15 Summer Programs in Cambridge for High School Students

You might associate summer with resting, recharging, and taking a step back from the responsibilities of school. But it can also be an opportunity to push yourself, discover new ideas, and undergo experiences that influence your life for years to come.

Think about spending your morning discussing philosophy in a college seminar room or coding in state-of-the-art labs, followed by traversing Cambridge’s historic lanes with newfound friends. Summer programs in Cambridge can offer all that, along with a peek at what academic life at one of the world’s most intellectually bustling cities looks like. At Cambridge, you’ll be learning in an environment where centuries of scholarship meet modern innovations.

Even if you live nearby, these programmes let you see Cambridge through the creativity and energy of university life.

What are the different summer programs in Cambridge for high school students?

It can be difficult to pick which summer programs are truly worth your time. Of the many programs offered in Cambridge, some could be surface-level, costly, or not offer desired mentorship opportunities. Getting the right information can help you correctly identify which summer programs would be rewarding.

Various institutions in Cambridge offer summer programs in science, literature, international relations, arts, and more. They differ in levels of expertise, so you could find suitable programs for both a beginner and an expert. You’ll study under experienced instructors, participate in hands-on project work, and collaborate with a globally diverse cohort.

For the best experience, you’ll have to put in considerable effort once you join the program. But before that, we’ve done some work to help you out. To make your choice easier, we’ve compiled a list of 15 Summer Programs in Cambridge for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their academic depth, faculty expertise, and worldwide reputation.

15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Cambridge

1. The Sutton Trust Cambridge Summer School

Location: At a University of Cambridge college
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: August 11 – August 15
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: UK state-school Year 12 students, prioritising disadvantaged and first-generation applicants.

The Sutton Trust’s Cambridge Summer School program offers a blend of rigorous academic study, social activities, and university application guidance. You can pick from a number of courses, such as architecture, biology, law, psychology, and more. You will experience over 15 hours of teaching at the undergraduate level.

Living at Cambridge’s historic campus will give you an idea of university life. You will also participate in workshops to help you navigate UCAS and write your personal statement. To balance the academic schedule, you’ll join social activities, from excursions to film nights, depending on your programme.

Why it stands out: You’ll be joining their alumni network, giving you access to job opportunities and career-related content.

2. Immerse Education’s Cambridge Summer School

Location: Cambridge colleges, including Christ’s, Magdalene, St. Catherine’s, Corpus Christi, Sidney Sussex, and Queens.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Class size of an average of 7 students
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

The Cambridge Academic Insights Programme lets you study undergraduate-level content while living in Cambridge University colleges. You’ll learn in small classes averaging 7 students, taught by expert academics from top universities such as Cambridge and Oxford.

The programme follows a specially designed syllabus that blends theory with practical application, with university-style lectures, weekly 1:1 tutorials, and hands-on sessions such as medical dissections, engineering design activities, or moot courts. Explore 20+ subjects beyond the curriculum, complete a personal project, and receive detailed written feedback.

Outside class, you’ll experience the Cambridge that shaped thinkers like Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking, taking part in punting on the River Cam, mentor family events, and visits to landmarks such as King’s College Chapel and the Mathematical Bridge. You’ll stay in historic colleges and experience the academic atmosphere that makes Cambridge unlike any other Immerse location. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: Rooted in Cambridge’s academic culture, the programme combines expert teaching, small-group learning, and iconic local experiences to create an opportunity found only in Cambridge.

Love the sound of Immerse Education, but want to travel to a different city? Academic Insights programmes are available in Oxford, London, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, and Boston.

3. Immerse Education’s Cambridge Career Insights

The Cambridge Career Insights Programme puts you in a major academic city to explore what real careers involve. Instead of focusing on university-style academics, you will dive straight into industry challenges, working in small classes that average 7 students and learning from professionals who understand exactly how their fields operate.

Whether you are interested in engineering, medicine, law, business or digital careers, you will complete hands-on tasks, tackle real-world briefs and receive weekly 1:1 coaching that helps you understand your strengths and future direction.

