These programmes place students right at the heart of world-renowned Oxford and Cambridge University, with expert tuition, authentic tutorials, and a taste of life in two of the most prestigious academic cities in the world.

In the guide below, we introduce the top summer school providers in Oxford and Cambridge, each offering a world-class programme for 13–18-year-olds. To give you a glimpse of what makes them special, we also highlight one of their most popular courses — showcasing how academics, culture, and opportunity come together in a truly unforgettable summer.

Immerse Education

Great for: Subject mastery and early university preparation
Ages: 13–18 | Locations: Oxford, Cambridge, London, Toronto, Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney, New York | Cost: £6,995

Immerse Education offers small-group, subject-focused programmes designed to mirror university-style learning. Students dive deep into their chosen subject through seminars, group projects, and hands-on challenges, gaining both confidence and clarity about their future study choices. Prestigious partnerships enrich the experience: chemistry students receive affiliate membership to the Royal Society of Chemistry, business students visit London Business School, medical students take part in clinical workshops through Make a Medic, and history students access exclusive Historical Association resources.

Featured Course: Engineering in Cambridge for Ages 16–18

Great for: Academic enrichment, hands-on learning, and STEM-focused study
Ages: 16–18 | Location: Cambridge | Dates: June – August 2026 | Campus: Cambridge University Colleges

This two-week course introduces mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering through in-depth academic sessions, a personal project, and 1:1 tutoring. With small class sizes (maximum 10), guest lectures, and personalised evaluations, students gain valuable experience to enhance university applications and CVs.

Beyond academics, students enjoy a varied social programme, including excursions to Oxford and optional trips to London, as well as evening events like talent shows, quiz nights, and sports tournaments. Accommodation is provided in Cambridge colleges with breakfast and dinner included. The programme concludes with a graduation ceremony in a historic hall, celebrating achievements and awarding certificates.

What students say: Immerse Education pushed me to think in ways I never had before. The course was challenging but so rewarding, and the social programme made it easy to make friends from all over the world. I feel more confident about applying to top universities now.

ISSOS

Great for: Creative learners looking for a varied but prestigious summer camp experience
Ages: 13–18 | Locations: St Andrews, Cambridge, Yale | Cost: £7,100

ISSOS blends academic courses with creative electives and cultural activities, creating a balanced summer school experience. Mornings are for subjects like business, debating, or journalism; afternoons bring options like theatre, tennis, or filmmaking.

What students say: ISSOS has been one of the best experiences in my life… you’ll make life-lasting friendships and memories in those 3 magical weeks. I am forever grateful for this experience.

ISSOS in particular offers a wide range of academic options, including the advanced Study Skills programme in Cambridge.

Great for: Academic preparation, confidence building, and university readiness
Ages: 13–18 | Location: Cambridge
June – August 2026
Cambridge University

Study Skills

This three-week course equips students with advanced learning techniques to succeed in high school and prepare for the transition to university. Originally developed from ISSOS’s Pre-IB programme, it now offers broader academic strategies suitable for students across a wide range of school systems. Participants develop essential skills in time management, critical thinking, note-taking, essay planning, and exam preparation — tools that make a real difference in their academic futures.

The course is fully residential, with students living on campus and choosing one academic and one elective subject alongside evening activities and cultural trips. ISSOS ensures diversity by capping each nationality at 10% of the student body, fostering a truly international learning environment.

Summer Boarding Courses (SBC)

Great for: Younger learners and teens looking to prepare for university
Ages: 6–17 | Locations: Prestigious UK boarding schools, Oxford, Cambridge | Cost: from £4,495

SBC is known for its safe, nurturing environment and broad academic and English enrichment programmes. Courses are tailored to each age group, ensuring learning is both challenging and accessible. With cultural trips, sports, and creative activities built in, younger learners gain confidence in English and enjoy a well-rounded summer school experience.

What parents say: Both my daughter and I highly recommend SBC. My daughter was very happy. Me as a parent was quite relaxed as I had the feeling that she was very well taken care of.

