Summer support for children lacking confidence in Maths

My child struggles at school with Mathematics – can summer schools help?

Summer schools offer space to rebuild confidence without the pressure of grades. Instead of rushing through a syllabus, students get targeted practice, supportive feedback, and teaching styles that encourage questions. Small groups and interactive tasks help identify gaps and strengthen understanding step by step.

And because these courses are delivered in top boarding-school environments—with calm surroundings, reassuring routines, and learning spaces designed to focus young minds—struggling learners often relax, concentrate better, and feel safe enough to try again.

Most importantly, summer learning can show that mathematics is a practical tool rather than an obstacle. When maths is used to design a robot, power a game, or solve a real-world challenge, students begin to see it as a means to an exciting end. That shift in perspective often reignites curiosity—and helps children return to school believing that maths is something they can do.

The Maths Explorers courses turn numbers into an adventure. Instead of dry exercises, students crack codes, tackle puzzles, play with geometry and take on real-world challenges that make maths feel exciting and achievable. Taught in small groups inside leading UK boarding schools, these one-week programmes give young learners the confidence, curiosity and practical skills to stop fearing maths and start enjoying what it can do.

Here is an At A Glance view of the Maths Courses from 9 to 15

Maths Explorers – Oxford Summer Courses (Ages 9–10 | UK Boarding Schools | 1 Week | Fees from £2,395 | June–August 2026)

At a Glance

A lively, one-week introduction to pure and applied maths, where 9- to 10-year-olds investigate patterns, tackle number puzzles and discover how mathematical problems appear in everyday life. Learners build early skills in geometry, algebra and statistics through games, group work and interactive tasks led by experienced primary teachers.

What This Course Offers
Tutorials with qualified academics (1–2 students per tutor); small seminars capped at eight; hands-on problem-solving; multimedia presentations and group projects; accommodation and breakfast; evening meals including restaurant visits; organised excursions and social activities; a graduation ceremony; airport transfers (conditions apply); access to Oxford Summer Courses Foundations (a free, supplementary online program designed to boost students’ readiness and confidence before they attend an in-person program, bridging academic gaps with essential study skills and subject knowledge to enhance their overall summer school experience); and reflection sessions to help students think about the day’s learning.

Why It Helps Struggling Learners
Young children who are already anxious about maths discover it through play, puzzles and real-life applications, building confidence before formal pressure sets in. Instead of feeling stuck, they experience small wins and curiosity—turning early frustration into a sense of “I can do this.”

Maths Explorers – Oxford Summer Courses (Ages 11–12 | UK Boarding Schools | 1 Week | Fees from £2,595–£2,995 | June–August 2026)

At a Glance
A fun, one-week introduction to pure and applied mathematics where students analyse patterns, tackle numerical puzzles and try real-world problem-solving. Learners work inside UK boarding schools with experienced primary teachers, using group work, games, codes and statistics to build confidence in core skills.

What This Course Offers
Tutorial-style support with qualified academics (1–2 students per tutor); small seminars of 8 students or fewer; age-appropriate mathematical projects; curriculum-enrichment and reflection sessions; accommodation with daily breakfast; evening meals including meals out; social activities and day trips; graduation; airport transfers (conditions apply); access to Oxford Summer Courses Foundations (a free, supplementary online program designed to boost students’ readiness and confidence before they attend an in-person OxSC program, bridging academic gaps with essential study skills and subject knowledge to enhance their overall summer school experience); and supervision throughout.

Why It Helps Struggling Learners
Instead of abstract worksheets, students explore maths through brainteasers, geometric challenges, real-life tasks and interactive teamwork—helping those who feel “maths isn’t for me” to discover enjoyment, confidence and early success.

Maths Explorers – Oxford Summer Courses (Ages 12 | UK Boarding Schools | 1 Week | Fees from £2,995 | June–August 2026)

At a Glance
A fast, engaging week focused on the foundations of geometry, algebra and statistics, encouraging students to explore how maths appears in everyday life. Activities are designed to stretch 12-year-old learners with codes, puzzles and applied reasoning in a supportive, small-group setting.

What This Course Offers
Interactive academic teaching from qualified tutors; tiny tutorial groups; problem-solving workshops; accommodation and breakfast; evening meals including restaurant nights; programmed visits and excursions; graduation ceremony; airport transfers (conditions apply); access to Oxford Summer Courses Foundations (a free, supplementary online program designed to boost students’ readiness and confidence before they attend an in-person OxSC program, bridging academic gaps with essential study skills and subject knowledge to enhance their overall summer school experience); enrichment sessions to reflect on progress and learning.

Why It Helps Struggling Learners
By showing that mathematical thinking can unlock puzzles, solutions and satisfying “aha!” moments, the course helps struggling learners swap frustration for curiosity—proving they can succeed when maths has purpose.

Maths Explorers – Oxford Summer Courses (Ages 13–14 | UK Boarding Schools | 1 Week | Fees from £2,995 | June–August 2026)

At a Glance
An energetic progression into geometric problem-solving, algebraic thinking and statistics for early teens who are ready for more independence. Students explore pure and applied maths through group projects, codes, games and real-world inquiry designed for 13–14-year-olds.

What This Course Offers
Academics delivering 1–2-student tutorials plus seminars capped at eight; group work; problem-solving challenges; skills-development workshops; residential accommodation; all breakfasts and evening meals; planned excursions and social activities; graduation and certificate; airport transfers (conditions apply); access to Oxford Summer Courses Foundations (a free, supplementary online program designed to boost students’ readiness and confidence before they attend an in-person OxSC program, bridging academic gaps with essential study skills and subject knowledge to enhance their overall summer school experience).

Why It Helps Struggling Learners
This age group often disengages when maths feels abstract—so project-based tasks, teamwork and real-life application create ownership and enjoyment. Students see maths as a tool for cracking problems, not a barrier, helping them re-enter school feeling capable rather than defeated.

What parents and children say about these courses

Many families describe Oxford Summer Courses as well-organised, friendly and confidence-boosting. Parents report smooth communication and children returning home excited and proud. Students highlight:

• engaging teachers
• enjoyable academic sessions
• a supportive residential atmosphere
• opportunities to make international friends

Several reviewers call the experience memorable or life-changing, praising the mix of learning, independence and fun activities.

See all Maths courses here