Small Subjects Residential
Hosted at King’s College, Cambridge, this residential is for Year 12 students who are interested in interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary issues.
On this page
The 2026 residential will be taking place on 20th-21st April 2026. If you would like to be notified when applications open, you can express your interest here.
What's involved?
Applications open: Friday 6 February 2026
Applications close: Friday 27 February 2026
Teacher reference deadline: Thursday 5 March 2026
Decisions communicated: by Friday 13 March 2026
This year, we will explore creative, transformative, and collaborative answers to the following question:
What does it mean to live in the Anthropocene - the age of human-driven ecological change?
Join us for an immersive outreach programme designed for Year 12 students curious about the world and its histories, cultures, and beliefs. Through engaging workshops and interactive sessions, explore how subjects like Archaeology, Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Linguistics, Geography, History of Art, Music, Philosophy, and Theology help us understand humanity’s role in shaping the planet.
From ancient artefacts to contemporary visual cultures, sacred texts to shifting landscapes, this programme invites you to think critically and creatively about the past, present, and future of human life on Earth.
You do not need to be studying any of the subjects listed above or have decided what you would like to study at university to take part. You simply need to have the curiosity to explore new ways of thinking about the interconnected and contested challenges that face society today. So, whether you're passionate about storytelling, visual analysis, environmental changes, or global perspectives, this is your chance to see how some of the ‘small’ Arts and Humanities subjects you may never have explored before illuminate the Anthropocene - and why they matter more than ever.
The programme
This residential will take place from Monday 20th – Tuesday 21st April 2026, so you will be staying overnight at King’s College, Cambridge. On Monday, you will take part in a number of sessions with experts from a wide variety of subjects, who will present their perspectives on our central question. Many of these subjects may be unfamiliar to you and no prior knowledge is required, just an open and curious mind. On Tuesday, we will hear from the last of our experts, before moving into groups to discuss, debate, and present our own unique perspectives and ideas.
How much does it cost?
This event is completely free to attend. This includes free accommodation and meals (dinner on the first night, and breakfast and lunch the following day). You will stay overnight in undergraduate student accommodation and have your meals in the same spaces as our own students, so you will get a real taste of what life is like for a student at King’s.
Travel costs are usually not covered, but students for whom this would be a barrier to participation are encouraged to get in touch to discuss if financial support can be offered. Students who are care-experienced/in local authority care, refugees, and those currently eligible for government-funded Free School Meals are automatically eligible for financial support to cover the cost of their travel.
Where will the event take place?
The event will take place at King's College, University of Cambridge. Attendees will be required to stay overnight in student accommodation.
The event may fall in the school term in some areas, and, therefore, selected students will need permission to miss school on those days if applicable.
Eligibility criteria and selection
We welcome applicants who are undecided about their future subject of study and those who are studying a wide range of subjects at school. We do not require you to have studied or intend to study Archaeology, Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Linguistics, Geography, History of Art, Music, Philosophy, or Theology. Instead, we would like to hear from all those who are interested in new ideas, open to fresh perspectives, and willing to take on a challenge.
To be eligible for the event, you must be:
- In Year 12 in England or Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland in April 2026
- Currently studying at a UK state school (a school that does not charge fees)
- Expecting to achieve AAA at A-Level (or equivalent)
- Intending to apply to study any subject at university
The event is open to all who meet the above criteria, but in the event of being oversubscribed, students will be selected based on widening participation criteria.
How to apply
Applications are not yet open - check back here on Friday 6 February 2026
Once applications open, students need to complete an application form by Friday 27 February 2026. Your chosen teacher will have a slightly later deadline to complete a short supporting reference, but the sooner you submit, the longer they have to complete it! All applications with references received by the specified deadline will be considered equally. Late applications will not be considered.
You will hear from us whether you are successful in obtaining a place or not. We strongly encourage you to consider an application if you meet the outlined criteria, even if you are not 100% sure - you don't know unless you give it a go!
If you are selected for a place, we will then send you confirmation and permission forms to confirm acceptance of your place.
