Top Arts Summer Schools 2026

Top Arts Summer Schools 2026

Interested in studying the arts this summer? Welcome to our independent directory of trusted providers offering arts courses in inspiring settings.

Create, Express, Inspire!

Welcome to our independent directory showcasing a selection of trusted providers offering arts courses in Oxford, Cambridge, London and other prestigious locations this summer 2026. An Arts summer school is a fantastic opportunity to nurture creative talent and give students the space, support, and inspiration to develop their understanding further. From fine art and design to film, photography, and mixed media, all programmes featured in our guide offer expert tuition, hands-on studio work, and the chance to build an impressive creative portfolio - all in world-renowned academic settings.

Explore Arts Programs 2026

Browse a curated selection of top-quality, accredited summer courses in the visual and creative arts. Every programme is carefully chosen for its academic excellence, student experience and creative depth, and we only list long-established providers with strong reputations.

Inspiring Academic Summer Courses in Cambridge summer school Inspiring Academic Summer Courses in Cambridge logo Cambridge
From £5,845 - £17,445 Ages 13-18 Summer 2026

Transformative summer courses for teens, combining academic studies, cultural excursions, and growth opportunities in Cambridge.

Academic Insights in Oxford & Cambridge summer school Academic Insights in Oxford & Cambridge logo Cambridge • Oxford
From £5,995 - £7,495 Ages 13-18 July and August 2026

University-style summer programmes in Cambridge and Oxford for ages 13–18, combining academic rigour, world-class teaching, and an authentic taste of student life.

Oxford International Summer School for Teens summer school Oxford International Summer School for Teens logo Oxford
From £6,995 Ages 13-18 05 July 2026 to 1 August 2026

ISSFT Oxford offers an inspiring two-week summer experience for teenagers, combining world-class academics, exciting electives, and unforgettable cultural adventures at the historic University of Oxford.

LMH Oxford Summer Programmes summer school LMH Oxford Summer Programmes logo Oxford
From £4,384 - £12,676 Ages 19+ Summer 2026

Experience Oxford University’s world-renowned tutorial teaching system, explore fascinating subjects with experts in the field, and gain new skills to take you further in your future academic or professional career.

Authentic Oxford & Cambridge Experience for High School Students summer school Authentic Oxford & Cambridge Experience for High School Students logo Cambridge • Oxford
From £6,495 - £8,595 Ages 13-24 Summer 2026

Authentic Oxford & Cambridge Experience by Oxford Summer Courses immerses high school students in diverse academic studies and cultural explorations at these historic universities.

Dukes Cambridge Academic Summer School for High School Students summer school Dukes Cambridge Academic Summer School for High School Students logo Cambridge
From From £4,895 Ages 14-17 Summer 2026

Join us at the ultimate pre-university experience, a stepping stone designed to prepare you for entry into top universities for students 14-17.

The Oxford Experience for Grades 8-9 summer school The Oxford Experience for Grades 8-9 logo Oxford
From 12,495 USD Ages 13-15 Summer 2026

The Oxford Experience by Oxbridge Academic Programs offers a unique opportunity for younger students to immerse themselves in the academic and cultural life of Oxford, providing a blend of intellectual challenge and creative enrichment designed to foster personal growth and academic curiosity.

World Leading Oxford Summer Schools for Teens summer school World Leading Oxford Summer Schools for Teens logo Cambridge • London • New York • Oxford • Yale
From £6,995 Ages 12-18 Summer 2026

Experience Oxford Royale's summer programmes on campus at world leading universities, offering students a chance to dive into prestigious academic and cultural enrichment.

English Immersion at Prestigious UK Institutions summer school English Immersion at Prestigious UK Institutions logo Brighton • London • Oxford
From £1,560 - £2,310 (pw) Ages 10-18 Summer 2026

The English summer program by Bucksmore offers intensive English language learning at top UK universities for students aged 10-18.

Autumn Half Term Revision Course with OXSS summer school Autumn Half Term Revision Course with OXSS logo Online • Oxford
From From £330 to £485 per day Ages 14-19 October - November

Join OXSS for 1-9 days of study, for small group tuition or one-to-one tuition in a friendly learning environment

Transformational Academic Summer Programme in Oxford summer school Transformational Academic Summer Programme in Oxford logo Oxford
From £6,995 - £13,690 Ages 12-18 Summer 2026

Exceptional learning experience in Oxford, blending immersive academics with practical, real-world challenges.

