Best Creative Writing Summer Schools 2026

Best Creative Writing Summer Schools 2026

Our guide to the best Creative Writing summer experiences in Oxford, Cambridge, London and other top destinations.

Find Your Voice. Tell Your Story.

Create a spectacular universe of your own this summer with a creative writing course in the literary and cultural hotspots of Oxford, Cambridge or London. Stretch your imagination and challenge yourself to think differently, and play with different genres and styles through creative storytelling. Feel the buzz of finding exactly the right word to make your poem sing, craft a tantalising script destined for the silver screen, or finally get started on your Great Novel!

Top Creative Writing Programs 2026

Browse our pick of the best high-quality programs offering creative writing experiences this summer. Every program is chosen for its teaching excellence, creative environment and international mix.

World Leading Oxford Summer Schools for Teens summer school World Leading Oxford Summer Schools for Teens logo Cambridge • London • New York • Oxford • Yale
Great for: Elite summer academics and cultural immersion for ambitious teens.
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.

Inspirational Cambridge Summer School for Ages 13-18 summer school Inspirational Cambridge Summer School for Ages 13-18 logo Cambridge
Great for: International summer program blending academics, culture, and adventure for teens.
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.

Authentic Oxford & Cambridge Experience for High School Students summer school Authentic Oxford & Cambridge Experience for High School Students logo Cambridge • Oxford
Great for: Prestigious summer courses for ambitious high school students' academic growth
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.

Pre-university and Career experiences at Oxford College summer school Pre-university and Career experiences at Oxford College logo Oxford
Great for: Pre-university academic and career preparation at Oxford University campus.
From From £6,695 Ages 15-17 Summer 2026

The Oxford College Summer School by SBC offers high school students aged 15-17 an immersive academic experience in a prestigious university setting in Oxford.

Oxbridge Programs in Paris for Grades 9-12 summer school Oxbridge Programs in Paris for Grades 9-12 logo Paris
Great for: Summer academic and cultural immersion for high school students in Paris
From 9,995 USD Ages 15-18 Summer 2026

A unique blend of academic learning and cultural exploration in the heart of Paris, enhancing language skills and global understanding.

Find the Best Experience for You

From J.R.R. Tolkien to Zadie Smith, generations of writers have been shaped by the university cities of Oxford and Cambridge. Writing here means drawing inspiration from history, architecture, and a long tradition of literary excellence. Where will you choose for your Creative Writing summer program this summer 2026?

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

What is it about the magic of Oxford that has inspired so many of our literary greats? Wander the same streets as Tolkein, Oscar Wilde and Percey Shelley whilst they studied and taught here, and visit the very pub that Tolkein and CS Lewis met at to discuss their ideas!
Browse Oxford

King's College Cambridge views across a green lawn, a host venue for Cambridge Summer Schools
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Creative Writing Summer School in Cambridge

The roll call of famous authors to have studied and lived in captivating Cambridge is almost endless: from the leading English romantic poets Wordsworth and Tennyson, to Sylvia Plath, Iris Murdoch and modern fiction greats such as Zadie Smith!
Browse Cambridge

A female student departing for a Summer School
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Browse More Destinations

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

Find A Course

Oxbridge Academic Programs
Classics (The Oxford Tradition)

This course examines the literature, philosophy, history, art, and scientific thought of Ancient Greece and Rome. From readings of classical…

Immerse Education
Female Future Leaders in Cambridge for Ages 16-18

Empower your leadership potential in Cambridge, a city that champions innovation, diversity, and women in leadership.

Bucksmore Education
Young Professionals Architecture, AI and Computer Science

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

Oxford Scholastica Academy
Discover Technology Academy

Are you fascinated by rockets and robots? Do you love playing with computers? On this technology summer course, you’ll learn…

Summer Boarding Courses
Future Global Leader at Headington Oxford

Future Global Leaders is a two-week programme for students who want to understand power, politics and influence in an international…

ISSOS
Outdoor Leadership (Elective)

Develop your confidence and leadership abilities this summer at the same time as having fun and learning new skills in…

Summer Boarding Courses
Future Doctor at Headington Oxford

Future Doctors is a two-week programme for students who want to take their first steps into medicine. You’ll study how…

Oxford Scholastica Academy
Discover Business Academy

Want to know what life in the business world is really like? On this business summer course, you’ll learn basic…

Bucksmore Education
Pre-University Preparation AI and Computer Science

This programme prepares students to excel in their chosen subjects within the highly competitive higher education environment. Students choose one…

Oxbridge Academic Programs
Speech and Debate MINOR ONLY (The Oxford Experience)

Students explore major debating styles and strategies, engage in daily speaking exercises, orations, and dialogues, and prepare and present regular…

ISSOS
Photography (Elective)

Learn the art of Photography this summer and use your skills to photograph landscapes, portraits, nature and tell a story…

Immerse Education
Engineering in Cambridge for Ages 13-15

Begin your engineering adventure in Cambridge, a city known for its technological innovations.

