Highly competitive, but no particular grades required. Must be studying STEM subjects at A Level (science, technology, engineering, maths). Preference given to students who are the first in their family to attend university, but anyone can apply
Details: https://www.stem.org.uk/placements
Online subject tasters from the University of Sheffield
Topic: Open Day
About: These subject taster sessions offer you an opportunity to experience a university lecture or seminar, to get a taste of what studying that subject at university is like. Available for Year 12 and 13 students, there are a wide range of subjects to choose from and sessions are delivered online (and some on- campus.)
Details: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/visit/subject-tasters
Open University Free Courses
Topic: Various
About: OpenLearn from the Open University. The Open University are offering a number of free badged courses that cover a range of core subjects and professional competencies essential for the modern workplace. These include “Managing my money for young adults” and “COVID-19: Immunology, vaccines and epidemiology” amongst others.
Details: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/badged-courses
Vodafone
Topic: Telecommunications, Work Experience
Years: unspecified
About: 1 week placement, experience across all departments of the business. Email to register your interest groupworkexperience@vodafone.com