If you’re a high school student interested in computer science, you’ve probably realised that the field extends far beyond simply learning how to code. Computer science camps in the UK for high school students give you a way to explore artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, game development, robotics, data science, and everyday app design through hands-on learning, collaborative projects, and university-style instruction.

Imagine spending your summer building software applications, designing algorithms, experimenting with artificial intelligence, or learning cybersecurity techniques alongside students who share your passion for technology. These camps focus on problem-solving and practical application, helping students experience how computer scientists think.

What kinds of computer science camps for high school students in the UK are there?

Studying computer science in the UK can also provide exposure to a strong academic and innovation-driven environment. Outside the classroom, many camps include excursions, networking opportunities, and cultural activities that help students connect with peers from around the world.

Of course, not all computer science camps offer the same level of depth or hands-on engagement. Some rely mainly on lectures and passive learning, while others prioritise coding projects, hackathons, mentorship, and collaborative workshops that allow students to actively apply their knowledge. Finding the right program can make a major difference in both your confidence and long-term interest in technology.

Across the UK, universities and educational organizations offer exceptional computer science opportunities specifically designed for high school students. Whether you’re completely new to coding or already building your own projects, these camps can help you deepen your technical skills while exploring one of the fastest-growing fields in the world.

To help you explore the best opportunities, we’ve compiled a list of 15 Computer Science Camps in the UK for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their academic quality, hands-on learning experiences, and exposure to cutting-edge technology.

For adjacent options, consider the online computer science camp.

15 Computer Science Camps in the UK for High School Students

1. Sutton Trust Summer School Computer Science Track @ University of Cambridge

Location: University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: August 17-21
Application deadline: February 12th
Eligibility: Year 12 students in England or Wales or Year 13 in Northern Ireland or S5 in Scotland attending state-funded schools or colleges (non-fee paying) in the UK who are under 18 at the start of the program; students must have GCSE grade 8 in Maths and should be currently studying Maths A-level and Further Maths A-level.

This free structured academic camp introduces you to university-level computer science concepts and problem-solving over the course of five days. You will explore core areas such as algorithms through small-group supervisions and apply them in guided problem-solving sessions.

The program includes programming labs designed for both beginners and experienced coders, where you will build practical coding skills while engaging with advanced topics introduced through lectures, including areas like quantum computing and cybercrime. You will engage in collaborative learning through peer discussions and supervised exercises. Field-based learning may include visits such as the Centre for Computing History.

Why it stands out: This fully funded program introduces you to college-level computer science academics and university expectations on campus in a condensed, rigorous format.

2. Immerse Education’s Computer Science Summer School

Location: Oxford, Cambridge
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Dates: Two weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students worldwide, ages 13-18, currently enrolled in middle or high school

Immerse Education’s Computer Science Programme is one of the more university-focused computer science camps in the UK for high school students, letting participants experience academic life firsthand. You will live on campus and study in small groups of 7–10, learning from tutors from top universities like Oxford and Cambridge. You will explore programming languages, algorithms, and data structures through coding projects, challenges, and interactive sessions.

In the process, you will develop problem-solving, analytical thinking, and programming skills. By the end of the program, you will complete a personal project, receive written feedback, and leave with a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: You will study under expert academics, be guided daily by a university student mentor, complete a project you can show in future applications, and experience genuine university college life.

3. University of Oxford Saïd Business School’s AI and Machine Learning Pioneers Summer School

Location: Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, Oxford, England
Cost: £8,995
Dates: July 19th – August 1st
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students, ages 16-18; international students can also apply

Offered by Saïd Business School, this two-week residential program introduces students to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. You will learn about data analysis, neural networks, machine learning models, and the ethical considerations associated with AI through lectures and discussions. You will also engage in hands-on workshops to gain basic coding experience and apply AI tools to real-world problems.

The schedule consists of sessions led by academics and industry experts, along with opportunities to explore how AI is applied across industries. You will also experience college life while accessing campus accommodation, on-campus social activities, and formal events. You will receive a certificate from the University of Oxford Saïd Business School at the end.

