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. 13,200 young people from 330 schools have taken Open University modules through YASS.

YASS registration for 2025/26 is now open. Find out more about YASS:

A seated female student using a laptop

What is YASS?

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

Smiling female standing in a room with her back against a wall

Get involved

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

Two teenage boys sitting at a table

What can I study?

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

A hand holding a pen on a sheet of paper

How to register

Registration for YASS 2025/26 is currently open. The application deadline is 30 June 2025.

A male teacher at the front of the class, pointing to a pupil who has their hand in the air

YASS resources

Access our YASS Guide and Course List, plus Teachers Guide and co-ordinator resource.

A seated female writing in a notebook

Benefits of YASS

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

A smiling student.

What's it like?

Students share their experiences of taking part in the programme.

Headphones on a table next to laptop

YASS Guide

The downloadable 2025/26 interactive YASS Guide includes courses that can be studied.