Featured Course: University Preparation

Great for: Ambitious students aiming for top UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge
Ages: 16–18 | Location: Earlscliffe School, Folkestone | Dates: June – August 2026 | Cost: £3,665

The University Preparation course equips students with the skills needed to excel at undergraduate level and succeed in competitive university applications. Over two weeks, participants focus on academic writing, critical thinking, interview practice, and subject-specific support in areas such as medicine and law.

The programme includes 20 hours of teaching per week in small groups, IELTS lessons, workshops tailored to individual goals, and a guided tour of the University of Oxford. Weekly UNESCO Debates develop confidence in public speaking, while the cultural and social programme ensures a well-rounded summer experience.

Bucksmore Education

Great for: Ambitious students looking to improve their English and prepare for university
Ages: 10–18 | Locations: Oxford, Cambridge, London, UK boarding schools | Cost: from £4,000

Bucksmore Education specialises in academic enrichment and university preparation, offering programmes in English language, pre-university study, and career pathways. With small class sizes, students benefit from personalised attention and rapid progress. Its admissions-focused courses also help students build competitive applications while developing the skills needed for success at top universities.

What students say: Everything at Bucksmore is amazing: the people, the subjects, the courses. I’m really looking forward to coming back!

Featured Course: Oxford Advanced University Preparation Programme

Great for: First-year undergraduate-level study, Oxbridge-style teaching, and application skills
Ages: 16–18 | Location: Oxford city centre | Dates: July 2 – July 30, 2026 | Cost: from £2,655 per week

The Oxford Advanced University Preparation Programme is an intensive four-week course combining rigorous subject-specific study with tailored university preparation. Students choose one subject, such as Business, Engineering, or International Relations, and engage in 23 hours of tuition per week delivered in the Oxbridge tutorial style.

Alongside deep academic exploration, participants develop the critical skills needed for university admissions — from academic writing to interview preparation — while also tackling collaborative projects on real-world global issues. Daily activities and two excursions per week ensure students experience Oxford life and wider UK culture, building friendships with peers from around the world.

Oxbridge Academic Programs

Great for: Authentic Oxford and Cambridge college experiences with academic focus
Ages: 13–18 | Locations: Oxford, Cambridge | Cost: from $7,125

Oxbridge Academic Programs offer rigorous summer courses in Oxford and Cambridge, combining academic enrichment with immersion in historic university settings. Students live and study in authentic colleges, gaining an insight into undergraduate life while being taught by experienced tutors. The programmes are designed to foster intellectual curiosity, independence, and the skills needed for future academic success.

Featured Course: The Cambridge Tradition

Great for: Academic exploration and university preparation in Cambridge
Ages: Grades 10–12 | Location: Cambridge | Dates: July – August 2026 | Cost: from $7,125

Held at Jesus College, University of Cambridge, The Cambridge Tradition is a two-week summer programme offering high school students a choice of intellectually stimulating subjects such as Aerospace Engineering, Medicine, and Psychology. Teaching is led by distinguished professors and subject experts, with small-group classes encouraging interactive learning through debates, discussions, and hands-on projects.

Beyond academics, students immerse themselves in the cultural and historic atmosphere of Cambridge through excursions, activities, and community events. The programme fosters both academic growth and global perspectives, equipping ambitious students with the skills and confidence needed for future university success

Oxford Royale

Great for: Prestige, academic excellence, and world-renowned academics
Ages: 12–18 | Locations: Oxford, Cambridge (London, Yale, New York, Dubai) | Cost: £6,995

Oxford Royale invites students to embark on an extraordinary summer in the iconic cities of Oxford and Cambridge. Students explore subjects from sciences to humanities, all taught by expert tutors from Oxford, Cambridge, and other top universities. Guest lectures from world-renowned academics and experts inspire curiosity and provide perspectives that extend far beyond the classroom.

