High school summers are a rare chance to recharge while also building momentum for the year ahead. Summer schools in Oxford for high school students turn that time into something purposeful, combining academic challenge with the kind of university-style learning you do not always get at school. Instead of stepping away from learning, you can use the summer to explore a subject in depth and test what studying it at a higher level really feels like.

Imagine studying medicine in historic Oxford colleges, exploring artificial intelligence and machine learning, engaging in debates on philosophy and politics, or working on climate and entrepreneurship projects with students from around the world. These programmes let you pair academic learning with cultural exposure, whether you’re attending seminars in centuries-old halls or exploring museums, libraries, and iconic landmarks across the city.

Even if you are already familiar with the UK education system, a summer programme in Oxford can still offer something new. You’ll gain early exposure to university-style learning, meet like-minded peers, and experience life in one of the world’s most renowned academic centres.

What kinds of summer schools in Oxford are available for high school students?

Finding the right program can be challenging. Some focus might only focus on extra-curriculars while others feel disconnected from real-world learning. Choosing the right program matters because not all opportunities offer the same level of academic depth and engagement.

Oxford offers a wide range of summer schools in many fields, including science, technology, medicine, arts, and leadership. You’ll learn from expert instructors, participate in hands-on projects, attend workshops and lectures, and connect with like-minded students.

To help you choose, we’ve prepared a list of 15 summer schools in Oxford for high school students. They’ve been selected for their academic quality, immersive learning experiences, and strong institutional reputation.

For country-wide opportunities, you can have a look at summer programs in the UK. If you’re interested in gaining work experience, do check out work opportunities for high school students in the UK.

15 Summer Schools in Oxford for High School Students

1. Immerse Education’s Oxford Summer School

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

The Academic Insights Program in Oxford 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. Participants can explore a wide range of subjects, spanning over 20 options, including Architecture, AI, Business Management, Computer Science, Economics, Medicine, Philosophy, and more.

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.

Why it stands out: You’ll experience real university life through small-group, hands-on learning led by tutors from top universities, while completing a personal project and receiving detailed academic feedback.

2. Brown Experiential Education: Oxford

Location: Oxford University and London, UK
Cost: $8,270
Dates: July 6-17
Application Deadline: May 8th
Eligibility: Students completing grades 10-12, ages 16-18; Open to international students.

Joining the Brown Experiential Education: Oxford will allow you to explore the world of biotechnology. You’ll participate in interactive site visits, connect with experts, and understand how the role of history and modern research impacts the future of medicine positively. You’ll explore biotech parks, hospitals,  research institutes, and historic sites. You’ll have the opportunity to develop and sharpen a range of skills, including scientific literacy and critical thinking.

You’ll spend your time with a community of young scholars and closely observe the role of biotechnology in shaping the global landscape. On the completion of the program, you’ll also receive a Course Performance Report and Digital Certificate of Completion. If you’re a high school student interested in a learning experience without the stress of formal grades, this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll get rare exposure to how biotechnology works in the real world, learning directly from experts while exploring one of the world’s most historic research hubs.

3. Oxford University AI & Machine Learning Pioneers Summer School

Location: Oxford Saïd Business School, Oxford, UK
Cost:  From £8,995
Dates: July 19th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students ages 16-18; Open to international students 

Oxford University Machine Learning Pioneers Summer School offers a transformative experience led by renowned experts from the University of Oxford. You’ll gain real-world insights, listen to guest speakers, and learn to think and work like an innovator. You’ll participate in engaging discussions with peers, gain hands-on experience in Python and other AI and data science tools, and address real-world tech challenges through teamwork.

The program will allow you to sharpen your research, critical thinking, problem-solving and presentation skills. The program also offers a chance to explore the local culture and beauty of the city through visits to heritage sites and museums, and participation in evening and weekend activities. On the completion of the program, you’ll receive an official certificate from the University of Oxford.

What makes it stand out: It will give you hands-on exposure to machine learning under the guidance of Oxford experts, letting you work on real-world problems while experiencing research and innovation at a top university.

4. Oxford University – Future Climate Innovators Summer School

Location: Oxford Saïd Business School, Oxford, UK
Cost: From £8,995
Dates: July 19th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students ages 16-18; Open to students worldwide

Oxford University- Future Climate Innovators Summer School offers a two-week inspiring experience to high school students. During the first week of the program, you’ll explore important environmental themes including food security, air pollution and extreme weather. You’ll be focused on innovative thinking and problem-solving.

The second week will allow you to sharpen your entrepreneurial skills, find solutions to real-world environmental challenges and pitch your ideas to develop strong business proposals. You’ll attend lectures, engage in workshops, and gain hands-on experience through off-site educational visits. If you’re a high school student passionate about environmental sustainability, this program could help you gain valuable knowledge and skills.

