Summer internships allow high school students to gain practical skills, explore career interests, and build industry connections without interfering with their school year. These programs provide firsthand exposure to professional environments, helping students make informed decisions about their future paths. For students in London, summer is an ideal time to take advantage of these opportunities while balancing academics and work experience at leading organizations in the city.

We’ve selected 11 of the best summer internships in London for high schoolers based on key factors such as full funding, selective admission, and affiliation with prestigious organizations. These internships offer hands-on experience in industries like technology, finance, and the arts. Whether you're looking to develop technical skills, gain insight into a specific field, or enhance your resume, these programs provide a strong foundation. Here are 11 summer internships open to high school students in London.

1. FDM Apprenticeship Program

The FDM Apprenticeship Programme provides hands-on experience in IT support, software development, and cybersecurity while allowing students to work toward a degree in Digital Technology Solutions. In partnership with Sheffield Hallam University and Northeastern University, the program combines academic study with real-world industry work.

Apprentices receive a monthly salary, full university fee coverage, and dedicated study time. The program includes mentorship, collaboration with professionals, and exposure to real projects in a corporate setting. It is open to students over 16 with a strong interest in technology and a professional mindset.

Location: Sheffield Hallam University or NorthEastern University, London, UK

Cost/Stipend: Cost details unspecified, stipend provided.

Application Deadline: Rolling

Dates: Depending on sector and cohort selected.

Eligibility: Must be over the age of 16, based in the UK, and Capable of meeting the entry requirements for a degree in Digital and Technology Solutions at one of FDM’s partner universities.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Ladder Internships offers a selective program for high school students looking to gain experience with a start-up. Over the course of about 8 weeks, you will work on real-world projects with a high-growth start-up in industries such as tech, AI, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. The start-ups involved typically raise over a million dollars in funding.

The program is conducted virtually, allowing you to collaborate closely with your manager and a Ladder Coach. You will also have the opportunity to present your work to the company. Through the application form, you can explore different start-up options to find a match that aligns with your interests. 

Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world, including London!.

Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available).

Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).

Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Eligibility: Students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!

3. JP Morgan & Chase Work Experience Program 

The JP Morgan and Chase Work Experience Program introduces high school students to the financial services industry through a week-long placement. Depending on the office location, students explore Finance in London and Bournemouth or Technology at the Glasgow Technology Center.

You will gain exposure to business operations, receive mentorship, and take part in structured courses on resume writing, interview techniques, and presentation skills. The program helps students assess whether a career in financial services aligns with their interests. Open to students aged 14 to 17 (Year 10–12 in England), it is ideal for those curious about finance or technology.

Location: Various locations in the UK including London, Bournemouth, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Cost: Fully funded

Application Deadline: TBA 

Dates: TBA

Eligibility: Applicants must be aged 14 to 17 (Year 10–12 in England and S3-S5 in Scotland) and interested in learning about the business industry.

4. Lite Regal Medical Internship and Job Shadowing

The Lite Regal Education and Lite Regal International School offer a medical internship and shadowing program in London for students interested in medicine. You will shadow practicing doctors in clinics or hospitals, gaining firsthand experience in patient diagnosis and treatment.

The internship lasts 1 to 4 weeks and is open to students aged 17+ who are applying to medical school or already studying medicine. It provides clinical exposure in real healthcare settings and includes accommodation at University of London Garden Halls for residential students. Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Location: University of London campus, London, UK (for residential candidates) + internship at a London local hospital or clinic provided by the program.

Cost/Stipend: £2,250 — £9,000 (residential) | £1,750 — £7,000 (non-residential). Stipend not provided.

Application Deadline: Currently accepting applications with the deadline unspecified.

Dates: 1–4 weeks in the summer. Specific dates depend on the hospital or clinic placement.

Eligibility: Must be between the ages of 17–18, and ideally about to enter medical school. International and UK students can apply.

5. Imperial College London Y10 Insights Summer School

The Y10 Insights Summer School is a four-day, three-night residential program for Year 10 students interested in science and engineering beyond their GCSEs. Held at the South Kensington campus in London, students choose between a science or engineering stream, attend taster sessions, and explore university life through academic and social activities.

While not an internship, the program offers mentorship from undergraduate students who provide guidance on both academic and social aspects of university. The experience concludes with an academic-style conference where students collaborate on and present a research poster. The program is fully funded, covering accommodation, meals, and activities.