Future Scholars with Sapphire Education summer school Future Scholars with Sapphire Education logo Oxford
From £5,590 Ages 12-14 5 July - 15 August 2026

New for 2026! Discover & Grow with Sapphire Education’s two-week programme in Oxford, combining university-style teaching with hands-on projects, industry insight and expert mentorship.

Inspirational Cambridge Summer School for Ages 13-18 summer school Inspirational Cambridge Summer School for Ages 13-18 logo Cambridge
From £7,900 Ages 13-18 Summer 2026

ISSOS at Cambridge is based in the extensive and beautiful grounds of The University of Cambridge, one of the UK's most prestigious universities.

The Cambridge Tradition Summer School for Grades 10-12 summer school The Cambridge Tradition Summer School for Grades 10-12 logo Cambridge
From 7,395 - 12,595 USD Ages 15-18 Summer 2026

The Cambridge Tradition, offered by Oxbridge Academic Programs for students in grades 10-12, provides diverse academic courses and cultural immersion at Cambridge University.

Oxford Day Camps for Ages 6-12 summer school Oxford Day Camps for Ages 6-12 logo London • Oxford
From TBD Ages 6-12 Summer 2026

The Oxford Day Camps for ages 6-12, offered by SBC, combine English learning and various fun activities, promoting cultural integration and interactive education in a day camp setting in the UK.

Find the Best Experience for You

From light-filled studios in historic Oxford colleges to creative workshops on Cambridge campuses, each city offers a unique backdrop for artistic exploration. These programmes are not run by the universities themselves but give students a chance to explore the arts in the inspiring academic settings of Oxford, Cambridge and more. Discover the arts with us!

The Radcliffe Camera, a host venue for Oxford Summer Schools
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Arts Summer School in Oxford

The ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ is an incredible place for the creatively-minded. Capture its stunning architecture on a photography course, visit Harry Potter and James Bond filming sites on a Film Studies course, or soak up the same magic that inspired great writers such as T.S Elliot, Lewis Carroll and Tolkein on a Creative Writing course.
Browse Oxford

Kings College Cambridge viewed from the River Cam, a Cambridge Summer School host venue
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Arts Summer School in Cambridge

Surround yourself with beauty in Cambridge: sketch medieval towers on a Fine Art course, capture pastoral landscapes with your camera lens, and discover masterpieces in the Fitzwilliam Museum. Get your creative juices flowing in the same city that inspired C.S. Lewis, Slyvia Plath and Zadie Smith.
Browse Cambridge

Three female summer school students sitting in the sunshine on a bench outside, smiling and having fun
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Browse All Destinations

Interested in studying the Arts in other wonderful study destinations in Europe, the USA and worldwide?
Browse All

Find A Course

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Global Perspectives on Public Health: A Survey of Core Concepts and Applied Practice

While clinical medicine deals with the health of the individual, public health is concerned with the health of the population.…

ISSFT
Intensive English Language

This immersive course at International Summer School for Teens (ISSFT) offers full English-language immersion for teens at levels A1-B2. It…

Immerse Education
Mathematics in Cambridge for Ages 16-18

Advance your mathematical thinking in Cambridge, a city that has shaped some of the world’s greatest mathematicians.

ISSOS
English Language

English Language at ISSOS is designed for students with English as a second language. This course caters for students of every ability…

Oxford Summer Courses
Economics (13-15 years old)

The Economics summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 13-15 years old students, provides seminars and small group learning…

Sapphire Education
Business, Entrepreneurship & Start-Ups

Explore what drives great ideas and turns them into real-world impact. This course invites students to delve into the fundamentals…

Reach Cambridge
Philosophy

Consider the big questions alongside giants from the past like Socrates, Plato and the dozens of more contemporary philosophers who…

Oxford Scholastica Academy
Experience International Relations, Politics & Leadership Academy

This course helps students better understand the importance of relationships between nations and cultures. We’ll explore case-studies of international relations…

Bucksmore Education
Young Professionals Engineering

Ignite your career aspirations, our Young Professionals courses combine academic rigour, industry embedded workshops and a real world collaboration with…

Oxbridge Academic Programs
AI: Designing Intelligent Systems (The Oxbridge Institute for Advanced Studies)

The course will begin by introducing students to the approaches and techniques required to carry out a successful Artificial Intelligence…

Summer Boarding Courses
Future Entrepreneur at Headington Oxford

Unlock your entrepreneurial potential and gain the skills to turn innovative ideas into thriving business ventures in a global market.

