The Senior Physics Challenge (SPC) is a national schools physics development programme and university access initiative direct at ASlevel students.  Higher physics demands fluency and ability in physical and mathematical analysis that are not given prominence inschool physics syllabii. Some students are increasingly surprised and disadvantaged by the discrepancy between their expectations of physics admissions and subsequent University courses, and their reality. Students can be especially disadvantaged by theirunfamiliarity with skills and preparation universities are seeking. We wish to demystify, and make more accessible to a wider range ofstudents, the transition to university physics in the UK.  The SPC is a residential summer school with students being accommodated overnight as the guests of a small number of Colleges.  During the day physics problem solving and Lab classes are held at the Cavendish Laboratory,along with 3 or 4 general physics/research lectures.  The intensive tuition is designed to emphasise the development of problem-solvingand experimental skills.  We thank the Colleges of the University of Cambridge and the Ogden Trust for their continued support.