Location: Imperial College, South Kensington campus, London

Cost: Fully funded

Application Deadline: March 5

Dates: July 30 — August 2

Eligibility: Applicants must be in Year 10, attend a non-fee paying school in the UK, and be able to fully participate, including staying on campus.

6. Imperial College London Y9 Girls Engineering Summer School

The Engineering Summer School is a week-long, non-residential program for Year 9 girls interested in exploring different engineering fields. Held at Imperial’s South Kensington campus, it includes taster sessions, hands-on activities, and discussions across disciplines such as Bioengineering, Civil Engineering, and Design Engineering.

You will work in small groups with a mentor, collaborating on projects and presenting a poster on an engineering concept at the end of the program. Daily reflection activities help students process what they’ve learned about engineering and its required skills. The program emphasizes practical learning through experience.

Location: Imperial College, South Kensington campus, London (non-residential program).

Cost: Fully funded

Application Deadline: March 5

Dates: August 5–8 

Eligibility: Applicants must be in Year 9, attend a non-fee paying school in the UK, and be able to travel to and from campus. Must also meet at least one of the criteria here.

7. King’s College Pre-University Summer School

The King’s College London Pre-University Summer School gives students aged 16–17 the opportunity to explore university-level courses across various subjects. Options include Business Management, Law, Marketing, Medical Science, Psychology, International Relations, Media, Neuroscience, and more. You can select multiple courses, with sessions running throughout July.

The program blends lectures and seminars with interactive activities such as discussions, role plays, and Q&A sessions. While not an internship, it offers mentorship from experienced tutors. Students who complete course assignments receive a King’s Certificate of Completion, gaining insight into university academics and potential career paths.

Location: King's College, London

Cost: Variable based on length of program. See here.

Application Deadline: March 28

Dates: Multiple sessions in the summer. 30 June — 4 July | July 7–11 | July 14–18 | July 21–25 

Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 16 and 17.

8. UCL Pre-University Online Summer School

The UCL Pre-University Online Course is designed for high school students aged 16–18 who are preparing for undergraduate study in the UK. Over the course of two weeks, you will enhance key academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing, and presentation, while also improving your academic English. The program covers a wide range of subjects from sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences, and provides opportunities to conduct research, write reports, and deliver presentations.

While the course is not an internship, you will have access to mentorship, connecting with tutors and peers from around the world. There are also optional virtual visits to cultural and historical sites in London, offering a glimpse into the academic and cultural life at UCL.

Location: Virtual

Cost: £950

Application Deadline: June 9

Dates: July 18: 3-hour induction. Course: July 21 — August 1

Eligibility: To be eligible, applicants must be high school students aged 16–18 and have English as a second language.

9. University of Notre Dame London Study Abroad Program

The Notre Dame Summer Program in London offers rising high school seniors a two-week immersive experience in one of the world’s most historic cities. You will explore London’s imperial history through visits to key landmarks, museums, and neighborhoods, while learning to interpret history using primary source materials.

Taught by Notre Dame faculty at Fischer Hall near Trafalgar Square, the program combines classroom learning, field trips, theater tours, and a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe. You will live at Conway Hall on London’s South Bank, a vibrant area with easy access to the city’s cultural offerings. While not an internship, the program provides mentorship from faculty and guest lecturers, and you may earn one transferable college credit upon completion. The program is capped at 18 students, ensuring a close-knit, enriching experience.

Location: Conway Hall, London

Cost: $8375 + $75 application fee. Limited need-based scholarships available. 

Application Deadline: January 22

Dates: July 6 — 20

Eligibility: Must be rising seniors (current juniors), at least 16 years old by August 1 of the year of the program, and possess a valid passport through January 20 of the following year.

10. Imperial College London Y12 Work Experience Programme

The Y12 Work Experience Programme offers high school students a five-day introduction to academic research and related career paths. Participants commute to Imperial College London, follow a structured workday, and engage with peers over lunch. Depending on the chosen department—Bioengineering, Climate Change, Materials, Mathematics, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or Biomedical Research—you will gain access to research labs and workshops.

The program includes sessions on university applications, personal statements, and interviews, supported by a student ambassador. It concludes with an academic-style conference where students present their work. Fully funded, it covers fees, materials, and lunch, with travel support available for local students. This program does not offer medical work experience.

Location: Imperial College, South Kensington campus, London (non-residential).

Cost: Fully funded

Application Deadline: March 5

Dates: July 30 — July 4

Eligibility: Applicants must be in Year 12 at a UK state school and able to travel to Imperial College London daily.

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

Image Source - JP Morgan & Chase Logo