GSS Summer Student Placements 2026

Are you studying a numerate degree and seeking a summer placement?

Are you interested in pursuing a career in statistics?

Are you excited by challenge that will put your statistical skills to the test?

If the answer is yes, we have an exciting opportunity for you in the Government Statistical Service.

You could be spending your university summer placement in one of our departments across the UK, working at the heart of government, in roles that really make a difference, including;

• Supporting the transport network and infrastructure to keep the UK on the move
• Safeguarding our natural environment to sustain a thriving rural economy
• Supporting immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime, fire, counterterrorism and police

Job description

The work is high profile, and you might find yourself working with requests from Ministers and other senior officials. You will work with existing team members focusing on research work which will form part of larger projects. This role may also include:

• Being exposed to multiple arms of government such as central policy, delivery of frontline services, finance and long term strategy;
• Working with a variety of professions including analysts, policy, delivery and IT specialists
• Working in a government environment which promotes a healthy work-life balance and encourages learning and development
• Joining a community of placement students and network across the GSS

The summer placement will for a continuous period of up to 3 months, between June - August 2026

These placements are an opportunity for you to put into practice the techniques you have learnt during your studies within a working environment. You will work with others, including Data Scientists to learn new techniques and understand how the work across the GSS influences and shapes policy decision making.

You will have the opportunity to learn the skills required for professional life whilst working for the GSS which has been ranked as one of the top 100 graduate employers in the country (rated by the graduates themselves).

If you enjoy your time with us as a summer placement we would love you to make this a full-time career. As part of your placement you will be fully supported in your development to help you apply for any related external recruitment campaigns in the future. Many successful students secure a job offer during their placement ready for when they have graduated- a fantastic opportunity not to be missed.

Person Specification

• Experience in collection, manipulation and analysis of data and presenting research results (theoretical or practical understanding of basic statistics).
• IT literate, with experience of working with a variety of software, especially Excel, including experience of or aptitude for statistical software.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate analysis to non-specialists
• Ability to work as part of a team to deliver quality statistical advice and analysis, often to tight deadline

Qualifications

You must be currently studying for a highly numerate degree (e.g. mathematics, engineering, chemistry, physics) and expecting to achieve a 2:2 or above.

Please note this vacancy is open to those returning to their Undergraduate Degree following their placement. Please do not apply if you are in your final year.

In the qualifications section, please ensure you include details of;

1. The degree you are studying
2. Your current year of study,
3. Your expect graduation year
4. Predicted grade.

Failure to provide this information may result in your application being sifted out.

Please make sure that you fully complete the qualifications section in the application form. Applications submitted without details of degree studied, predicted grades and year of graduation will be discounted. Failure to provide this information will result in your application being sifted out of the process.

Please provide a personal statement of up to 500 words to evidence your competence against the person specification.

Candidates that pass the sift will be invited to interview.