TABLE OF CONTENTS


We have written to everyone who has recently been offered a place on Sutton Trust Online 2026 to let them know more about the platform and how to make the most of it.


1. What is Sutton Trust Online?

STO is a digital platform offering a wide range of resources, virtual events and guidance to help you explore your options for the future. 

The platform is designed to support you as you consider your next steps and navigate key decisions - whether that is applying to university, exploring apprenticeships or preparing for life after sixth form or college. Through STO you will find information and advice on topics such as student finance, applications, interviews, apprenticeship assessment centres, budgeting at university and much more.

You can find out more about Sutton Trust Online on our website. 


2. Why have I received a letter about Sutton Trust Online?  

You received this letter because you applied to one of our programmes in the 25-26 academic year, and we identified you as eligible for Sutton Trust Online. 


3. I didn’t get into the programme I applied to. Are you sure this letter was meant for me? 

Yes! We make Sutton Trust Online available to all eligible applicants to Sutton Trust programmes, including those who were unsuccessful in their application. 


4. I applied to a UK Summer School. Does this letter mean I’m more likely to get a place?  

Being eligible for Sutton Trust Online only marginally increases the likelihood of being offered a place on a Summer School. Our in-person programmes are very competitive, with an average of only 1 in every 7 applicants being offered a place. You’ll find out if you have a place on a summer school by 6 May. 


5. The links in my letter aren’t working 

If any links aren’t working for you, you can: 

  • To access Sutton Trust Online itself, look for the email we sent you entitled “Activate your Sutton Trust Online account”. 


6. Why didn’t I get a letter? 

We sent this letter to people who were deemed eligible for Sutton Trust Online after making an application to an in-person programme. The letters were sent out in April.

If you have not received a letter, there are a few reasons why that might be: 

  • If you applied for Pathways to the Professions, Access Apprenticeships, the US Programme, or the UK Summer Schools and have not been invited to join Sutton Trust Online, this is because you didn’t meet the Sutton Trust Online eligibility criteria. You can read the eligibility criteria here.
  • If you apply to Sutton Trust Online directly in the May – August 2026 application window, you will not receive a letter. We will contact you digitally to let you know if you have been offered a place.
  • Your letter was lost in the post – this is unlikely, but possible! We also email all eligible STO students, so if you think you’re eligible but didn’t get a letter, check your inbox, including your spam folder, as you may have missed an email from us. We unfortunately cannot re-send missing letters, but all the essential info is also included in the email from us.


7. My question isn’t answered here, who can I get in touch with? 

You can get in touch here.