Explore, Experiment, Excel—Unlock STEM the Oxford and Cambridge Way

Ever wondered how science and tech actually work in the real world? Under “Explore, Experiment, Excel—Unlock STEM the Oxford and Cambridge Way,” you learn the Oxbridge style: tiny groups where you speak up, argue ideas, and get quick feedback; theory that jumps straight into labs, builds, and demos; and real college life—historic halls, structured activities, and UK trips that connect what you’re learning to the world around you. It’s fast, focused, and seriously fun.

So what does that look like in practice?

STEM summer schools are short, high-energy programmes for teens that run in June–August for 2, 4 or 6 weeks. You’ll get a mix of Oxbridge uni-style classes and hands-on labs—around 20 hours of focused learning a week—while living in supervised college accommodation, sharing meals with new friends from around the world, and finishing with a certificate (often with a progress report or reference).

Here are three examples that show how this works on the ground

STEM in Cambridge with Reach Cambridge

Ages 13–15 & 16–18 | Cambridge | Enrolling Now | Fees £6,295–£18,495 (2–6 weeks)

At a Glance
Explore science, technology, engineering and maths in historic Cambridge, combining interactive learning with hands-on labs and cultural excursions.

What This Course Offers
Around 20 hours of teaching per week, practical workshops, guest lectures, daily activities, two coach excursions, two meals a day, 24/7 welfare support, and a completion certificate.

Reach Cambridge was by far the most wonderful, interesting and inspiring experience I have ever done: it all started as an opportunity to learn about new things in the science field, but in the end it also gave me a taste of what studying at Cambridge University looks like and allowed me to get to know new incredible people from all over the world. I attended the STEM course, and as someone who wanted to clear their mind about college decisions by getting a taste of each of the major scientific disciplines, this was undoubtedly the best choice I could make. 

STEM Pioneers in Oxford  Sapphire Education

Ages 12–14 | Oxford | Enrolling Now | Fees from £5,590 (2 weeks)

At a Glance
Build foundations in engineering, sustainability, physics and basic coding through hands-on, age-appropriate activities in central Oxford.

What This Course Offers
Design, robotics and basic programming sessions; all meals; full-day weekend excursions; local activities; guest speakers; career guidance including a private school visit; evening socials and wellbeing time; premium en-suite university accommodation; 24/7 pastoral care; graduation and certificate.

Faculty of Science and Technology (STEM) in Cambridge  Summer Boarding Courses

Ages 14–17 | Cambridge | Enrolling Now | Fees £4,895 (2 weeks)

At a Glance
Explore physics, chemistry, biology and engineering through experiments, data tasks and design projects across Cambridge learning sites.

What This Course Offers
Around 20 hours of tuition per week with language support; laboratory sessions, engineering projects and technology workshops; accommodation (mostly en-suite), meals and materials; comprehensive travel insurance; excursions and a multi-activity programme; progress report, reference letter, graduation party and certificate.

What parents say: My daughter attended SBC summer school in Cambridge. The experience has been amazing. The course was very interesting and useful for her age (15 y.o.). The staff were very helpful and considerate, really taking good care of the children.  

Across these programmes, students finish with tangible results. When choosing any STEM summer school, look for clear student outcomes: what new skills your child will gain, what practical experiences they’ll complete, and whether they’ll receive a certificate, progress report, or reference. Check that the programme builds confidence, independence and teamwork, and gives real exposure to STEM.

Here’s what students typically take away:-

Teaching styles compared—choose the approach that supports your child most effectively.

STEM in Cambridge — Reach Cambridge
This programme blends university-style teaching with practical, exploratory learning. Students spend part of their time in interactive seminars and part in hands-on workshops, giving them both theoretical grounding and experience applying concepts. The approach is immersive and academic, enriched by guest lectures, excursions and daily activities that help students develop confidence, independence and real-world understanding.

STEM Pioneers in Oxford — Sapphire Education
This course is built around action-based learning for younger teens. Lessons focus on doing rather than watching—designing, building, testing and reflecting. The methodology emphasises teamwork, creativity and design thinking, helping students grow through collaboration and guided problem-solving. Activities are intentionally accessible, fun and supportive, making early STEM concepts feel exciting and achievable.

Faculty of Science and Technology (STEM) in Cambridge — Summer Boarding Courses
This programme uses a structured, pre-university model that combines rigorous scientific theory with practical lab work and engineering challenges. Students learn through experimentation, data analysis and collaborative projects that reflect real scientific processes. With small class sizes and personalised guidance, the methodology aims to strengthen technical competence, analytical thinking and academic readiness.

For more of the many STEM courses listed, see below.