Alongside your project work, you will discover a Cambridge you will not find in any classroom. You will join mentor family activities led by Cambridge undergraduates, explore unbelievable landmarks such as the Mathematical Bridge and medieval city streets, and enjoy cultural activities that introduce you to British traditions, including afternoon tea and visits to the city’s museums. Living in historic Cambridge colleges enhances the experience and helps you understand what real student life looks like.

Why it stands out: Unlike Academic Insights, Career Insights centres on real-world skills, expert coaching and a practical project that helps you explore your future career with confidence.

Prefer to explore careers in a different global hub? Career Insights is also offered in London, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney.

4. Seminar for Advanced English Studies, Cambridge Summer School

Location: Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: Fee varies; starting at €1,715
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed; tutorial groups of 6 students
Dates: Multiple programs between July 11–September 5
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; discounts available for early applicants
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-17

SAES offers two programs: Upper Secondary School Prep and Upper Secondary School Plus. Both programmes strengthen English through small tutorials, grammar and vocabulary work, speaking practice and focused text analysis.

For the afternoons, you can pick from the political debate, theatre & music, personal development, and university introduction modules. Additionally, you’ll participate in guided social activities and excursions in and around London. You can check here for more details.

Why it stands out: It involves small-group tutorials, analytical writing, and close reading, preparing you well for future university academic study, particularly for developing language skills. However, if your priority is gaining more holistic experiences across a broader range of subjects and experiencing university life, then this program may not be the strongest choice.

5. Dukes Cambridge Summer School

Location: St Andrew’s Sixth Form College in Cambridge, and Sancton Wood in Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: Fee starts from approximately £4,895
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 2-week or 4-week programs from June to August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis for upcoming sessions
Eligibility: Students aged 14-17

If you’re eager to spend the summer in Cambridge, this residential programme provides strong academics alongside meaningful cultural experiences. Over two or four weeks, you’ll engage in 20 hours of weekly tuition in subjects like sciences, technology, business, or arts, taught in a small-group format by experienced tutors.

You’ll receive accommodation, meals, excursions and a lively social programme that helps you develop academic and interpersonal skills. At the end of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion and a letter of reference from your tutor. Contact Dukes here to know more about the program.

Why it stands out: You’ll have access to experienced tutors who have strong track records of preparing applicants for Oxbridge & Russell Group universities. However, if you are looking for a wider range of subjects and a teaching style that mirrors university-level academics more closely, then this program may have limited offerings.

6. CATS Cambridge Summer Programs

Location: CATS Cambridge School, Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: £3,240
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum class size of 15
Dates: June 29 – July 13
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 14-17

At CATS Cambridge, you’ll have the opportunity to combine hands-on STEM education with English language learning. You’ll participate in lectures, workshops on Lego Robotics, rockets, combustion, and coding, and lab-work demonstrations. The course helps you see how STEM solves real problems and develop practical skills both inside and outside the lab. Additionally, you’ll participate in excursions to London, Warwick, or Canterbury.

At the end of every day, you’ll participate in an evening activity like a talent show and or disco to further your collaboration with your international peers. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a certificate of completion.

Why it stands out: It really leans into practical STEM, giving you the chance to experiment, build, code, and test ideas in a way that makes the science feel real. The emphasis on workshops and hands-on sessions means you spend more time doing than observing, which can be a strong fit if you learn best by getting stuck in.

7. St Giles Juniors, Cambridge

Location: St Mary’s School, Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: £1,407 per week (residential)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed; average class size is 15 students
Dates: July 5 – August 9
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 8-17

At St Giles Juniors Cambridge program, you will be participating in 20 lessons (16.7 hours) per week. St Giles is an English language school, but you can choose to add classes in more specific areas like global culture, music & festivals, health, and science and technology.

You will be living and studying with peers from 8+ countries, helping you widen your perspective. You will participate in multiple excursions to stadiums, the Warner Bros studios, Madame Tussauds, the Hampton Court Palace, and more. Activities would include a mix of sports and social offerings, such as basketball, football, bowling, and punting. You can book your course here.

Why it stands out: You’ll be a part of a supportive teaching environment and a diverse cohort that mirrors a modern university, particularly for developing language skills. However, if your priority is gaining more holistic experiences across a broader range of subjects and experiencing university life, then this program may not be the strongest choice.