Why it stands out: It offers introductory coding and project-based AI exposure, letting you explore the future of computer science and tech on a university campus.

4. Kode With Klossy Summer Camp

Location: Virtual and in-person camps, including in London, UK
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1-12 | July 6-17 | July 20-31 | August 3-14
Application deadline: March 31st
Eligibility: Women and gender expansive teens worldwide, ages 13-18

This free, two-week camp series is designed for students who want to learn how to code through instructional sessions and hands-on projects like programming a chatbot or building a website. You will join tracks like web development, data science, or artificial intelligence/machine learning and work with Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, algorithms, and natural language processing.

Beyond track-specific learning, you will attend a speaker series where women in technology offer insights into what careers in the field look like. You will also gain access to the broader Kode With Klossy alumni community following the summer program.

Why it stands out: It lets you build computer science and programming skills through project work and connects you with women in tech at no cost!

5. Oxford Saïd Teen Technology and Innovation Summer Academy (University of Oxford)

Location: University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, Oxford, UK
Cost: £8,995
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 18-31
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students, ages 15-18; international students can apply

This two-week residential camp introduces you to the intersection of industry and technology through sessions conducted at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. You will learn about artificial intelligence, sustainability tech, fintech, entrepreneurship, and biotech through lectures led by university tutors, alumni, and professionals. You will additionally work on group projects, for which you will design and pitch tech solutions, developing problem-solving and presentation skills.

The schedule includes activities such as college visits, Thames and Harry Potter tours, and social events, allowing you to experience student life in Oxford. You will live in college accommodation throughout the program. At the end, you will receive a certificate from the University of Oxford during the closing ceremony.

Why it stands out: It combines business and computer science exposure with social and campus experiences to offer a comprehensive look at student life. 

6. King’s College London Pre-University Summer School: Computer Science Track 

Location: King’s College London, London, UK
Cost: £3,195 for one week – £9,375 for three weeks + £65 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 -10 | July 13-17 | July 20-24 | July 27-31
Application deadline: Typically, April
Eligibility: Students worldwide, ages 16-17, who are about to start the final three years of high school

Through this residential program, King’s College London lets students enrol in short academic courses designed to introduce them to university-level learning over one to three weeks. Each course lasts one week, and you can enrol in up to three courses to explore multiple areas. Classes include lectures, discussions, and practical exercises led by university faculty, and instruction spans multiple academic areas, including computer science.

In the computer science track, you will work with Python, learn programming principles, explore program design and efficiency, and build the academic skills and critical thinking required for post-secondary education. Social and extracurricular activities are also part of the program, offering a camp-like experience. At the end, you will receive a King’s Certificate of Participation.

Why it stands out: It lets you explore your interests through a customised learning camp-like experience on the campus of a leading research university.

7. Pre-University Summer School @ the University of Warwick

Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
Cost: £50 non-refundable application fee + £5,250
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 14-24
Application deadline: May 31st
Eligibility: Students around the world, ages 16-17

This two-week academic exploration camp-like program is designed to introduce students to university-style learning across disciplines. You will explore various subjects, from computer science to life sciences, through faculty-led lectures, workshops, and discussions on the University of Warwick campus. The introductory computer science, part of the STEM track, will cover the basics of digital and embedded systems to help you build systems using a microcontroller-based board.

You will also learn about microcontrollers, Internet of Things, electronics, and software programming. The schedule also consists of guest lectures and skills sessions that focus on critical thinking, academic writing, and communication. You will stay on campus and take part in structured social activities and trips to Oxford city.

Why it stands out: It blends academic exploration, campus living, and cultural excursions, offering you a realistic preview of university life and college-level STEM academics in the UK.

