15 Law Summer Schools in Oxford for High School Students

If you’re a high school student interested in law, politics, or justice, you may already enjoy debating current events or analysing arguments in class. Yet even with that curiosity, it can be difficult to picture what studying law at a university truly feels like. One of the most powerful ways to explore law in depth is by attending a summer school in Oxford.

Imagine spending your summer in an academic setting shaped by centuries of legal scholarship, attending seminars on criminal law, human rights, constitutional principles, or international law. Law summer schools in Oxford offer an immersive experience that blends intellectual challenge with collaborative exploration, giving you a genuine glimpse into university-level study.

How do you choose the right law summer schools in Oxford for high school students?

With so many programs available, it’s important to identify those that provide true academic depth rather than surface-level overviews. Some programs focus primarily on lectures, while others emphasise interactive seminars, case analysis, and skills-based workshops. That’s why thoughtful research matters, so you can pick the programs that are best for you.

Across Oxford, law summer schools may cover areas such as criminal justice, contract law, public law, international relations, and legal philosophy. You might engage in moot court simulations, collaborative case studies, or guided research projects designed to reflect university expectations. Programs range from introductory explorations to more intensive courses for students ready to embrace academic challenge.

You’ll learn from experienced instructors, collaborate with motivated peers from around the world, and refine your critical thinking and writing skills. Along the way, you’ll gain a clearer sense of what pursuing law at the university level might truly involve.

To help you begin your journey, we’ve curated a list of 15 Law Summer Schools in Oxford for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their academic rigor, immersive environments, and ability to provide meaningful exposure to the study of law in a world-class setting.

If you’re looking for more opportunities in Oxford, you can have a look at summer programs in Oxford. If you’re aiming to get work experience in law, internships in law for high school students might interest you.

15 Law Summer Schools in Oxford for High School Students

1. Immerse Education’s Oxford Law Summer School

Location: Oxford University Colleges, Oxford, UK
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions.
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

The Academic Insights Program lets high school students experience university life firsthand. You will live on campus, study in small groups of 7-10, and learn from tutors from top universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. Immerse Education offers two distinct law courses tailored for ages 13–15 and 16–18. The program provides an in-depth exploration of legal principles, including criminal law, human rights, and international law.

You engage in small classes led by expert tutors, participate in mock trials, and develop critical thinking and argumentation skills. Living in Oxford colleges, you gain firsthand experience of university life. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a personal project, receive written feedback, and a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: Combines academic rigour with authentic Oxford college living, offering a comprehensive preview of university-level legal studies.

2. UNIQ and Freshfields ExpLaw Summer School

Location: Oxford University Colleges, Oxford, UK
Cost: Free (includes accommodation, meals, academic sessions, travel, and social activities)
Dates: Late June – July (UNIQ: 4 days); Late July – Early August (ExpLaw: 2 days)
Application Deadline: UNIQ: December 15th – January 13th; ExpLaw: Applications open in April
Eligibility: UK state school students in their first year of further education (Year 12 in England and Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland). Priority is given to students from underrepresented backgrounds, including those eligible for free school meals, care-experienced individuals, young carers, estranged students, and those who will be the first in their family to attend university.

The UNIQ and Freshfields ExpLaw Summer School programs aim to offer UK state school students an opportunity to experience studying law at the University of Oxford. The program includes lectures, tutorials, and mock court hearings that address subjects like criminal law and human rights law.

The programs include sessions on university admissions, personal statements, and student finance. You reside in accommodations provided by Oxford colleges, engage in social activities, and have the chance to interact with current Oxford students and legal professionals.

Why it stands out: Offers a comprehensive, cost-free experience of Oxford’s academic and social environment, specifically tailored for students from underrepresented backgrounds, providing valuable insights into legal studies and university life.

3. Oxford Brookes University Summer School

Location: Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, England, UK
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: July 7th – July 9th
Application Deadline: Typically, November
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above; check here for details

The Oxford Brookes University Summer Program aims to provide an in-depth understanding of university life through subject taster sessions and university living. You can study Law, Crime and Justice while considering important questions with input from academics from their History, Philosophy, Sociology, Literature and Education programs.

You will participate in hands-on practicals and sessions. You will learn about studying the subject at university and the diverse career paths you can pick from. By residing on campus, you will get a taste of university life and get to explore the city of Oxford.Through their longer, online year-long Brookes Engage program, you will get guidance for university applications.

Why it stands out: Its program is focused on providing university-style practical work and subject tasters, so you’ll be in a better position to make academic decisions for your future.

4. International Human Rights Law Summer School

Location: New College, Oxford, UK
Cost: £9,500 (includes tuition, ensuite accommodation, and meals)
Dates: July 6-31
Application Deadline: Opens February 2nd; closes April 1st at 12 noon UK time, or earlier if places are filled
Eligibility: Open to individuals with an established connection to the field of human rights (paid or voluntary). Priority is given to applicants from low-income or lower-middle-income countries who would be unable to afford the full course fees without assistance.

This 26-day residential summer school offers a focused program of university-level study in international human rights law, organised by the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights in collaboration with George Washington University Law School.

