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 Skills4Success 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
94% 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
27.9%
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 bursaries?
Yes, but we have a limited number available. If you meet our qualifying criteria, for example being in receipt of free school meals or your family income is less than £33,000 per annum, you are eligible to apply for a bursary.
When submitting your application form it must be accompanied by a letter from your school/college requesting a bursary and we will arrange the rest.
How do I apply?
- Your school can nominate up to three students per course.
- Complete an application form and submit it eight weeks before the course start date (as specified on each course page).
- 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.
Please download our guidance notes to assist you with the application process.
Are there entry requirements?
Yes, the entry requirements are:
- You are an A-level student with the potential to gain an A or A* 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
Neuroscience: Understanding the Brain
9 - 13 September 2019
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...
Find Out More
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
30 September 2019
An inter-disciplinary course which combines inspiring and challenging study from three subjects.
Find Out More
Economics
7 - 11 October 2019
An engaging course where students have the opportunity to analyse real world solutions and discover how economic theories can be applied to provide solutions
Find Out More
Cell Biology and Genetics
21 - 25 October 2019
A course to challenge and engage students in biological concepts and topics that they might not have been exposed to before
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Mathematics: Chaos or Clear Cut?
4 - 8 November 2019
Does mathematics hold the answers to nature, the universe, and life?
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Engineering
18 - 22 November 2019
An opportunity for students to understand the wide range of skills that underpin modern engineering practice
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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.
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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.
Find Out More
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.