Oxford Science Studies
A-Level & IB Revision Courses in Oxford

OXSS offers tailored academic support for IB, and A Level students. With small group classes, expert tutors, and flexible scheduling,…

Oxford Scholastica Academy
Experience Business & Enterprise Academy

This course brings business, economics and management to life, to help you better understand what it’s like to pursue study…

ISSOS
Debate

The ISSOS Debate programme offers students the opportunity to build valuable transferable skills while developing their confidence, voice, presentation and…

Reach Cambridge
ENG4U Canadian Credit

Gain Grade 12 English Canadian Credit in summer through Reach's accredited Ontario credit courses with Canadian teachers.

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

The Faculty of Science and Technology is where curiosity meets innovation. This programme is designed for students who are passionate…

Immerse Education
Natural Sciences in Cambridge for Ages 13-15

Discover the interconnected world of science in Cambridge, a city that has inspired countless scientific breakthroughs.

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
The Moral Life of the Law

What kinds of people, values, and relationships does Law assume? What is the Law's vision of the good life? Whose…

Oxford Science Studies
GCSE & IGCSE Revision Courses in Oxford

OXSS offers tailored academic support for GCSE and IGCSE students. With small group classes, expert tutors, and flexible scheduling, students…

Sapphire Education
Psychology, Marketing & Leadership

Explore what drives human behaviour and how it shapes the world around us. This course invites students to delve into…

More Details: Arts Summer Schools

A broad selection of programmes is available, varying in depth, workload and course design across providers.

Academic Focus and Teaching

Arts summer schools emphasize an interdisciplinary approach that instills both creativity and critical thinking. Students engage with a diverse curriculum that spans visual arts, performing arts, and theoretical studies, fostering a holistic understanding of artistic expression. Instruction often prioritizes hands-on experiences, encouraging learners to explore techniques and concepts that may not be as readily available in traditional school settings. This rich academic environment allows for a depth of study that nurtures individual artistic voices while also cultivating collaboration and peer feedback.

Programme Structure and Student Experience

The structure of arts summer schools typically combines intensive workshops with collaborative projects, resulting in a dynamic study rhythm. Classes often blend practical training with discussions, creating an engaging classroom atmosphere that promotes experimentation and self-discovery. Independent work is encouraged, allowing students to delve deeply into personal projects while benefiting from mentorship. Overall, the experience is immersive, fostering a sense of community among participants, where shared passions lead to lasting connections and creative inspiration.

Student Age Groups and Eligibility

Arts summer schools cater to a wide range of participants, welcoming those with varying levels of experience and skill. Expectations typically include a willingness to engage deeply with artistic processes and an openness to feedback. While specific age requirements may vary, the inclusive nature of these programmes allows individuals of different backgrounds and aspirations to thrive within an enriching environment.

What Makes Arts Summer Schools Unique

The uniqueness of arts summer schools lies in their focus on specialized artistic disciplines combined with an ethos of experimentation. Unlike conventional educational settings, these programmes often prioritize project-based learning, allowing students to pursue their interests in a focused manner. The intensity and duration of these courses can vary significantly, providing options that range from short, concentrated workshops to longer, immersive experiences. This flexibility enables participants to choose a path that aligns with their goals and schedules.

Choosing the Right Programme or Provider

  1. Curriculum focus and artistic disciplines offered
  2. Duration and intensity of the programme
  3. Instructor qualifications and teaching methodology
  4. Independent work opportunities and project support
  5. Community engagement and networking potential

Fees and Course Costs

Observed fees for current intakes start from £2,395, with total cost shaped by duration, accommodation and subject intensity.

When you’re ready, you can browse providers or compare courses that match your interests.

