15 Summer Camps in the UK for 16-Year-Olds

TL;DR

You'll find 15 residential summer camps here, ranging from single-week taster courses to full three-week academic experiences at UK universities including Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London. Some are fully funded through the Sutton Trust, while others charge tuition upwards of several thousand pounds. Options span STEM, humanities, business, and creative arts, giving you a subject match for whatever your interests. The Cambridge Sutton Trust Summer School stands out by covering all travel, food, and accommodation costs for eligible UK state-school students. Immerse Education's Academic Insights Programme is among the paid, internationally accessible picks, a two-week residential program across Oxford, Cambridge, and London for students aged 13 to 18.

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A summer camp in the UK offers more than just a chance to explore a new subject; it allows you to experience university life while developing practical academic skills in an international environment. Through lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, tutorials, workshops, and collaborative projects, you'll strengthen skills such as critical thinking, research, communication, academic writing, teamwork, and problem-solving. Whether you're interested in medicine, engineering, business, law, computer science, psychology, or the humanities, these programs allow you to explore university-level concepts while learning alongside students from around the world.

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Summer programs in the UK for 16-year-olds can act as a foundation for your college journey by giving you first-hand experience of studying at leading institutions while helping you explore potential degree subjects, build confidence, and better understand what university life is really like.

Why is the UK a great place for 16-year-olds to attend a summer camp?

The UK is home to some of the world's most respected universities, including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, King's College London, and the London School of Economics. Studying in the UK gives you access to world-class teaching, historic campuses, leading research institutions, and a diverse international student community. Alongside academics, you'll experience a rich cultural environment through museums, libraries, innovation hubs, and historic cities that bring classroom learning to life.

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To help you find the right fit, we've compiled a list of 15 summer camps in the UK for 16-year-olds that combine university-level academics with an immersive residential experience.

15 Summer Camps in the UK for 16-Year-Olds

1. Imperial College London Global Summer School

Location: Imperial College London, London, UK

Cost: £7,695

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; capacity is limited

Dates: June 29th – July 10th or August 3–14

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Eligibility: Academically strong students aged 16–17 with an interest in STEM and strong English-language skills; open to international students

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Imperial Global Summer School allows you to explore university-level STEM through lectures, laboratory sessions and practical workshops taught at Imperial College London. Depending on your chosen pathway, you can study subjects connected to engineering, medicine, science or business while learning how university academics approach complex problems. 

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You will also work with students from different subject areas on an Innovation Challenge addressing a real-world issue. Academic sessions are complemented by guidance on applying to UK universities and studying STEM at degree level. You stay in student accommodation on Imperial’s South Kensington campus, giving you direct experience of residential university life.

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Why it stands out: It combines laboratory-based STEM teaching with an interdisciplinary innovation project at a specialist science and engineering university.

2. Immerse Education’s Academic Insights Programme

Location: Oxford, Cambridge, London
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students across the globe aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school; open to international students

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The Academic Insights Program lets high school students experience university life firsthand. You will live on campus and study in small groups of 7-10, and learn from tutors from eminent top universities like Oxford and Cambridge. You can explore a wide range of subjects, spanning over 20 options, including Architecture, AI, Business Management, Computer Science, Economics, Medicine, Philosophy, and more. 

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The courses are experiential and focus on hands-on learning. You may find yourself conducting dissections in medicine, designing a robotic arm in engineering, participating in a moot court for law, or building creative writing portfolios and business case studies. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a personal project, receive written feedback, and receive a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

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Why it stands out: You’ll get an early start at university life and academics because the program includes an independent project, discussion-based classes, and living at a college campus.

3. King’s College London Pre-University Summer School

Location: King’s College London, London, UK

Cost: £3,965 for one week, £7,720 for two weeks or £11,685 for three weeks, plus a £65 application fee

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 1,500+ students across all summer programs

Dates: July 6–10, July 13–17, July 20–24 or July 27–31

Application Deadline: April 10th

Eligibility: Academically motivated students aged 16–17 who are enrolled in the final three years of high school and meet the programme’s English-language requirements; open to international students

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King’s Pre-University Summer School lets you choose one-week courses across disciplines such as business, law, medicine, psychology, international relations and STEM. You can attend a single course or combine different subjects over two or three weeks to compare possible university pathways. 

