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Young Applicants in Schools Scheme

YASS, our Young Applicants in Schools Scheme, is designed to bridge the gap between school and university, college or employment and helps motivated students stand out from the crowd. It encourages independent learning and builds confidence. Taking part in YASS develops key skills like time management and using an online study environment.

Registration for YASS modules is organised through the school, although students deal directly with the OU when it comes to course work and assessment.

Over 10,000 young people from 304 schools have taken Open University modules through YASS. Find out more:

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What is YASS?

Our national programme for S6 pupils lets them study university level courses at school.

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Get involved

Interested schools should allocate a co-ordinator, who we can liaise with about YASS.

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What can I study?

Courses are in a range of subject areas, from law to languages, and accounting to science.

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How to register

YASS Registration for 2023-24 will open in Spring 2023 (registration for 2022-23 has closed).

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YASS resources

Access our YASS Guide and Course List, plus Teachers Guide and resource pack.

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Benefits of YASS

Students can deepen their existing knowledge or try a completely different subject. 

A YASS student talking about the programme

What's it like?

Meet students and a YASS co-ordinator who share their experiences of taking part.

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YASS Guide

Download our PDF guide for course details and more information.