Top Arts Summer Schools Compared

Last updated: 13/10/2025

Course Provider Subject Location Duration Fees Short Description Link
Film Studies in London for Ages 15-18 Immerse Education Media, Arts London 2+ weeks 7495 Explore cinematic arts in London, a city that has inspired and produced countless film masterpieces. View
Creative Writing: Writing Paris (Oxbridge in Paris) Oxbridge Academic Programs Creative Writing, Arts, Literature Paris 4 weeks $9,995 In this course, students explore Paris as a city full of stories – drawing inspiration from the city in order to broaden their writing skills. Instructed by professional authors, students will polish their writing skills as they produce new works inspired by visits to Hemingway’s favorite cafe, Beckett’s tomb, and the Luxembourg Gardens. View
Creative Industries in San Francisco for Ages 15-18 Immerse Education Arts, Business, Creative Writing, Design, Media, Entrepreneurship San Francisco 2+ weeks 7495 Discover how art, design, and innovation intersect in San Francisco’s thriving creative scene. View
Creative Writing (16-17 years old) Oxford Summer Courses Creative Writing, Arts, Humanities Oxford 6995 The Creative Writing summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 16-17 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £6,995. View
Photography MINOR ONLY (The Oxford Experience) Oxbridge Academic Programs Arts, Media, Creative Writing, Design Oxford 4 weeks $12,495 Photographers of all levels of expertise spend much of their time in the field, pursuing assignments designed to improve their landscape, portraiture, art, and fashion photography skills. Students exhibit their best work at the end of the program. View
Fashion (Oxbridge in Paris) Oxbridge Academic Programs Fashion, Arts, Design Paris 4 weeks $9,995 Using the city’s fashion resources, students are introduced to the history and modern processes of haute-couture. They become acquainted with the main facets of the business – from factory floor to boutique – visit some of the most famous houses as well as their artisanal suppliers, and learn the basics of clothes and accessory design. View
Architecture in Oxford for Ages 13-15 Immerse Education Architecture, Arts, Design, Humanities Oxford 2+ weeks 7495 Begin your architectural journey in Oxford, where centuries of design inspire future innovators. View
Liberal Arts Reach Cambridge Arts, Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, STEM Cambridge 2, 4 or 6 weeks £6,295.00 – £18,495.00 Dive into your academic passion through a diverse journey in Liberal Arts, exploring both familiar and new horizons View
Art (Elective) ISSOS Art, Arts St Andrews 3 weeks 7900 The ISSOS Art programme will help students to see that there is art in everything around us by exploring different types of art forms. Let your imagination run free this summer and explore your creative talents. View
Film & Animation in Tokyo for Ages 15-18 Immerse Education Arts, Art, Creative Writing, Design, Media Tokyo 2+ weeks 7495 Unleash your creativity in Tokyo, the vibrant heart of anime and a global powerhouse in film production. Click to learn more. View
Art and Digital Design in Oxford (15-17 years old) St Clare’s, Oxford Art, Arts, Design Oxford 2 Weeks 3575 Improve your Art and Digital Design skills this summer View
Architecture (Oxbridge in Barcelona) Oxbridge Academic Programs Architecture, Arts, Design Barcelona 4 weeks $9,995 Barcelona is an architect’s dream: from the city’s ancient Gothic Quarter, to Gaudí’s spectacular Modernismo. Students will discover two thousand years of urban development, from Roman ruins to FC Barcelona’s majestic new stadium, while learning how to transform their own ideas into models. View
Advertising and Media (Oxbridge in New York) Oxbridge Academic Programs Arts, Business, Marketing, Media New York 4 weeks $11,495 In the home of Mad Men and Times Square’s billboards, SoHo and NoHo’s cool side, students discover the power of creativity, big ideas, and product placement. Scouting the city for case studies and creative examples, they explore how different types of traditional advertising, social media, viral marketing, pop-ups and experiential events are transforming the game. View
Architecture in Cambridge for Ages 13-15 Immerse Education Architecture, Arts, Design, Humanities Cambridge 2+ weeks 7495 Discover the principles of architecture in Cambridge, a city where centuries-old buildings stand alongside cutting-edge design. View
Fashion & Design in New York for Ages 15-18 Immerse Education Fashion, Design, Arts, Business New York 2+ weeks 7495 Create cutting-edge fashion in New York, a trendsetting capital of style and design innovation. View

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