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Through lectures, seminars, group work and subject-specific practical activities, you experience the academic expectations of undergraduate study. You will use King’s classrooms, libraries and other campus facilities while receiving supervision from the university’s summer-school team. Residential participants stay in university accommodation in central London and take part in organised academic and social activities. The programme can help you assess which degree subjects suit your interests before beginning university applications.

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Why it stands out: Its flexible one-week course structure allows you to explore several academic disciplines while living and studying in central London.

4. University of Warwick Pre-University Summer School

Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, UK

Cost: £5,250 + £50 non-refundable application fee

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified

Dates: July 14–24

Application Deadline: May 31st

Eligibility: Students aged 16–17 for the full duration of the programme who are considering university and have a good command of English; open to international students

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Warwick’s Pre-University Summer School introduces you to undergraduate learning through one of five broad academic pathways. You can choose Arts and Humanities; Business, Economics and Finance; Health, Medical and Life Sciences; Social Sciences; or Science and Engineering. 

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University faculty lead academic sessions, skills workshops and guest lectures that help you examine subjects beyond the standard school curriculum. You will also develop presentation, communication and independent-learning skills through discussions and collaborative tasks. Living on Warwick’s campus alongside current student ambassadors gives you experience of university accommodation, campus routines and student independence. Cultural visits to Oxford and Warwick Castle add wider context to the residential programme.

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Why it stands out: It pairs a multidisciplinary academic pathway with ten nights of residential campus life and structured university-preparation sessions.

5. Durham University – Global Futures Pre-University Summer School

Location: Durham, England, United Kingdom

Cost: £5,000

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately competitive; limited places

Dates: July 12–21

Application Deadline: May 22nd

Eligibility: Aged 16–17 for the full duration of the programme; performing well in current studies and able to take part in academic discussion; B2-level English; open to international students

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Durham’s Global Futures Pre-University Summer School gives you ten days of residential study across several academic disciplines. You engage with university-level ideas through lectures, discussions and activities designed to encourage critical thinking beyond a single school subject. 

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The interdisciplinary structure allows you to consider how different fields approach global questions while developing communication, collaboration and academic-confidence skills. Your application includes a personal statement and teacher recommendation, introducing you to elements commonly used in university admissions. You will live and study at Durham University while exploring its historic city and meeting students from different countries. The experience can help you understand whether a residential UK university environment matches your future study plans.

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Why it stands out: It combines interdisciplinary academic exploration with residential study at a collegiate university in a historic UK-based city.

6. University of St Andrews Summer Academic Experience

Location: University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland, UK

Cost: £6,850; full and partial scholarships are available for selected courses

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size is not publicly disclosed

Dates: July 11th – August 1st

Application Deadline: Typically late February to March

Eligibility: Students aged 16–18 with strong academic results, an academic reference, a short personal statement and approximately B2-level English; open to international students

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The University of St Andrews Summer Academic Experience Courses let you study one subject intensively while living on the university’s historic coastal campus for three weeks. You can choose from areas including medicine, psychology and neuroscience, management and economics, creative writing, sustainable development, physical sciences or the humanities. 

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Through lectures, seminars, laboratory work, group projects and independent study, you develop academic research, communication and critical-thinking skills. Classes are taught by current university staff, with some sessions supported by experienced postgraduate students. You also receive access to university facilities and participate in cultural excursions, sports and organised social activities. The programme can help you test a possible degree subject while experiencing the academic structure and independence of university life.

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Why it stands out: It offers three weeks of subject-specific university teaching alongside full residential access to St Andrews’ academic and student facilities.

