Workshop
A week-long summer programme in London, Birmingham or Manchester for Y12 students to get hands-on experience in data science and AI.
Secondary
The Turing Summer Experience is a series of funded Data Science and Artificial Intelligence week-long programmes for Year 12 students. They will take place in Manchester, Birmingham and London during August 2026, and run by the Alan Turing Institute in partnership with the UK’s intelligence agencies – MI5, GCHQ, SIS (MI6) and the Ministry of Defence (the Defence AI Centre and DSTL) – and The Brilliant Club.
Manchester: 3-7 August 2026
Birmingham: 10-14 August 2026
London: 17-21 August 2026
Through an exciting programme of practical learning, activities and challenges, participants will get hands-on experience supported by experts in the field and be introduced to the huge range of study and career options in Data Science and AI, including in the intelligence agencies and in defence.
Students will explore how these tools are used in real-world contexts, including how data science and AI is used to support national security.
This programme is fully funded with free breakfast and lunch. Support with travel expenses will be provided.
Students apply individually, and the deadline for applications is 19 June.
Participants will:
- Work on solving problems with other like-minded young people with practical hands-on application of learnt skills
- Develop a space to collaborate online using tools such as GitHub
- Find out about the wide range of career paths in the sector, including in the intelligence agencies and defence
- Learn more about current topics in the sector such as ethics and biases
- Get support with thinking about future study and work opportunities and how to talk about the experience on a personal statement or job application.
To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:
- To be able to commute into central Manchester, Birmingham, or London each day over the course of a week (Monday- Friday) - approx. 1 hour’s journey via public transport
- Currently be in Year 12 or equivalent
- Have 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (one of which must be Maths at 5 or above) and currently be studying at least 1 STEM A Level (includes Biology, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, ICT/IT)
As this programme aims to support students from backgrounds that are underrepresented in Data Science and AI, the organisers strongly encourage applications from students who match 1 or more of the following criteria:
- Live in an area with a low IDACI score. An IDACI score measures the proportion of the population in an area experiencing deprivation relating to low income
- Are eligible for free school meals or have been within the past 6 years
- Come from a household where 1, or both, parent(s) have not completed an undergraduate degree
- Identify as female
Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects
Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering
The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:
The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:
Listening - Receiving, retaining and processing information
Speaking - Transmitting information or ideas
What the teachers sayLog in to write a testimonialWe would love to read all about your time with this experience!
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