Our residential and virtual courses are where young people discover just how exciting STEM can be. Packed with hands‑on challenges, real engineering inspiration, and plenty of teamwork, these experiences help young people unlock new skills, grow in confidence, and see their future potential. With courses running during school holidays and designed for ages 12-17, every programme brings STEM to life in a fun, memorable, and future‑shaping way.
A place where ideas come alive
Whether it’s cracking codes, building prototypes, designing solutions, or working with inspiring experts, every course mixes creativity with real engineering thinking. Students learn directly from our STEM engagement specialists, plus academics and industry specialists who make every session feel exciting, accessible, and hands‑on.
But don’t take our word for it, listen to the students,
“At first, I wasn’t really thinking of engineering as something I would aspire to be, but now I definitely want to do this as a career. It’s completely changed the way I think about engineering. Caelán, 14, EE Northern Ireland course student
Safe, supportive and full of adventure
From supervised accommodation to clear kit lists and fully guided activities, every programme is designed with student safety and wellbeing at its heart. Parents can relax knowing that our experienced staff are always on hand, and that every young person is supported both academically and socially.
During the evenings we create inclusive and fun-filled environments with our quizzes, games and film nights, and allow space where friendships can be formed and interests explored. Asked what they enjoyed most about the evenings the comments were,
“I started talking to people and got out of my comfort zone and I was really proud of that. It was good to meet with new people and connect with them.” – Dhavina, 16, Biomedical course student
“The quiz was so much fun, and we won!” – Hope, 17, Engineering our Environment course student
Fully Funded Places
The Smallpeice Trust is committed to making STEM accessible, offering fully funded bursary places on many paid courses for students who meet specific eligibility criteria, including those from low‑income households or disadvantaged backgrounds. Spots are limited and allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Beautiful spaces that inspire big thinking
Our residential courses take place at some of the UK’s most inspiring schools and universities such as our 2026 EE courses at Oundle school Peterborough, University of South Wales, University of Stirling and Queens University Belfast – settings that spark creativity and make every young person feel welcome, motivated, and excited to learn. These uplifting environments allow students to experience university life and helps them step out of the ordinary and into a world of possibility.
Moments that shape futures
Many students leave our courses seeing engineering, and themselves, in a brand‑new light:
“It’s changed the way I think about engineering. The team building element of this course has helped solidify my aspiration to become an engineer.” – Tarrin, EE Virtual course student
“I think it’s a great opportunity, even if you’re not thinking of engineering and are just interested in STEM subjects or teamwork, it’s an amazing course.” – Alice, 12, EE Northern Ireland course student
That’s the magic of Smallpeice: curiosity turns into confidence, teamwork turns into friendships, and sparks of interest turn into bold aspirations.
Ready to see what your child could discover?
Whether they’re already STEM-obsessed or simply curious, Smallpeice Trust courses give young people the space, support, and inspiration to explore, experiment, and dream big.
One experience can change everything – check out our courses here…