Why it stands out: It lets you turn climate ideas into real solutions by combining environmental science with entrepreneurship and pitching your own sustainability innovations at Oxford

5. Cherwell College: Oxford Summer Courses

Location: Oxford, UK
Cost: Not specified; Email: secretary@cherwell-college.co.uk
Dates: 2-3 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Email: secretary@cherwell-college.co.uk
Eligibility: High school students; Open to the UK and International students

Oxford Summer Courses include different short-term learning experiences for high school students. You’ll immerse yourself in summer life at Oxford, receive academic support and understand the British educational system to explore careers in the future. Some of the courses offered through the program include Education and Culture: Oxford Summerland, Ahead of the Game: Pre-sessional (I)GCSE and A-Level Course, Intensive University Preparation, and many more.

The courses allow you to engage in an innovative, challenging and exciting learning experience. You’ll develop a range of skills, including creative writing, debating, and public speaking. Along with in-depth academic knowledge, you’ll also get to explore the museum collections of Oxford University.

Why it stands out: You’ll study in an immersive Oxford setting while experiencing authentic student life and the British education system.

6. Oxford Brookes Engage 

Location: Oxford Brookes University
Cost: Free
Dates: June 30th – July 2nd; July 7-9
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: first year of a two-year Level 3 qualification (e.g. A Levels, BTEC, or equivalent); live in England; Ages 16 and above

Oxford Brookes Engage is a subject-based programme that offers you support and guidance to make the right educational decisions for the future. You’ll explore a subject area of your interest, participate in on-campus masterclasses and receive valuable advice on University applications. You’ll receive mentorship from students at Oxford Brookes and engage in a summer school experience.

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the city, reside in the halls, and use all other facilities. The program allows you to explore different streams and choose one based on your subject of interest. The streams include biomedical science, crime and justice, computer science, creative industries and many more. 

 Why it stands out: You’ll explore a subject you care about through hands-on masterclasses, while receiving mentorship and guidance for university applications.

7. Future Entrepreneurs Summer School

Location: Oxford, England
Cost: From £8,995
Dates: August 2-15
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students ages 16-18 with a strong interest in entrepreneurship, business innovation, or social impact; Open to students worldwide

Future Entrepreneurs Summer School offers a two-week inspiring entrepreneurship experience. You’ll develop real-world innovation skills, gain in-depth insights from real startups at different stages of growth, and work on generating and testing your own unique ideas to make a positive change in the world.

You’ll learn the skills and knowledge to develop innovative businesses, participate in engaging discussions, and work on small group projects to solve real-world challenges. The program will provide you with hands-on experience through pitching, team collaboration and business planning. If you’re a high school student with a passion for entrepreneurship, this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll work like a real entrepreneur by building, testing, and pitching your own ideas while learning directly from active startups.

8. St. Clare’s Oxford Summer Courses For Teenagers

Location: Oxford and Merrist Wood campus
Cost: Not specified
Dates: Vary with courses
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students ages 15-17; Open to students worldwide

St.Clare’s Summer Courses for Teenagers offer a safe, supportive and interactive learning environment. You’ll get to explore a wide range of courses, including English language, Art, Leadership, Business, and Science. You’ll engage in hands-on learning through practical projects, art creation and scientific experiments. You’ll develop real-world skills, receive individual feedback, and listen to guest speakers.

The program also allows you to connectwith  students from all over the world and form meaningful friendships. Along with academic learning, you’ll also get to participate in electives and activities including sports, visual arts, animal conservation, bushcraft and more. The program is a great opportunity to learn in a structured environment rich in beauty.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn in a safe, supportive environment through hands-on projects across academics, arts, and leadership.

9. Oxford Saïd Teen Leadership Summer Academy

Location: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
Cost: £8,995
Dates: July 18-31
Application Deadline: Early Spring (tentative)
Eligibility: Students aged 15 to 18, including international applicants

Oxford Saïd Teen Leadership Summer Academy offers you a unique educational and cultural experience. You’ll attend lectures led by University alumni, tutors, and industry experts. The program provides a project-based learning experience and helps you develop problem-solving skills.

You’ll also participate in social events, go on cultural day trips and engage in Oxford traditions, including Harry Potter tours, and punting on the Thames and receive valuable career guidance and tips. If you’re a high school student looking to experience life at Oxford as a student and immerse yourself in a socially and culturally rich environment, opting for this program could be a good idea.

Why it stands out: You’ll build leadership skills through hands-on projects while experiencing Oxford student life with cultural traditions, social events, and guidance from industry experts.

10. Oxford University Year 12 Summer School Physics

Location: Oxford University Colleges, Oxford
Cost: Free
Dates: July 28th – August 1st
Application Deadline: June 4th
Eligibility: Students currently in Year 12. For more information, click here

Oxford University Year 12 Summer School Physics will offer you a week-long summer placement opportunity. Through the placements, you’ll have the opportunity to gain research experience and work with other professions and support services, including communication, outreach, technical and enterprise.

You’ll work on a project and participate in a central programme involving a range of activities, including attending sample lectures, listening to career talks, and going on departmental tours. Two of the physics themes explored in the previous include particle physics and climate physics. The program allows you to explore careers in physics and present your work through a poster presentation. 

Why it stands out: It lets you take part in real physics research at Oxford with support from professionals and experience how research is shared at the university level.