8. University of Oxford’s UNIQ Summer Programme

Location: University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
Cost: Free!
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: One-week courses in the summer; dates vary by course
Application deadline: January 13th
Eligibility: UK and Islands state school students in Year 13 (Northern Ireland), S5 (Scotland), or Year 12 (England/Wales), who are under 18 and have at least six GCSEs (or National 5s in Scotland) with at least one grade 7/A or above; priority is given to students from underrepresented backgrounds

The University of Oxford offers a free academic learning experience to high school students through the UNIQ program. The program is split into three parts: an introductory online chat with UNIQ staff, an in-person regional event in the UK, and a week-long subject-specific residential experience at an Oxford college. The camp-like program is designed to help you build a strong college application while exploring academics at the university level.

During the residential component, you can choose a computer science course to attend lectures, seminars, labs, and tutorials focused on the subject, get a glimpse into student life at Oxford, and spend evenings connecting with current Oxford students. After the summer component, UNIQ offers online support to help you with your admissions tests, UCAS application, and interview preparation. 

Why it stands out: This free program lets you explore a subject of choice, prepare for college and beyond, and learn how to draft a strong application with the help of long-term support.

9. University of Southampton’s School of Electronics and Computer Science Summer Taster Courses

Location: University of Southampton, Southampton, England
Cost: £415; reduced fees of £239 and need-based bursaries available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 27th – August 1st
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students, ages 16 and up, in Year 12 or equivalent, who hold mostly grades 7 or above at GCSE, and are studying in the UK or are British citizens studying abroad; check additional track-specific criteria here

The ECS Taster Course is a week-long camp-like program at the University of Southampton, where you get to explore Electronics and Computer Science or Biomedical Engineering on campus. During the program, you will participate in hands-on experiments in university labs, attend lectures taught by university staff, and connect with current students and recent graduates.

You will also attend an annual Taster Course Careers Fair, where you will interact with employers and explore potential careers within computer science. You will live on campus and take part in social activities, including a visit to the Southampton city centre. 

Why it stands out: It combines computer science exposure with career readiness, connecting you with professors, students, and employers in the tech and engineering industry.

10. Imperial Global Summer School: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence 

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
Cost: £7,695
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29th – July 10th | August 3-14
Application deadline: No formal deadline; rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Students (international and domestic) who are 16 or 17 years old, have a majority of grades 9-7 (A*-A) at GCSE level or the international equivalent, and hold a minimum grade 7 (A) in math and relevant science subjects; English language proficiency is required

This two-week residential program at Imperial College London stands out among computer science camps in the UK for high school students for introducing you to data science and artificial intelligence through sessions led by staff from the college’s Data Science Institute. During the first week, you will explore topics like data analysis, computer vision, and natural language processing through a mix of lectures, hands-on Python tutorials, and visits to the Data Science Institute’s Data Observatory.

The week wraps up with group presentations where your team discusses findings from a curated reading list, with prizes awarded to the top group. In week two, you will join students from other academic tracks for an Innovation Challenge led by the Imperial Enterprise Lab, where you will work in teams to tackle a real-world problem. At the end, you will receive a certificate of participation upon completion.

Why it stands out: The program pairs technical data science and AI training with a cross-disciplinary Innovation Challenge in week two, giving you both hands-on coding and real-world problem-solving exposure within a single two-week experience.

11. NPL Academy

Location: National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, Middlesex, UK
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30-50 students/year
Dates: July 6-10 (tentative)
Application deadline: Typically, in February
Eligibility: Students in Year 10 to Year 13 enrolled in UK schools

This one-week program at the National Physical Laboratory offers hands-on experience working on a real project within a national research facility. You will work in small teams mentored by NPL staff throughout the week, with projects spanning STEM areas, including computer programming, electronics, and fibre optics.

The experience includes an induction phase, team building exercises, lab demonstrations, project work, and a cohort challenge on Wednesday afternoon. On the last day, you and your team will present your project work to the cohort and guests. 

Why it stands out: It offers real project work experience in computer science and mentorship from scientists in a condensed, fully funded format.