After lessons, students enjoy a full programme of cultural and social activities, living in authentic university accommodation and building friendships with peers from around the world. The combination of academic excellence and immersive campus life ensures a transformative summer experience.

What students say: Absolutely great academic program, taught in the inspiring environment of the historic colleges of Oxford. Unparalleled learning experience and support, meeting students from all around the world. Really a summer of a lifetime! Oxford Royale

Featured Course: Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship summer course in Oxford, by Oxford Royale

Great for: Entrepreneurship, business insight, and leadership skills
Ages: 16–18 | Location: Oxford | Dates: June – August 2026 | Campus: Oxford University Colleges

This two-week course immerses students in modern business practices and entrepreneurship. Through interactive seminars, group projects, and real-world simulations, participants analyse case studies, build marketing campaigns, explore organisational structures, and tackle global challenges like economic uncertainty and technological change. Highlights include pitching solutions to save a failing company, creating a tech start-up, and visiting global firms.

Outside the classroom, students enjoy excursions, social activities, and the Oxford college experience, with meals provided daily. The course culminates in a graduation celebration and a personalised academic report.

What students say:This course gave me a real taste of entrepreneurship and teamwork in a university setting. The projects and company visits made business exciting, and I feel ready to take the next step in my studies and future career.

Oxford Summer Courses

Great for: Independent thinkers looking to develop their skills in small groups
Ages: 9–24 | Locations: Oxford, Cambridge, London, UK boarding schools | Cost: from £6,995

Oxford Summer Courses gives students an authentic taste of Oxbridge education, using the renowned tutorial and seminar teaching style. With over 40 subjects to choose from, students benefit from highly personalised learning, supported by one-to-one or very small group tutorials.

Cultural activities, day trips, and community-building events complement the academic focus, creating a complete and inspiring summer school experience. For ambitious teens aiming at Oxford, Cambridge, or other top universities, these courses provide both preparation and confidence, blending world-class academics with independence and cultural immersion.

What students say: Attending Oxford Summer Courses was the best decision ever. Studying physics was invaluable and we visited the Oxford Physics Research labs for hands-on learning. Our tutor was supportive, and the Residential Deans were helpful mentors.

Among its many subjects, English Literature (16–17 years old) stands out as one of the most popular programmes.

Great for: Literature lovers who want to sharpen their analytical and critical thinking skills
Ages: 16–17 | Location: Oxford
June – August 2026 | Oxford University Colleges | Cost: from £6,995 (2 weeks)

English Literature (16–17 years old)

This immersive Oxford English Literature course invites students to explore works from the Romantic poets through to contemporary voices like Ali Smith. Students develop critical reading, analysis, and argumentation skills as they study authors such as William Wordsworth, George Eliot, and Virginia Woolf.

The course blends small seminar teaching with Oxbridge-style tutorials (1–2 students per tutor), where participants receive personalised feedback on essays and projects. Beyond academics, students benefit from skills masterclasses, Q&A sessions, university fairs, expert speakers, and guided visits to different Oxford colleges.

Social activities and cultural excursions balance the programme, while accommodation in authentic Oxford settings adds to the experience of living and studying in one of the world’s most prestigious university cities. A graduation ceremony, certificate, and tutor recommendation letter complete the programme, giving students both academic enrichment and valuable preparation for future university applications.

I had the best experience of my life. For two weeks, I had a chance to learn and explore amazing knowledge by a very kind tutor. Besides the classes, the friendship I had during two weeks, all the great activities and relevant stuff made my experience much more amazing. I recommend it to everyone who is willing to go and see Oxford’s fascinating atmosphere with a very informative course. 

A summer in Oxford or Cambridge is more than just a course — it’s a step into the world of possibility. These programmes give ambitious students the chance to learn from leading academics, live in historic colleges, and experience the traditions of two of the world’s greatest universities. For those dreaming of top university places, the experience builds knowledge, confidence, and independence — while offering an inspiring glimpse of a future shaped by curiosity, ambition, and achievement.