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.
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
Physics: How the Universe Lives and Dies
18 - 22 March 2019
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
1 - 5 April 2019
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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Computer Science
8 - 12 April 2019
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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STEP preparation
8 - 10 April 2019
Intensive residential course for A2 level Mathematics students applying to universities requiring the STEP examination.
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Neuroscience: Understanding the Brain
7 - 11 May 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...
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Biology: Ecology and Evolution
3 - 7 June 2019
Consider how organisms interact with one another and their physical environment. Topics may include Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Molecular Ecology, Behavioural Ecology and Popula...
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Hidden Histories: Sourcing the Past
10 - 14 June 2019
From the fall of Rome to the transatlantic slave trade, this course will encourage you to investigate the challenges involved in historical research, within an interdisciplinary fr...
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Applied Mathematics
24 - 28 June 2019
Gain a deeper understanding of maths during this dynamic and challenging week. Consider the nature of proof and the extent to which Mathematics can provide clear cut answers to nat...
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English Literature
1 - 5 July 2019
'We know what we are, but know not what we may be.' Develop critical skills in approaching literature, drama and critical theory and explore the historical contexts that shape...
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Forensic Science
15 - 19 July 2019
Your introduction to forensic science as a discipline and profession, learn about the biological and chemical methods used in forensic studies and explore topics such as forensic p...
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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.
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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.