7. University of Edinburgh Pre-University Summer School

Location: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Cost: £5,250

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited capacity

Dates: June 29th – July 10th

Application Deadline: May 19th

Eligibility: Students aged 16–18 in the final or penultimate year of high school who meet the programme’s English-language requirements; open to international students

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The University of Edinburgh Pre-University Summer School gives you a two-week introduction to academic study in humanities, social sciences, life sciences or design. Depending on your course, you may examine subjects such as politics, economics, anthropology, literature, philosophy, genetics, immunology or portfolio development. 

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Teaching combines lectures, discussions, practical activities and collaborative work designed to reflect university-level learning. Courses are led by experienced University of Edinburgh teaching staff at the Holyrood Campus. You stay in catered student accommodation and take part in a structured social and cultural programme around Edinburgh. This allows you to compare possible degree pathways while experiencing residential study in a major university city.

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Why it stands out: Its multidisciplinary course options let you explore several connected university subjects rather than committing to one narrow specialism.

8. Oxford Saïd Teen Leadership Summer Academy

Location: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

Cost: £8,995

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 60 students

Dates: July 18–31

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until the programme reaches capacity

Eligibility: Students aged 15–18 with at least B2-level English; open to international students

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The Oxford Saïd Teen Leadership Summer Academy introduces you to leadership through business cases, workshops, simulations and collaborative projects. You explore themes including entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence and leadership, negotiation, public speaking, social neuroscience and responses to global challenges. 

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Practical exercises require you to communicate ideas, manage disagreements, work within teams and present solutions to academic and industry experts. Teaching draws on university tutors, Oxford alumni, entrepreneurs and business professionals. You stay in supervised Oxford college accommodation and participate in cultural and social activities alongside an international cohort. The programme can help you understand how leadership, management and entrepreneurship are approached at university level.

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Why it stands out: It combines applied leadership training with teaching connected to Oxford Saïd Business School and a residential Oxford college experience.

9. University of Cambridge + Sutton Trust – University of Cambridge Sutton Trust Summer Schools

Location: Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom 

Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; there are no associated fees or monetary allowances provided

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive; accepting roughly 400 participants distributed among various academic tracks

Dates: August 17–21
Application Deadline: Typically, February
Eligibility: Enrolled in a public, tuition-free school and fulfill all Sutton Trust prerequisites; grade levels are Year 12 in England and Wales, S5 in Scotland, or Year 13 in Northern Ireland; not open to international students

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The University of Cambridge Sutton Trust Summer School is a fully funded, five-day residential program offering a taste of undergraduate life. You can study a wide array of subjects, ranging from medicine and engineering to law, history, and the biological sciences. 

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Throughout the week, you will attend university-level lectures, participate in Cambridge's specialized small-group supervisions, practice writing personal statements, and even try punting on the River Cam. The program's most unique feature is its dedication to widening access; it covers all your travel, food, and accommodation expenses so that finances are never a barrier.

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Why it stands out: It offers eligible students a completely free, immersive Cambridge experience that often leads to contextual university admissions and lifelong career support through its alumni network.

10. Oxford Saïd Future Climate Innovators Summer School (University of Oxford)

Location: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

Cost: £8,995

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; ~32 students

Dates: July 19th – August 2nd
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students ages 15–18 (up to 18 years and 11 months by August 1st) with B2 English proficiency or above; open to international students

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The Future Climate Innovators Summer School brings together selected students who have developed practical responses to environmental and climate-related problems. During the programme, you examine climate science, innovation, entrepreneurship and the role organisations can play in implementing sustainable solutions. 

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Oxford academics and subject specialists guide you through workshops, discussions and project development focused on turning an initial climate idea into a more credible proposal. You work with students from different countries and consider how technology, business and policy can be combined to address environmental challenges. The programme concludes with opportunities to communicate and showcase climate solutions in an academic setting. Because places are generally awarded through a global competition, admission is more selective than standard fee-based summer-school enrolment.

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Why it stands out: It gives selected international students a fully funded opportunity to develop climate solutions with guidance from Oxford academics and business experts.