The courses cover the theory and practice of human rights law, the fundamentals of international human rights law, an advanced course on human rights lawyering, and electives that explore significant contemporary issues in the field. The program is delivered by a faculty with both academic credentials and practical experience, recognised on an international level. Students have the opportunity to experience life in an Oxford college.

Why it stands out: Combines rigorous academic instruction with practical insights from leading experts, offering a comprehensive immersion into international human rights law within the historic setting of Oxford.

5. Think Like a Lawyer – Wadham College, University of Oxford

Location: Hybrid (online sessions with in-person visits to Oxford and London)
Cost: Free
Dates: Two-year program starting in Year 12
Application Deadline: Typically in October; specific dates vary annually
Eligibility: Year 12 students attending non-selective state schools, eligible for free school meals during secondary school, and residing in specific regions, including parts of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and select London boroughs

Think Like a Lawyer is a free, two-year program designed to support Year 12 students aspiring to pursue law at prestigious institutions. The program offers eight online academic sessions to develop legal reasoning and critical thinking skills, 20 hours of one-on-one A-Level tutoring in a subject of your choice, and in-person visits to Wadham College, Oxford’s Law Faculty, and the Linklaters LLP office in London.

You receive guidance on personal statements, LNAT preparation, and university applications, along with a tutorial from Oxford academics. The program aims to demystify the legal profession and provide insights into university life.

Why it stands out: Combines academic enrichment with practical experiences, offering a holistic approach to understanding and pursuing a career in law.

6. Immerse Education – Law Online Summer School

Location: Online
Cost: Classic: £2,895 (10 hours); UK/US Accredited: £3,995 (15 hours); Publication Track: £4,995
Dates: Flexible; rolling admissions
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18; international students welcome

Immerse Education’s Law Online Research Programme offers one-on-one tutoring with academics from leading institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League universities. You’ll dive into legal topics like criminal law, constitutional law, and human rights, culminating in a comprehensive research paper.

The program provides personalised feedback, and depending on your chosen track, you can earn UK UCAS points or US college credits. The Publication Track offers the opportunity to have your work published in a high school research journal. This flexible, online program is designed to fit your schedule while providing a rigorous academic experience.

Why it stands out: Combines personalised mentorship with the flexibility of online learning, offering a pathway to academic recognition through UCAS points, college credits, or publication.

7. Oxford Saïd Teen Leadership Summer Academy

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Location: Oxford, UK
Cost: £8,995 (includes tuition, accommodation, meals, and activities)
Dates: July 18-31
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18; international students welcome

Hosted by Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, this 14-day residential program immerses you in university-level learning focused on leadership and global impact. You’ll engage in workshops on negotiation, public speaking, and entrepreneurship, all taught by Oxford tutors and industry professionals.

Through team projects and real-world case studies, you’ll develop critical thinking and communication skills. The program also includes cultural excursions and social activities, providing a holistic Oxford experience. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate from Saïd Business School, enhancing your academic profile.

Why it stands out: Combines rigorous academic instruction with practical leadership training, offering a comprehensive experience that bridges the gap between theory and real-world application.

8. St Clare’s Oxford – IB Introduction Summer Course

Location: Oxford, UK
Cost: £5,670 (includes tuition, accommodation, meals, activities, excursions, and insurance)
Dates: June 28th – July 18th; July 19th – August 8th
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 15-17 with upper-intermediate to advanced English proficiency (CEF B2–C2); international students welcome

St Clare’s IB Introduction course offers a three-week academic experience designed to build the foundational skills needed for success in the IB Diploma Programme. You’ll study subjects like English Literature, Humanities, and Theory of Knowledge (TOK), which stress thinking critically and being aware of the world around you.

There are no more than 12 students in each class, so you can get one-on-one help from experienced IB teachers. As part of the program, you’ll go on study trips to Oxford and work on group projects that help you understand difficult ideas and communicate better. Students who want to work in law or a related field will find these skills especially useful.

Why it stands out: Combines academic rigour with cultural immersion, providing a supportive environment to develop skills essential for legal studies and beyond.

9. Georgetown University Pre-College Online Law Program

Location: Online (self-paced)
Cost: $1,895 (Enrichment); $3,995 (College Credit)
Dates: Multiple start dates throughout the year; course lengths vary from 1 to 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Eligibility: Students aged 13 and up; international students welcome

Georgetown’s Pre-College Online Law Program offers a flexible, self-paced introduction to legal studies. This course covers foundational legal concepts, includes analysis of real case studies, and provides instruction on constructing legal arguments.

The program features interactive video lessons from Georgetown faculty, academic support, and a final project in which participants assume the role of a judge to evaluate and provide opinions on legal cases. Choosing either the enrichment or college credit track provides insights into the legal profession and helps develop critical thinking skills relevant to different academic and career paths.

Why it stands out: Offers a comprehensive, flexible introduction to legal studies, allowing you to explore the field of law at your own pace while receiving guidance from Georgetown faculty.

