Looking for the right art summer school for your child in 2027? Discover practical advice for parents, what to look for at different ages and inspiring art courses for children and teenagers in Oxford, Cambridge and beyond.
An art summer school can be a wonderful way for your child to explore their creativity, learn new skills and enjoy doing something they love. Whether they’re passionate about drawing and painting, curious about photography or interested in digital design and art history, summer 2027 offers plenty of exciting opportunities to get creative.
With so many art summer schools to choose from in Oxford, Cambridge, London and across Europe, finding the right one can feel a little overwhelming.
The best place to start is with your child.
What do they enjoy?
What would they like to try?
What kind of experience would suit their age and confidence?
1. Younger Children (Ages 8–12): Encourage Creativity and Imagination
For younger children, an art summer school should be about having fun, experimenting with materials and enjoying the creative process.
At this age, children benefit most from hands-on activities that encourage imagination without placing too much emphasis on technique or artistic ability.
Whether they enjoy painting, drawing, crafts or making things, the right programme should help them explore their creativity in a relaxed and supportive environment.
What should parents look for?
Creative freedom: Opportunities to experiment with different materials and artistic techniques.
Hands-on activities: Painting, drawing, crafts and practical projects rather than formal lessons.
Good pastoral care: Experienced staff, appropriate supervision and a welcoming environment.
A balanced programme: Time for creative activities, outdoor play, friendships and relaxation.
2027 Art Summer School Examples
Young Explorers at Camp Dragon, Oxford This is not a specific art course but it includes art.
Provider: Summer Boarding Courses
Ages: 8–12
Location: Oxford
For a younger child who enjoys drawing, making things and trying new activities, Young Explorers offers a varied programme that includes art and drama alongside English development and other subjects.
Advice to Parents: Although it is not a specialist art course, it could suit children who enjoy creative activities but are not yet ready to focus exclusively on one subject.
Future Artists at Headington, Oxford
Provider: Summer Boarding Courses Ages: 12–16
Location: Oxford
For a 12-year-old who already shows a strong interest in art, Future Artists offers a more focused creative experience. Students explore art and design through practical activities while also developing their English skills.
This could appeal to children who regularly draw, paint or create things at home and would enjoy spending more time developing those interests.
Advice to parents: At this age, enjoyment matters more than artistic achievement. Look for a programme that encourages experimentation and celebrates creativity rather than one that expects children to produce highly polished work. If your child is attending a residential summer school for the first time, also ask about supervision, daily routines and how staff help younger students settle in.
2. Young Teenagers (Ages 13–15): Discover New Artistic Interests
Between the ages of 13 and 15, young people often begin developing more specific creative interests. Some may love photography, while others are drawn to painting, fashion, graphic design or digital art.
An art summer school offers the opportunity to explore these interests, learn new techniques and discover creative subjects they may not have encountered at school.
The best programmes combine practical workshops with opportunities for individual expression and collaboration.
What should parents look for?
Subject choice: Courses offering photography, painting, design or other creative disciplines.
Practical learning: Workshops and projects that allow students to develop new techniques.
Creative exploration: Opportunities to try different styles and discover individual interests.
A supportive environment: Encouragement from tutors and opportunities to share ideas with other young artists.
2027 Art Summer School Examples
Photography at ISSOS, Cambridge. This is an elective programme.
Provider: ISSOS
Ages: 13–18
Location: Cambridge
Imagine a 14-year-old who loves taking photographs on their phone but has never explored photography more seriously. The ISSOS Photography elective introduces students to photographic techniques through practical assignments, including landscapes, portraits and visual storytelling.
It could help a young teenager discover whether photography is simply an enjoyable hobby or an interest they would like to develop further.
Art and Digital Design at St Clare’s Oxford
Provider: St Clare’s Oxford
Ages: 15–17
Location: Oxford
For a creative 15-year-old interested in drawing, graphic design or digital media, this programme offers opportunities to experiment with artistic techniques and develop portfolio work.