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

Location: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
Cost: £8,995
Dates: July 18-31
Application Deadline: Early spring (tentative)
Eligibility: Motivated students aged 15-18; Open to  the UK and International students 

Joining the Oxford Saïd Teen Technology and Innovation Summer Academy will allow you to engage in a two-week learning experience focused on technology and innovation. You’ll learn from expert tutors, participate in workshops, attend seminars and prepare for your future academic career.

You’ll explore a range of tech themes, including AI, entrepreneurship and startups, sustainability tech and green innovation, space technology and exploration, biotech and health innovation and fintech and blockchain. The program will provide you with a chance to engage in a project-based learning experience, gain confidence and develop persuasive communication and public speaking skills. Upon program completion, you’ll receive a recognised certificate from the University of Oxford.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore cutting-edge tech topics while working on hands-on projects that build confidence and real-world skills.

12. British American Drama Academy (BADA) Midsummer Conservatory Programme

Location: St Hilda’s College, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
Cost/Stipend: $7,100
Dates: July 11th – August 1st
Application Deadline: February 6th
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18, including international applicants.

The MidSummer Conservatory Programme at BADA offers you a unique three-week training experience. You’ll gain knowledge about Shakespeare and his language through a range of paths, including acting, voice and movement. You’ll participate in informative discussions and study sessions, watch performances in the UK’s popular theatres, and learn about the practice of period dances.

You’ll develop a unique taste in conservatory training, gain in-depth insights into the process of acting, sharpen your skills in critical thinking and analysis and prepare for college and drama school applications. The program also includes Shakespeare and cultural context classes, one-on-one private tutorials with the course director, and masterclasses led by guest artists who work in the British theatre industry. 

Why it stands out: You’ll train like a conservatory student by studying Shakespeare through acting, voice, and movement, with one-on-one guidance and direct exposure to the British theatre scene.

13. University of Oxford UNIQ Summer Programme

Location: University of Oxford, Oxford, England
Cost: Free
Dates: Late June and July (Specific dates vary with subjects)
Application Deadline: January 13th
Eligibility: UK-based Year 12 high school students from state or underrepresented schools

The University of Oxford UNIQ Summer Programme offers a no-cost opportunity to students from underrepresented backgrounds to explore educational options and decide if Oxford is the right fit for them. You’ll participate in different areas of the programme, including Approach to Oxford, Academics at Oxford, and Applications to Oxford.

You’ll attend lectures, seminars, lab sessions and tutorials. During Academics at Oxford, you’ll spend one week focused on a specific subject, engage in support and entertainment activities in the evenings, and attend a mini conference at the end of the programme. If you’re a high school student interested in a residential experience at Oxford along with the opportunity to form meaningful friendships, this programme could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: It lets students from underrepresented backgrounds experience Oxford for free, giving them real insight into academics, campus life, and the application process.

14. Wadham College Summer Schools

Location: Wadham College, Oxford University, Oxford, England, UK
Cost: Free
Dates: Five days in August
Application Deadline: Applications open in late February
Eligibility: Year 12 students in UK state schools or sixth-form colleges

Wadham College Summer Schools offers a five-day residential experience to high school students. You’ll connect with a student ambassador studying at Oxford and receive valuable advice and guidance for your university applications.

Some of the summer schools are the Classics Summer School: Gender and Sexuality in the Ancient World, Climate Change Summer School, and Modern Language Summer School: French, German or Spanish. You’ll attend seminar sessions, work on assignments, and receive feedback from tutors. The program is a great opportunity to spend your summer exploring diverse fields of interest. 

Why it stands out: You’ll experience life at an Oxford college while exploring a specific subject in depth, with direct guidance from student ambassadors and tutors.

15. International Summer School for Teens (ISSFT) Oxford

Location: University of Oxford, Oxford, England
Cost: £6995
Dates: Session 1: July 5-18; Session 2: July 19th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: 13-18-year-old students from international backgrounds

International Summer School for Teens (ISSFT) Oxford offers a Pre-University residential program for international students. The program combines academic learning with creative electives. You’ll attend classes on Global leadership, English and Study skills. Along with gaining academic knowledge from expert instructors, you’ll also participate in social programs including cultural excursions, group events and exploring historic colleges across Oxford.

You’ll be immersed in professional coaching in subjects including Tennis, Photography, and Sports Leadership. If you’re a high school student interested in gaining academic knowledge along with exposure to outdoor activities, then this program might benefit you.

Why it stands out: You’ll experience a true pre-university life in Oxford by balancing academics with creative electives, sports coaching, and cultural immersion in historic colleges.

Beyond the Classroom in the City of Oxford

Oxford offers more than lectures and workshops. It surrounds you with centuries of scholarship, ambition, and ideas that shape how you see your future.

The summer schools in Oxford for high school students featured here give you academic challenge alongside cultural depth. You study seriously, think independently, and experience university life in one of the world’s most respected cities.

From historic colleges to late-night debates, growth happens both inside and outside the classroom. You return home more confident, focused, and ready for higher study.

Want the full Oxford experience mapped out? Read our Ultimate Guide to Oxford and discover everything you need to know before you go.