11. University of Southampton + Sutton Trust – University of Southampton and The Sutton Trust Summer School

Location: Southampton, England

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not stated

Dates: July 7–10

Application Deadline: March 5th

Eligibility: Year 12 in England/Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland; always attended a state-funded, non-fee-paying school/college; relevant subjects for chosen area; at least one widening-participation criterion; available for all dates; home UK students only; not open to international students

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In this program, you experience university study and residential student life across a four-day programme. You choose from subjects including Biological Sciences, Business, Economics, Engineering, English, Geography, History, Law, and Physics. You attend a taster lecture, complete a group workshop or practical, explore teaching and research, and meet academics, researchers, alumni, and current students. 

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You stay for three nights in university halls while accommodation, meals, and eligible travel are provided free of charge. You also explore the campus and city, join social activities, and learn about student finance and budgeting. The experience develops academic, communication, teamwork, and university-readiness skills.

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Why it stands out: It combines subject-specific academic exposure with a fully funded residential experience designed specifically to widen access to university for eligible UK state-school students.

12. UAL International Summer School (University of the Arts London)

Location: University of the Arts London, London, UK

Cost: Fees vary by course; accommodation is available separately for additional fees

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; cohort size varies by course

Dates: Multiple 1-to-3-week sessions throughout July and August

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until courses reach capacity

Eligibility: Students aged 16–18; open to international students

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UAL's International Summer School allows you to study creative subjects through practical studio-based courses taught by University of the Arts London academics and creative professionals. Depending on your chosen course, you may explore fashion, graphic design, illustration, fine art, animation, photography or other creative disciplines. 

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You'll develop technical skills through hands-on projects while building a portfolio and experiencing the teaching style of one of the world's leading arts universities. Classes combine demonstrations, workshops, critiques and independent creative work in professional studio environments. The programme is well suited if you're considering art, design or creative media at university.

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Why it stands out: It provides university-level studio teaching across a wide range of creative disciplines in the heart of London's creative industries.

13. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Summer Schools

Location: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Cost: Fees vary by course length and type; bursaries and scholarships are available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spaces

Dates: Various 1- to 4-week sessions run throughout the summer, generally between late June and late August

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until individual courses reach capacity

Eligibility: Age requirements vary by programme; many courses are open to students aged 16–18; open to international students

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The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Summer Schools introduce you to professional training across disciplines including acting, musical theatre, dance, filmmaking, music and production arts. Depending on your course, you'll participate in rehearsals, workshops, masterclasses and practical projects led by conservatoire faculty and industry practitioners. 

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Teaching focuses on developing technical ability, creative expression and collaborative performance through intensive practical work. You'll also receive feedback from experienced tutors while working alongside students with similar artistic interests. The programmes provide a useful introduction to conservatoire-style study before applying for higher education.

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Why it stands out: It offers specialist performing arts training delivered by one of the UK's leading conservatoires.

14. UCL The Bartlett School of Architecture – The Bartlett Summer School 2026 – On Campus, 16–18-year-olds

Location: London, England

Cost/Stipend: £950 (5 days); £1,800 (10 days); £2,500 (15 days)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive; cohort size not stated

Dates: 5-day: July 6–10, July 13–17, July 20–24, or August 3–7; 10-day: August 3–14; 15-day: July 6–24

Application Deadline: Open until full

Eligibility: Students aged 16–18; under-18 overseas students without parents in Greater London require a UK guardian; open to international students

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In this program, you explore architecture and design through studio-based learning at UCL’s Bloomsbury campus. You create collaborative drawings and models, attend talks, use Bartlett workshops and facilities, and visit architectural exhibitions, professional offices, landmarks, and other sites. Longer formats also let you develop an individual research topic with personal guidance and group teaching. 

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You produce design work that you are guided to document and format into a portfolio for future university applications. You receive tutor feedback, participate in peer review and presentations, and develop communication and collaborative design skills. The program concludes with a mini-exhibition, with eligible participants receiving a Certificate of Participation.

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Why it stands out: It combines hands-on architectural studio work, London-based professional and site visits, portfolio development, and direct experience of studying architecture at The Bartlett.