It could be particularly suitable for teenagers beginning to consider creative subjects for GCSE, A-level or future study.
Our advice to parents: Encourage your teenager to choose an art course based on what genuinely interests them.
Our advice to parents: Look beyond the course title and check what students will actually be doing each day. How much time is spent creating their own work? Will they get individual guidance from tutors? Are there opportunities to try new techniques and build a portfolio? These details can make a real difference to your teenager’s experience.
3. Older Teenagers (Ages 16–18): Develop Artistic Skills and Explore Future Careers
For older teenagers, an art summer school can provide an opportunity to take their creative interests to a more advanced level. Students considering art, design, photography or art history at university may benefit from specialist teaching, independent projects and exposure to different artistic approaches.
Others may be interested in discovering how creativity connects with careers in design, media, advertising or the wider creative industries. At this stage, choosing the right programme often means considering both personal interests and future ambitions.
What should parents look for?
Specialist teaching: Courses that provide greater depth in a particular artistic discipline.
Portfolio development: Opportunities to create and improve work for future applications.
Academic experience: Seminars, tutorials, research and independent study where appropriate.
Career exploration: Insight into creative industries and professional opportunities.
Practical outcomes: Projects, exhibitions, portfolios or constructive feedback from tutors.
2027 Art Summer School Examples
Art History at Atlas Summer Courses, Oxford
Provider: Atlas Summer Courses
Ages: 16–17
Location: Oxford.
This course has an academic focus.
A 16-year-old who enjoys visiting galleries, studying artists or exploring the history behind famous works of art might benefit from a more academically focused programme.
The Atlas Art History course includes small-group seminars, independent assignments and tutorials. Students explore artistic techniques, symbolism and the historical contexts of artworks. This could be a good choice for teenagers considering art history, humanities or related university subjects.
Creative Industries at Immerse Education, London
Provider: Immerse Education
Ages: 15–18
Location: London
For a 17-year-old interested in graphic design, digital art, media or a creative career, the Creative Industries programme offers a different approach. Through workshops, creative projects and industry-focused experiences, students can explore how artistic skills are applied in professional environments.
This may appeal to teenagers who enjoy creative subjects but are unsure which career direction they would like to pursue.
Our advice to parents: Encourage older teenagers to think about what they want to achieve from their summer school experience. Would they like to develop a portfolio, explore a possible university subject or understand more about careers in the creative industries? A well-chosen art summer school can help them answer these questions and make more informed decisions about their next steps.
Five Questions Parents Should Ask Before Booking an Art Summer School
Once you have shortlisted a few programmes, these questions can help you decide which offers the best experience for your child.
1. Is the course suitable for my child's age, artistic experience and level of English?
Some art summer schools welcome complete beginners, while others are designed for students with existing skills or academic interests. Check whether previous experience or a portfolio is required.
2. What type of art will my child actually study?
Art courses can vary considerably. One programme might focus on painting and drawing, while another concentrates on photography, digital design or art history. Look carefully at the course content to make sure it matches your child's interests.
3. Who teaches the course, and how practical is it?
Ask whether lessons are led by practising artists, designers, photographers or academic specialists. Find out how much time students spend creating their own work rather than attending lectures or demonstrations.
4. What is included in the course fee?
Check whether accommodation, meals, excursions, art materials, specialist equipment and airport transfers are included. Photography and digital art courses may require students to bring particular equipment, so it is worth checking before booking.
5. Who runs the summer school, and what support is provided?
Many independent summer school providers use university colleges or prestigious boarding schools as their venues. Make sure you understand which organisation operates the programme and is responsible for teaching, accommodation, safeguarding and student welfare.
The programmes mentioned are examples of courses advertised for summer 2027. Parents should confirm dates, fees, age requirements, availability, course content and safeguarding arrangements before booking. For these and further courses, please see below.
