Your favourite subject, a whole new perspective. Inspiring Excellence courses are subject-specific residential courses for high ability A-level students.
Our courses are unique and challenging, taught in a university style and, with Inspiring Excellence courses running for more than 50 years, they are proven to make a lasting, transformative impact on your education and career. Each course lasts five days and you will stay at our university campus style accommodation, located just outside Cambridge. Most courses feature a trip and all of your meals and evening activities are included.
Please click here for an at-a-glance 2019/20 course overview.
If you are a teacher or work for a school, please sign up to our Inspiring Excellence emails to receive regular updates about our courses.
Benefits of Inspiring Excellence Courses
- Taught by expert tutors who deliver cutting-edge material
- Work with like-minded students from across the country
- Develop your academic and personal skills using our Skills for Success model, which is highly regarded by universities and employers
- Realise the potential and career opportunities of your favourite subject
- Mention on UCAS applications, use in your personal statement and on CVs
- 98.7% of students rated their courses as good or excellent
97% of students felt their passion for the subject had increased
91.5% of Inspiring Excellence students improved at least five Skills for Success, such as problem solving and teamwork
Inspiring Excellence students
National Average
Students going to university
88%
with 80% of those going to a leading university
34%
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cost of an Inspiring Excellence course?
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the participant's contribution towards the cost is subsidised at £325 per course. This includes accommodation, meals, tuition and any trips or visits. Students at fee paying schools will need to pay the full cost of £817. If your application for a course is successful we will invoice your school.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, payment plans will be considered on an individual basis, so please do let us know if this is something that might be helpful to you.
How do I apply?
- Your school can nominate up to three students per course.
- Complete an application form and submit it to us. We are happy to accept students right up until the week before course starts, although earlier applications allow us to send out the course information pack in good time. There is also a waiting list should the course be full.
- Spaces are offered on a first come, first serve basis, assuming the students meet our criteria. Many of our courses are extremely popular, so we highly recommend prompt nominations, if possible.
Are there entry requirements?
Yes, the entry requirements are:
- You are an A-level student with the potential to gain an A*-B at A-level or equivalent.
- If you meet one of our eligibility criteria, such as being the first in your family to go to higher education, your household income is lower than £33,000 or you are a carer, your application will be prioritised.
Where do I stay during my course?
Inspiring Excellence courses are five day residential courses. You will stay on our dedicated campus designed to closely represent life at university. Visit our staying with us page to learn more about our facilities and what it's like at Villiers Park.
How is a typical course structured?
Typically, courses are a mixture of seminars, lectures, presentations, mini workshops, visits and guest speakers. Your days will be packed - starting from 09.15 'til 20.00, but there will be breaks within that schedule. Most meals are served on site, unless you're on a trip. You can learn more about the facilities on site on our staying on a student residential page.
Who will my tutors be?
Our tutors come from a variety of backgrounds, for example PhD students, university lecturers or people who work in a relevant industry. We source the best tutors, who are experts in their field and passionate about sharing their subject knowledge. Read our article 'What makes a Villiers Park tutor' if you'd like to learn more.
What happens after Villiers Park?
Once you've attended an Inspiring Excellence course, you will become one of our alumni. This gives you access to:
- Relevant opportunities from third parties, such as internships or career opportunities. You can continue to access our Opportunities Board.
- Staying in touch with our latest news, if you sign up to our e-newsletter.
- Sharing your story with us, which may be used as a case study in a document or on our website.
Upcoming Courses
Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics to Biocatalysts
11 - 15 December 2019
This course sets out to inspire and challenge you in a non-competitive environment, mixing with like-minded students from across the UK and tutored by two subject experts.
Find Out More
Physics: Frontiers in Physics
16 - 20 December 2019
A wide-ranging course to expand students' knowledge of physics, from experimental to computational and theoretical
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Approaches to English Literature: Texts and Theory
6 - 10 January 2020
Using British and American texts, this course will help students develop critical skills in approaching literature and literary theory.
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French and Spanish: Language, Culture and Identity
20 - 24 January 2020
Develop a passion for language and culture on this brand new course, designed to further the appreciation of French and Spanish.
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Humanities: Geography and History
3 - 7 February 2020
An exciting opportunity for A-level students to study Geography or History at university level on this brand new course at Villiers Park, led by expert tutors.
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Psychology: Forensic and Social Psychology
17 - 21 February 2020
Your introduction to social psychology and understanding the ways in which an individual thinks, feels and behaves in relation to their social environment. Topics discussed will in...
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Computer Science
2 - 6 March 2020
Computing is part of everything we do. Let us introduce you to fundamental theories of computer science and current developments in the field, and develop your practical skills suc...
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Law: Criminal Issues
16 - 20 March 2020
Does criminology intrigue you? Gain an oversight into the different processes that make up the Criminal Justice system, examine case studies, and develop the skills needed to succe...
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Physics: How the Universe Lives and Dies
30 March 2020
Over five days learn about the birth, evolution and death of planets, stars, galaxies and the universe and expand your experience and knowledge of physics and astronomy.
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Creative Writing: Finding Your Voice
20 - 24 April 2020
This course is perfect for people who love writing in all manner of genres from poetry to non-fiction. You will be introduced to a range of strategies to help you develop your skil...
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Neuroscience: Understanding the Brain
11 - 15 May 2020
An introduction to the mechanisms of drug action and the structure and function of the brain and central nervous system. You will consider methods of studying the brain. It wi...
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Applied Mathematics
13 - 17 July 2020
Gain a deeper understanding of maths during this dynamic and challenging week. Consider the practical applications of mathematics to solve real world problems.
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Find out more about Inspiring Excellence
Deborah Richardson - Programme Director
Deborah and her colleague Sally Brady plan and manage the Inspiring Excellence Programme. We'd love to welcome students from schools across the UK to our courses, so please do get in touch with questions if you have them. Please click here for an at-a-glance 2019/20 course overview.
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Inspiring Excellence news and updates
Produced for teachers and school staff, our Inspiring Excellence emails include the latest course information and news relating to education at Villiers Park.
What's it like at Villiers Park?
What's it like at Villiers Park?
What's it like at Villiers Park?
Staying with us for a residential course
Find out all information you need about staying with us at Villiers Park, including accommodation, food, our facilities and what to pack.