Inside St Clare’s, Oxford 2026: What to Expect This Year

St Clare’s, Oxford, runs a wide range of summer school programmes for juniors, teenagers and adults, combining academic study with English development and cultural experiences.

Across its two campuses – one in Oxford’s academic centre and one in Merrist Wood’s peaceful countryside – students can join courses that reflect the school’s long-standing strength in English teaching and its almost 50 years as an International Baccalaureate World School.

What follows is a comprehensive guide to St Clare’s, Oxford.

Why Choose St Clare’s, Oxford?

St Clare’s, Oxford, is recognised for its academic excellence and international environment. Accredited by the British Council and Quality English, it blends IB pedagogy with interactive learning and weekly themes that connect lessons to real-world topics.

Students learn through study visits, guest speakers, and collaborative projects that promote critical thinking and confidence. For teens, courses like IB Introduction and Science & Experiments bridge school and future study at the university level.

Furthermore, excursions include Oxford colleges, Blenheim Palace, and London landmarks such as the Tower of London and the London Eye. The programme encourages participants to apply language skills in authentic settings while exploring British culture.

Immerse Education also values meaningful excursions and hands-on learning experiences. Like St Clare’s, we connect classroom study with real-world discovery. But we go beyond that. 

Our programmes maintain an average of seven students per class, allowing every participant to receive personalised attention and detailed feedback. 

In addition, we combine this focus with Oxbridge-style tutorials, career-based projects, and global study locations in Cambridge, Oxford, London, Boston, New York, San Francisco, Toronto, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo.

For flexibility, students can also join our Online Research Programme for one-to-one mentorship with a PhD-level tutor. This balance of guidance, rigour, and opportunity helps participants grow in confidence and stand out in future university applications.

What Can You Study?

St Clare’s designs many of its academic pathways and mixed-subject programmes to reflect the same spirit as the IB – curiosity, critical thinking, international awareness and independent study habits. The subject-focused pathways mirror the way IB students often explore disciplines in depth, while the broader, multi-subject programmes feel similar to the IB’s emphasis on balance and breadth.

Subject-focused pathways are programmes built around a specific area of study. Instead of taking a general mix of classes, students choose one subject – like science, social sciences, business, creative arts or humanities – and spend their time exploring that discipline in more depth.

Others offer a broader mix where you study several subjects or rotate through different themes. Those wider-ranging courses are designed for students who want variety: a blend of academic taster sessions, English development, and cultural learning rather than deep focus in one field.

Broader mix programmes suit students who are still exploring their interests, prefer a more general academic experience, or simply want a well-rounded summer that touches on multiple areas instead of committing to a single pathway.

The adult programmes focus on English language development and broader academic or cultural study, but they’re delivered with the same educational philosophy the IB promotes – openness, critical thinking, and learning that connects to the wider world.

Key Features of St Clare’s Summer Courses

Each programme combines academic learning with a rich social schedule. Classes average 12–15 students and follow weekly themes linked to excursions and project work.

The Oxford campus includes modern labs, art studios, a library and residences within walking distance of the city centre. At Merrist Wood, students study in a 400-acre countryside campus with a working farm and wildlife zoo.

Accommodation ranges from single and twin rooms to multi-bed rooms for younger students. Meals are provided daily and cater to all dietary requirements.

Activities include sports, creative workshops, and social events such as film nights, karaoke and talent shows. Teens typically take one excursion per week, while juniors join up to three.

Pastoral care is a defining feature; staff live on site and offer 24-hour supervision and support. Students follow age-appropriate curfews and check-ins, ensuring a safe and structured environment.

Advantages

• Accessible admissions: no competitive selection; recommended English level A2–C2, or B1/B2 for older courses.
• Accredited quality: British Council accredited and a member of English UK and Quality English.
• Affordable pricing: courses range from £1,300 to £5,300 (based on 2025 fees), offering strong value for a UK boarding experience.
• Flexible durations: programmes run for 2–4 weeks, allowing students to choose the length that suits their schedule.
• 24-hour support: dedicated residential staff provide round-the-clock supervision and pastoral care.
• Holistic learning: combines academics, language growth, and cultural exploration through themed study and excursions.

Disadvantages

• Limited academic depth: focuses on general English and IB tasters, without advanced subject pathways or university-style learning.
• No one-to-one mentorship: group-based teaching lacks personalised tutorials and detailed feedback.
• Larger class sizes: up to 15 students, compared to Immerse’s average of seven per class.
• No career pathways: lacks project-based courses or industry exposure found in Immerse’s Career Insights programmes.
• No research component: does not offer one-to-one research or academic output opportunities like Immerse’s Online Research Programme.
• No academic recognition: certificates of attendance only, not formal evaluations or tutor references.

Course Breakdown

Note: Check their official website for their current pricing.

St Clare’s Oxford vs Immerse Education

Immerse Education offers three core pathways: Academic Insights, Career Insights, and the Online Research Programme (ORP), combining university-style learning, real-world experience, and one-to-one research mentorship across global locations.

Is St Clare’s Worth It?

St Clare’s Oxford offers excellent value for families seeking a safe, international summer school that balances academic study with enrichment. 

Its blend of English fluency, IB-style learning, and cultural immersion creates a rounded programme for students aged 9 to 17. Juniors benefit from supervised residential care and a full activities schedule combining lessons, excursions, and sports. 

Older teens explore themed pathways such as Business, Science, Art, or IB Preparation while developing communication and teamwork skills in an international setting.

The school’s reputation, Oxford location, and British Council accreditation make it a trusted choice for younger learners who want structure and a global peer community.

However, for students aiming for selective universities or research-driven study, Immerse Education provides a more advanced framework. 

Our programmes feature smaller class sizes, subject depth, and one-to-one mentorship through the Academic Insights and Career Insights pathways. 

For those seeking more subject variety, hands-on career experience, or flexible online research options, Immerse Education offers a broader global network and a more personalised approach to university preparation.

Alternatives to St Clare’s Oxford

If you’re considering St Clare’s, you may also want to compare:

• Immerse Education – Academic Summer School: Oxbridge-style teaching with subject depth (ages 13–18).
• Immerse Education – Career Insights: project-based, career-focused programmes in cities like London, New York, and San Francisco.
• Immerse Education – Online Research Programme: 1:1 research mentorship with PhD tutors, offering sustained engagement beyond two weeks.
• Oxford Royale Academy: Traditional boarding with broad subject choices and cultural excursions.
• King’s College London Pre-University Summer School: Selective academic courses for older students.

How to Apply for St Clare’s Oxford

1. Choose Your Programme – Explore courses by age and interest on the St Clare’s website, then select your dates.
2. Apply Online – Complete the booking form with personal details, English level, and accommodation preference for your course.
3. Secure Your Place – Pay the £500 deposit after acceptance to confirm your booking and receive pre-arrival information.
4. Submit Documents – Upload your passport, medical and travel details, and pay the remaining balance five weeks before arrival.
5. Prepare to Arrive – Review the student handbook, confirm travel plans, and pack for your summer at St Clare’s Oxford.

Final Thoughts

St Clare’s Oxford offers an accredited, international summer experience ideal for younger learners building English fluency and confidence. 

Its IB-inspired teaching, small classes, and structured activities create a safe environment for academic and personal growth.

For students seeking smaller groups, advanced study, or global career exposure, Immerse Education provides a stronger alternative. 

With programmes in Cambridge, Oxford, London, and worldwide cities, Immerse combines rigorous academics, cultural immersion, and career-focused learning to prepare ambitious students for university and beyond.