8. MPW (Mander Portman Woodward) Summer School – Cambridge Campus

Location: MPW campus, Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: Fee starts from approximately £2000 (may vary yearly)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum class size of around 8 students; may vary
Dates: Sessions start in late June and run through to mid-AugustApplication Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 14-17

MPW’s Summer School offers you a 2-week or 4-week residential experience with both academic and enrichment opportunities. You’ll select one academic stream such as Computing, Robotics & AI, Mathematics, Physics & Engineering. You will have the opportunity to attend interactive lessons guided by UK-based tutors and guest lecturers. The small class size ensures personalized attention and meaningful collaboration with peers.

Outside of the classroom, you’ll explore Cambridge’s historic setting, participate in cultural excursions, and live in Cambridge’s Tripos Court accommodation. With a standout learning environment, this program can be your pick if you’re looking to deepen your subject expertise and experience life at one of the world’s most prestigious university cities.

Why it stands out: You’ll get access to tutors who have helped students achieve top A-Level results, so you’ll have a chance to boost your academic performance in the future. However, the focus of this program is limited in terms of subject offerings.

9. IGNITE Young Minds Summer Programme

Location: Cambridge Judge Business School, Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: Fee is £4,500 approx
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: July 19 – July 25
Application Deadline: June 30
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18 years

At the IGNITE Summer Program, you will have a one-week immersive experience studying entrepreneurship, leadership, and software thinking. You will join lectures and workshops on innovation, problem solving and digital entrepreneurship while collaborating on real business challenges.

Outside sessions include punting on the River Cam and college tours, giving you a clear glimpse into UK university life. You will be studying under experienced faculty and industry professionals, allowing you to build valuable connections. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be given a certificate of completion. You may apply here.

Why it stands out: Its affiliation with the Judge Business School will allow you to get early exposure to the teaching frameworks of Judge’s business programs and help you connect with industry professionals. However, the program duration is 1 week, and the focus is limited only to business.

Source: Cambridge Centre for Languages

10. Cambridge Centre for Languages – Senior Summer Course

Location: St. Mary’s, Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: Fee varies depending on the type of accommodation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small class size
Dates: Multiple 2-week and 4-week courses in July and August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13-17 years

The CCL Senior Summer Course offers you a structured academic program in one of the UK’s most prestigious university settings. You’ll study the English language and British culture in lessons, with an additional project track in coding, entrepreneurship or performing arts. Outside class, you’ll join excursions, experience student life near Cambridge University and live in college-style housing or a homestay. With small classes (max 16 students), you’ll receive personalized attention while collaborating with motivated peers in an immersive setting. You may contact the CCL here to learn more.

Why it stands out: It combines the structured academic environments and experiences of residential life of a university, giving you a realistic picture of what college would look like. However, it does so only in the limited context of building language skills. If your priority is gaining more holistic experiences across a broader range of subjects and experiencing university life, then this program may not be the strongest choice.

11. Cambridge Scholars’ Programme

Location: Cambridge University colleges, Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: Fee varies; one-week program: $3,500; two-week program: $6,995
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified; classes average 6-10 students per mentor
Dates: July 12 – July 19 (one-week session); July 19 – August 2 (two-week session)
Application Deadline: Applications are decided on a rolling basis
Eligibility: High-school students aged 14-18

This programme allows you to live in a Cambridge college, study wider subjects and experience British university culture firsthand. Across one or two weeks, you’ll pick daily courses ranging from Computer Science to Literature, International Relations, Law and Economics.

Alongside academics, cultural trips to places like Windsor Castle and the Tower of London strengthen perspective and confidence. This blend of academic enrichment, college accommodation and international peers gives you a real glimpse of university life and prepares you well.

Why it stands out: It’s heavily diverse, so you could form friendships that influence your academic journey for years to come. However, it has limited options to pick between courses (see here) and does not offer any financial aid. If you’re looking for flexibility in course offerings or in-depth study of one particular subject, then this program may not be the best option.

