IgnitED 2026 Venues

IgnitED programmes take place at three UK universities, giving young people aged 14–17 the chance to experience inspiring academic environments while building career skills and industry connections.

Each university venue has been carefully selected to provide:

  • Strong industry connections and real‑world insights

  • Convenient public transport links for easy travel, including walking distance from nearby train stations

  • A chance to experience aspirational academic settings, ensuring Gatsby Benchmark 7 - meaningful encounters with Higher Education providers

  • A safe, supportive environment for young people to explore their future ambitions

🎓 University of Surrey – Guildford

Programme Dates: 3–7 August 2026

The University of Surrey is a top-20 ranking institution, renowned for its strong links with industry and research excellence, particularly in engineering, health sciences, and business. Its vibrant campus offers its 15,000 students a taste of university life in a supportive and leafy setting. Surrey is home to the world‑class Surrey Space Centre, a hub for satellite and space engineering. The university partners with 2,300+ placement providers, including global names like Airbus, Amazon, IBM, McLaren Automotive, BMW, Oracle, and Disney.

Transport: The campus is within short walking distance of Guildford train station, making it easily accessible by public transport.

🎓 University of Portsmouth

Programme Dates: 3-7 August 2026

The University of Portsmouth was founded in 1870 and has grown to a modern community of 29,000 students in its Portsmouth and London campuses. It is a forward‑thinking institution with strengths in technology, business, and marine sciences. Its coastal location offers a unique learning atmosphere, blending academic excellence with a vibrant city-centre community. Portsmouth is home to the UK’s first Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality, leading innovation in digital technologies. Portsmouth is one of just 13 universities in the UK to have a QS rating of 5 Stars

Transport: Portsmouth & Southsea train station is within easy walking distance, and benefits from numerous bus and ferry links.

🎓 University of Brighton – Falmer Campus

Programme Dates: 10–14 August 2026

TThe University of Brighton is a community of 17,000 students based on three campuses in Brighton. Its Falmer campus is set against the South Downs National Park, combining modern facilities with a scenic backdrop. Known for its focus on creativity, health, and social sciences, Brighton offers a dynamic environment for young learners. It is ranked in the top 4.3% of institutions worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings 2025.

Transport: Falmer train station is just a 5 minute walk from campus, providing direct links to Brighton and the surrounding region.

University of Chichester logo featuring a shield divided into four sections with symbols of a book, a bird, a stylized fish, and a knight's helmet, and the text 'University of Chichester' next to it.
2025 Impact Summary
A group of young friends playing Jenga at a picnic table near a beach, with the ocean, sky, clouds, and breakwaters in the background.