15. Nottingham Trent University – Journalism for 15–17-Year-Olds

Location: Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK

Cost: £545

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrolment; limited places available

Dates: July 20–24; July 27–31

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until places are filled

Eligibility: Students aged 15–17at the time of the course; open to international students

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Nottingham Trent University's Journalism for 15–17 Year Olds course introduces you to the foundations of professional journalism through practical newsroom activities. You'll learn how to research stories, interview sources, verify information and write news reports while exploring digital, broadcast and print journalism. 

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Hands-on exercises help you strengthen reporting, interviewing and editorial skills while introducing the ethical standards expected in modern journalism. You'll also receive an introduction to journalism careers and university-level media study. The course is a useful starting point if you're considering journalism, communications, or media studies.

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Why it stands out: It provides practical newsroom experience through university-led journalism workshops designed specifically for high school students.

Frequently asked questions: Summer Camps in the UK for 16-Year-Olds

Are there free summer camps in the UK for 16-year-olds?

Yes, though free options are limited to specific eligibility groups. The Cambridge Sutton Trust Summer School and the Southampton Sutton Trust Summer School are both fully funded, covering travel, food, and accommodation, but they're restricted to students at state-funded UK schools who meet widening-participation criteria and aren't open to international applicants. For a deeper dive on costs, check out this guide on how much summer schools typically cost.

Do UK summer camps for 16-year-olds accept international students?

Most do, though a few UK-focused programs restrict eligibility to home students. Imperial College London, King's College London, Warwick, Durham, St Andrews, Edinburgh, Oxford Saïd, and UAL all welcome international applicants. The Cambridge and Southampton Sutton Trust Summer Schools are the exceptions, open only to UK state-school students. Immerse Education's Academic Insights Programme is also open internationally, drawing students from around the world aged 13 to 18 to its two-week sessions across Oxford, Cambridge, and London.

How long do these summer camps typically run?

Program length varies from a few days to three weeks, so check dates closely before applying. Nottingham Trent's journalism course and the Southampton Sutton Trust School both run four to five days, while King's College London offers flexible one-week blocks you can combine. Longer options include Durham's ten-day program and St Andrews' three-week residential course. Immerse Education's Academic Insights Programme runs for two weeks, giving you time to complete an independent project and receive written feedback before the program ends.

What subjects can you study at these camps?

Subjects span STEM, humanities, business, law, and the creative arts, so your options depend heavily on which program you choose. Imperial College London and Warwick lean toward science and engineering pathways, while UAL and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland focus on creative disciplines like design, acting, and music. Others, like King's College London and St Andrews, let you choose from a broader mix including medicine, psychology, and social sciences. Reviewing each program's course list closely will help you find one matched to your specific interest.

Do you need a personal statement or reference to apply?

It depends on the program, since application requirements vary from simple registration to formal review. Durham's Global Futures program requires a personal statement and teacher recommendation as part of its application. The Sutton Trust Summer Schools also require you to meet specific eligibility and widening-participation criteria before applying. Other programs, like UAL's International Summer School or Nottingham Trent's journalism course, use rolling admissions with more straightforward registration and fewer required documents.

How selective are UK summer camps for 16-year-olds?

Selectivity ranges widely across this list, from open enrollment to highly competitive review. UAL's International Summer School and Nottingham Trent's journalism course are both non-selective or open enrollment. Others are considerably more competitive: the Cambridge Sutton Trust Summer School accepts roughly 400 students from a large applicant pool, and Oxford Saïd's Future Climate Innovators program is awarded through a global competition with only around 32 places. Checking each program's stated acceptance details will give you a realistic sense of your chances.

Strengthen your university applications this summer

Admissions officers consistently notice when applicants have tested their subject interests beyond the classroom, and a residential summer program gives you exactly that evidence.

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Among summer camps in the UK for 16 year olds, you can find rigorous academic environments at Oxford, Cambridge, and other leading universities worth exploring.

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Living on campus, meeting faculty face to face, and completing real coursework gives you concrete material for personal statements, interviews, and application essays.

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To sharpen your application even further, browse more university preparation resources and start building the exact profile that universities genuinely want to see.