FAQ's
Need to know more or get in touch? We hope that you will find out all you need to know on our website - so have a look here and see if your question is answered. Otherwise please see below for our contact details, should you have a question that relates to your own very specific circumstances.
How do I apply?
You can register online by clicking here. Then fill out and print the Application Form as it has areas for your school and parents to complete. When we have received your completed Application Form, we will let you know whether we can provide a place on a Headstart course: this will be in March/April of the year in which the courses take place for summer courses.
When do courses start and finish?
You will usually 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.
Where are courses located?
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 on the courses page.
Where will I be staying?
Headstart is a residential summer school, and you will stay in typical undergraduate accommodation at the university.
Can I choose where I attend?
Yes, but it is not always possible to fit everyone into one of their 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.
I am 18 years old, can I still apply?
The courses are aimed at students who are currently in Year 12/S5 (aged 17) However, you may send in an application if you are 18, but you need to be aware that, although you are of age, you will have to obey our no drinking/smoking policy.
I did not do AS/A2 exams. Do you accept IB, IGCSE and other qualifications?
Yes, we accept all qualifications equal to AS and A2 level exams.
Do you accept international students or students from the EU?
We do accept international students, however, due to Headstart being heavily subsidised by British companies, British national students will be given priority.
How much do the courses cost?
The cost of each course is included in the course code. For example the course code for Cardiff is CAR/255, meaning that the course is £255. We define a home student as someone who holds both a British passport and whose home address (family residence) is in the UK. if you cannot fulfil both criteria, we class you as an international student and will charge you an unsubsidised rate of £370. We reserve the right to ask you for evidence of your nationality or your home address to make sure that we charge you the correct course fee.
Can l attend more than one course?
Due to the popularity of the courses, we can only allocate one course place per student.
If l send my application in early do l have a better chance of getting a place?
We were unable to allocate over 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.
I have printed my form but noticed some mistakes and cannot get back to my form to correct them, what do I do?
Hand-write any corrections on the form and we will make the changes when we receive it in the post.
I have forgotten my username/password, what do I do?
Call the Headstart office on 01707 871505 and we will re-set it for you. DO NOT create a new account.
When l go to step 4 the screen freezes and l cannot print my form
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.
I have printed the form but have now changed my course priority, how do I change it on my application form?
Simply hand-write the corrections to your course choices on the printed form and we will make the changes when we receive it.
I’m studying for my AS Levels at the moment – should l record these under current course of study as AS or A level?
Record your courses under AS Level and, for those you are planning to continue to A2 Level, record under this option also.
Can the Headstart courses be used for the residential part of my Duke of Edinburgh Award?
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.
How do we get our Duke of Edinburgh log books signed?
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.
Do I need to take notes or will I need any specialist knowledge?
Yes, you will need to bring a notebook with you but you won't be expected to know anything that wasn't covered in your first year of A levels / Scottish Standards.
Will I need to bring towels etc?
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.
Do I need to bring specialist protective clothing?
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.
What recreational activities are there in the evening?
Each university plans its own activities, which may include bowling, cinema trips, restaurants, sporting events, quiz evenings, karaoke etc.
Am I allowed to drink/smoke?
No. Alcohol is not allowed & smoking is prohobited on university premises.
Can I bring my car?
Universities are not keen to encourage cars on their premises, and you are strongly urged to leave any cars and motorcycles at home.
Are refunds available if I change my mind?
Refunds are not available, as stated in the acceptance form and contract.
Can I stay the night before the course starts?
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.
Can I bring my laptop?
We strongly advise that you do not bring any valuable belongings with you as they may be damaged or lost.
Are we able to leave the course at any time?
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.
Can I swap courses if I change my mind about the place I accept?
You can cancel your place at any time but we cannot guarantee that an alternative will be available.
When will we know if we have been given a place?
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.
Can I travel daily to the course if it is local to where I live?
As the courses are residential courses, and will include evening activities to participate in, you are not permitted to leave the course.
Can my friend go on the same course as me?
Unfortunately we are usually 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.
Are there opportunities for sponsorship afterwards?
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.
Do you run courses during any other time of year, such as the autumn half term?
Not as yet. All of our courses run during summer, with the exception of our two focus courses in Easter.
Need to get in touch? If you need to contact us about something important, we would ask that you please email us at info@headstartcourses.org.uk and allow us to respond, ideally within 24 hours. If you need to contact us urgently you can get in touch with us by phone on 01707-871505. Please note that during very busy periods we switch our answerphone on, but we do collect messages throughout the day and promise to get back in touch as quickly as we can. Please do not call our other regional offices about your Headstart query - we're the only ones who'll be able to help you!
Date Published: January 27, 2012
