The NAGTY (National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth) school is aimed at pupils aged 11-16 who are in the top five per cent of the country's academic ability range.  Many of these pupils risk underachievement through low aspiration, lack of opportunity or financial circumstances.  To combat this, the academy aims to help further pupils' educational potential and development.  The school takes place for two weeks from 24 July to 6 August. 

The school offers a choice of six challenging courses: Connecting with Chemistry, Environmental Issues in Southwest England, Innenansichten (German), Insight into Economics, Maths in Modern Engineering and Medical Sciences.  Forensic science, mysterious substances, DNA, digestion, robotics, earthquakes and archaeology are just some of the topics pupils will have the opportunity to discover more about.  

Pupils will stay in student residences and will have a wide range of social activities to choose from during recreation time, including planned sports and trips. At the end of the school, all pupils will be able to take part in a graduation ceremony.

NAGTY is a government-funded nationwide programme open to all secondary schools. Established in 2002, it currently runs eight summer schools with 1,050 places.  There are 50,000 NAGTY members and membership is open to students from all walks of life though currently 90 per cent are from state schools.

William Ackah, the University's Widening Participation Officer, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance our widening participation activity, with a strong focus on students who have the academic potential and enthusiasm to secure a place at the University of Bristol at a future date."

Children normally join NAGTY through teacher recommendation and must be able to demonstrate high academic ability.