10. University of Notre Dame Pre-College Online Law Program

Location: Online (self-paced)
Cost: $1,795
Dates: Multiple start dates throughout the year; course lengths vary from 2 to 4 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Eligibility: Students aged 13 and up; international students welcome

The Pre-College Online Law Program at Notre Dame provides a flexible and self-paced introduction to legal studies. This course covers foundational legal concepts, includes analysis of real case studies, and provides instruction on constructing legal arguments.

The program offers interactive video lessons from faculty at Notre Dame, academic support, and a final project that involves evaluating and providing opinions on legal cases in the role of a judge. Choosing either the 2-week or 4-week track provides insights into the legal profession and helps develop critical thinking skills that can be applied to different academic and career paths.

Why it stands out: Offers a comprehensive, flexible introduction to legal studies, allowing you to explore the field of law at your own pace while receiving guidance from Notre Dame faculty.

11. Harvard Secondary School Program – Justice, Ethics & Human Rights Track

Location: Cambridge, MA (7-week residential or online formats)
Cost: $15,735 (residential, 8 credits); $4,180–$8,160 (online, 4–8 credits); $75 application fee
Dates: June 20th – August 8th
Application Deadline: Early: January 7th; Regular: February 11th; Late: April 1st (financial aid not available for late applicants)
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 who will graduate from high school and enter college in 2026, 2027, or 2028; international students welcome

Through its Justice, Ethics, and Human Rights program, Harvard’s Secondary School Program allows students to explore important global concerns. You will take college-level courses such as “Law in War,” “Refugees in Global Perspective,” and “Introduction to Political Philosophy,” taught by Harvard academics.

You can choose between an on-campus or online experience, both of which allow them to earn college credit and participate in activities that help them advance academically. This curriculum seeks to increase your understanding of complex socioeconomic challenges and prepare you for future academic aspirations.

Why it stands out: Offers a rigorous academic experience that allows you to delve into critical issues of justice and human rights, providing a solid foundation for your college trajectory.

12. William & Mary Pre-College Online Program – Constitutional Law

Location: Online
Cost: $1,795
Dates: Multiple start dates; typically offered in 2-week sessions during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 13 and older; international students welcome

William & Mary’s Pre-College Online Constitutional Law program introduces you to the foundations of the Constitution and the principles that shape governance. You will look at key Supreme Court decisions, how constitutional interpretation changes, and disputes over civil rights and federal power. You’ll learn how to build legal arguments and evaluate judicial reasoning through guided video instruction, interactive assignments, and hands-on exercises.

The program focuses on analytical thinking and enables you to address complicated political and legal issues with clarity and evidence. This program helps you understand how constitutional frameworks influence modern law while strengthening skills essential for future legal study.

Why it stands out: You engage directly with Supreme Court decisions and constitutional debates, gaining a focused understanding of how foundational legal principles operate in real-world contexts.

13. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes – Legal Studies: Critical Thinking for Courtroom Success

Location: Online (live sessions)
Cost: $3,250; financial aid available
Program Dates: Session One: June 15-26; Session Two: July 6-17
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9-11; international students welcome

In this interactive online course, you will learn the art of legal reasoning and argumentation. Daily live sessions will involve debates, role-playing, and collaborative projects to help you improve your critical thinking skills.

The program addresses important international human rights problems and concludes in a simulated trial in which you play the role of an attorney or witness. Stanford teachers will teach you how to examine complex facts, weigh evidence, and develop compelling arguments. This course not only improves your grasp of the legal system, but it also creates a welcoming learning atmosphere that honours varied opinions.

Why it stands out: Offers a dynamic, hands-on exploration of legal studies, emphasising critical thinking and real-world application through engaging activities like mock trials.

14. Rice University Precollege Online – Law

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Location: Online
Cost: $1,795
Program Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions offered throughout the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; courses close once filled
Eligibility: High school students aged 13 and older; international students welcome

Rice University’s Precollege Online Law program introduces you to the foundations of the American legal system while helping you build practical analytical skills. You will examine how laws are created, interpreted, and applied while exploring topics such as criminal justice, constitutional rights, and legal ethics.

Case studies and guided tasks will allow you to experience analysing evidence, constructing arguments, and understanding how attorneys approach difficult cases. The curriculum is intended to follow the pattern of basic college education, fostering independent thinking and disciplined study habits. Because the program is entirely online, you can interact with demanding academic material while keeping your summer schedule flexible.

Why it stands out: You gain exposure to core legal principles through a university-designed curriculum that emphasises reasoning, argumentation, and real-world application.

15. Oxford Scholars Programme – Law Summer School

Location: Oxford University Colleges, Oxford, UK
Cost: £6,499
Dates: August 2-15
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended due to limited spots
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 14-18 with a strong interest in law, justice, or public policy

The Oxford Scholars Programme’s Law & Justice Summer School provides an introduction to legal studies for high school students. During a period of two weeks, you will explore subjects including constitutional law, human rights, and international governance. The curriculum includes lectures, case studies, and interactive sessions, such as mock trials and parliamentary debates.

Collaboration on projects will occur, involving the development of legal arguments and the presentation of findings. This process provides insights into the legal profession and contributes to the enhancement of critical thinking and public speaking skills.

Why it stands out: Provides an immersive experience into the world of law and justice, blending academic rigour with practical applications, all within the historic setting of Oxford University.