The Medical Schools Council (MSC) and Dental Schools Council (DSC) Summer Schools provide opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to explore careers in medicine and dentistry. Since 2019, more than 2,000 students have taken part, gaining insight into healthcare careers, university life, and the admissions process.
462 students took part in 2024 against a target of 300. The programme included residential, commuter and online options.
75% of medicine participants and 56% of dentistry participants met at least three eligibility criteria.
Around two-thirds came from the most deprived areas. Half were eligible for free school meals.
Between 8% and 12% were young carers, compared with a national figure of 0.6%.
Participation included significantly more Asian and Black students than in the general population of England. The majority of participants were female, reflecting wider application trends.
Confidence in applying rose by 13% for medicine participants and 18% for dentistry participants. Students reported feeling more capable of succeeding at university.
Understanding of healthcare careers improved by 10% among medicine participants and 26% among dentistry participants.
Residential programmes provided immersive “mini medical school” experiences. Student ambassadors were highlighted as important role models. Participants developed skills in communication, teamwork, and clinical practice.
Recruitment from medicine “cold spots” was lower than in 2023 (29% compared with 37%).
Some students voiced concerns about future workload and stress.
Others asked for more flexible attendance policies and greater support with university applications, particularly personal statements.
Focus recruitment efforts on medicine cold spot areas and gather equivalent data for dentistry.
Consider introducing a centralised application process for future years.
Strengthen evaluation, including long-term tracking of student outcomes.
Enhance the experiential aspects of online programmes.
Continue to work with schools, teachers and charities to reach priority groups.