12. Oxford Brookes Engage University Summer School

Location: Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, England, UK
Cost: Free!
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Option 1: June 30th – July 2nd | Option 2: July 7-9
Application deadline: Varies by track; multiple rounds of applications available
Eligibility: Students in England, ages 16 and up, who are in the first year of a two-year Level 3 qualification (such as A Levels or BTEC) at a non-selective state school or college; applicants must also meet at least one additional criterion listed here

Through this program, Oxford Brookes University offers a free subject-specific learning opportunity to high school students. You will explore and gain in-depth knowledge in a subject of choice, explore university academics, connect with like-minded peers, and engage in social activities.

You can choose from a range of subject areas, including the computer science track, which covers core subject concepts, artificial Intelligence, and robotics. Here, you will get to work with robots, explore the university’s high-spec computer labs, and build programming skills. During the program, you will also get support and insights from current Oxford Brookes students.

Why it stands out: This short program allows you to prepare for college, dive into computer science, and connect with current college students while experiencing university life.

13. University of St Andrews’ Summer Academic Experience Courses

Location: University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland, UK
Cost: £6,850; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program; limited seats per course
Dates: July 11th – August 1st
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students worldwide, ages 16-18

This program at the University of St Andrews offers you the opportunity to study at one of the United Kingdom’s oldest and most prestigious universities. During the three-week residential program, you will attend lectures and seminars taught by St Andrews faculty while exploring various subjects, including computer science and math. You will live on campus and gain access to university facilities, including the library and sports centre.

The program blends academic instruction with field trips, guest lectures, and activities designed to introduce you to Scottish academic culture. Coursework often includes assignments and collaborative discussions that reflect university-level expectations.

Why it stands out: It combines academic exploration with social and cultural activities, introducing you to the life of a university student in Scotland.

14. Balliol College Year 12 Try Before You Buy Days

Location: Balliol College (University of Oxford), Oxford, UK
Cost: Free + limited travel support available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple one-day events in the spring and summer
Application deadline: Varies by session (typically mid-February to mid-April)
Eligibility: Year 12 students, ages 16-17, from UK state schools, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds; international students are not eligible

This one-day academic outreach program is designed to offer you a realistic experience of studying at the University of Oxford. The program focuses on subject-specific learning across a range of disciplines, including computer science. You will spend the day attending an Oxford-style tutorial where you will discuss work you have prepared in advance and learn about the teaching methods used at the university.

The day also includes a guided tour of Balliol College led by current students and a session explaining the Oxford admissions process. You will connect with tutors and students, gaining insight into academic expectations and student life. You will eat in the college dining hall and explore university facilities, getting a taste of the daily routine on a college campus. 

Why it stands out: It offers a direct look at the University of Oxford’s tutorial-style teaching in the form of a short, fully funded one-day event.

15. London School of Economics and Political Science Summer School

Location: London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
Cost: £60 non-refundable application fee + tuition starting from £4,450 or £3,350 for full-time students enrolled at a university/college; discounts and scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22nd – July 10th | July 13-31 | August 3-21
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students worldwide who have received an offer of a place at a university

This LSE program offers credit-bearing courses across subjects, including tracks in AI, data science, and machine learning. You will spend three weeks examining key concepts, frameworks, and research basics through structured lectures and discussions. The program focuses on helping you build skills in research, computational work, quantitative reasoning, policy analysis, and academic debate.

You will also learn through case studies and exercises involving the use of real data. Courses are taught by LSE faculty and follow teaching methods similar to those used in undergraduate classes. You will additionally participate in SPARK, a series focused on career prep and workplace skill-building. 

Why it stands out: You will enrol in credit-bearing courses, learn from LSE faculty, and prepare for future academics on campus.

Beyond Coding: Skills Universities Actually Notice

Code is the output. The stronger signal is how you reached it: the false starts, fixes, testing, teamwork, and design choices behind the project.

Through these computer science camps in the UK for high school students, you can build that evidence while exploring AI, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, and software development.

That gives you more than a course title to mention; it gives you a process, a challenge, and a result worth explaining.

How do you make that stand out? Visit our University Preparation blogs for personal statement, interview, academic writing, and supercurricular guidance.