12. ISSOS International – Cambridge Summer School

Location: At a University of Cambridge college, Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $6,900 fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: July 8 – July 29
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18

The 3-week ISSOS Cambridge Summer School offers an academic course and creative elective while you live in college. The program limits students per nationality and mixes native/non-native English speakers, creating a truly international peer group.

You will also participate in cultural trips and evening activities that bring Cambridge’s historic setting to life. You may select main courses ranging from business & entrepreneurship, creative writing, journalism, youth leadership, and more. For the elective, the program offers opportunities in art, tennis, photography, theatre, and more. If you’re interested, you may apply here.

Why it stands out: It ensures cohort diversity by limiting participants from different nationalities, so you’ll get a good idea of what studying at a global university involves. However, the subject offerings are limited, and it requires that you pick one academic subject and one elective. If you’re looking for deep academic immersion or diverse course options, then this might not be the strongest pick.

13. Cambridge Dream Summer Programme

Location: Cambridge University colleges, Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: Tuition fee varies by session and year
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed; small class size
Dates: Multiple sessions during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: Students aged 12-18

The Cambridge Dream Summer Programme offers you the opportunity to live, study, and dine in Cambridge college accommodation while learning from university academics, qualified teachers, and professional trainers. The program blends subject tuition and interactive workshops. Alongside academic development, you’ll explore subjects through lectures, projects, and team challenges that strengthen your confidence, communication, and leadership abilities.

You’ll be mentored by Cambridge undergraduates, receiving skill sessions for top university applications in the UK, US, and beyond. When not in class, enjoy cultural activities, including punting on the River Cam and excursions across Oxford and London.

Why it stands out: You’ll get guidance in writing your personal statement and answering interview questions, thereby preparing you for university admissions. However, the courses are taught by current undergraduates, as opposed to university faculty or PhD students. For an accurate picture of university life and in-depth academics, this program might not be the best fit.

14. Cambridge Centre for International Research

Location: Cambridge University colleges, Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: Fee varies by course and length; starts from £4995
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Starting in early June
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students aged 12-19 years

The Cambridge Summer Programmes allow you to choose from advanced courses in technology, business, computer science, medicine, or creative arts. You will be taught in small-group tutorials with immersive university-style support. You’ll live in Cambridge University college accommodation and attend morning lectures and workshops. In the afternoons and evenings, you can participate in hands-on projects, teamwork, and cultural excursions throughout the city and beyond.

The program emphasizes innovation, personalized support, and real-world applications. All course offerings will provide you with a blend of theoretical and practical, hands-on knowledge. Whether your interest is in coding, robotics, entrepreneurship, or environmental science, this summer experience in Cambridge helps you build subject depth, global perspective, and preparedness for further education. If interested, you may want to have a look at the course options.

Why it stands out: You’ll be interacting with faculty and engaging in university-style tutorials, so you’ll have a better idea of what college academics would involve.

15. Cambridge Leadership Academy

Location: Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: Approximate fee is £2,250
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: July 26 – August 1
Application Deadline: Earlybird registration ends in December (tentative)
Eligibility: Students aged 14-20

The six-night Cambridge Leadership Academy includes mentorship, workshops, and networking with peers and industry figures. You’ll stay in college accommodation and attend seminars on confidence, public speaking, and entrepreneurship, plus 1-to-1 coaching.

With interactive sessions and excursions incorporated, the experience is designed to build your leadership mindset, decision-making ability, and career readiness in a real university environment. Its age range and short duration fit your summer break, allowing you to enhance leadership skills easily. You can apply here.

Why it stands out: You’ll have access to mentors from within the Cambridge ecosystem and receive training on communication and public-speaking skills, making this program especially useful if you’re planning to study business, politics, or social science.

Want to Study at Cambridge University?

Studying at Cambridge can seem like a distant dream, but in this guide to the available summer programs for high school students in Cambridge, we show you that there are plenty of choices to help you understand what life at the university is really like.

Through academic learning, hands-on projects, and time in historic colleges, these programmes show you what world-class university study involves.

You’ll also meet current students, explore the city, and gain a clearer sense if Cambridge is the right next step.

If you’re curious about what studying at Cambridge is really like, take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Cambridge for a deeper insight.