Oxbridge Academic Programs
Medicine (The Oxford Tradition)

This hands-on course introduces students to key aspects of medicine and modern medical practice. Combining specialist lectures with experiments and…

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 Scholastica Academy
Experience Engineering Academy

If you love understanding how things work and exploring individual components of machines and structures, there’s a good chance you’re…

Bucksmore Education
Pre-University Mathematics

This programme prepares students to excel in their chosen subjects within the highly competitive higher education environment. Students choose one…

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.

Summer Boarding Courses
Faculty of Business in Cambridge

The Faculty of Business is where innovative ideas meet strategic thinking. This programme is crafted for aspiring business leaders who…

Bucksmore Education
Young Professionals Business and Marketing

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

Oxford Scholastica Academy
Experience Psychology & Neuroscience Academy

Fascinated by the human mind, thought and behaviour? If you’re thinking of studying psychology, this course will give you a…

FAQs and Contact

Responses to frequently asked questions from parents and students. View more here.

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Explore Our Creative Writing Summer Schools 2026

Unlock your potential and immerse yourself in the world of words at our Creative Writing Summer Schools 2026. Designed for aspiring writers of all levels, these programs offer a unique opportunity to enhance your skills, connect with fellow creatives, and receive guidance from experienced instructors.

Why Choose Creative Writing Summer Schools?

Participating in a summer school focused on creative writing can provide numerous benefits:

  • Intensive workshops that foster creativity and refine writing techniques.
  • Access to renowned authors and industry professionals as instructors.
  • Networking opportunities with peers who share your passion for storytelling.
  • Structured feedback on your writing, helping you to grow and evolve as a writer.
  • A supportive environment that encourages experimentation and exploration of different genres.

What to Expect from the Courses

Our courses are meticulously crafted to cater to various levels of experience and interest. Here’s what you can look forward to:

  1. Workshops: Engage in hands-on sessions focusing on fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction.
  2. Guest Lectures: Gain insights from established writers and learn about their creative processes.
  3. Peer Review: Participate in constructive critique sessions to enhance your writing through collaboration.
  4. Field Trips: Experience writing in inspiring locations that spark creativity and imagination.

Who Can Attend Creative Writing Summer Schools?

Our summer schools are open to everyone, from high school students to adults looking to develop their writing skills. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer aiming to refine your craft, there’s a place for you here.

How to Enroll

Ready to embark on your creative journey? Check out our list of summer school providers to find the perfect program for you. Don’t miss out on the chance to transform your writing in 2026!

Top Creative Writing Summer Schools Compared

Course Provider Subject Location Duration Fees Short Description Link
Film Studies in London for Ages 15-18 Immerse Education Art, Media, Creative Writing 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. The student’s best work will appear in the program’s literary magazine. View
Creative Industries in San Francisco for Ages 15-18 Immerse Education 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, Literature 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
Art (Elective) ISSOS Art, Creative Writing, Design 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 Art, Creative Writing, Design, Media, Humanities 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, Creative Writing, Design Oxford 2 Weeks 3575 Improve your Art and Digital Design skills this summer View
Architecture in Cambridge for Ages 13-15 Immerse Education Architecture, Design, Creative Writing Cambridge 2+ weeks 7495 Discover the principles of architecture in Cambridge, a city where centuries-old buildings stand alongside cutting-edge design. View
Media & Journalism in London for Ages 15-18 Immerse Education Media, Arts, Creative Writing, Humanities London 2+ weeks 7495 Uncover media insights in London, a global centre for news, broadcasting, and digital communication. View
Creative Writing (The Oxford Experience) Oxbridge Academic Programs Creative Writing, Humanities, Literature Oxford 4 weeks $12,495 Students compose fiction and poetry under the guidance of a published author, with Oxford’s rich literary history as their inspiration. They experiment with new forms and styles of writing. Published authors give workshops in which students learn about the creative process and the practicalities of publication. Students develop a portfolio of their best writing and collaborate to design, edit, and publish a literary magazine. View
Photography MINOR ONLY (Oxbridge in Barcelona) Oxbridge Academic Programs Arts, Creative Writing, Design, Media Barcelona 4 weeks $9,995 Beginners and experienced photographers transform Barcelona into their private studio, honing their skills on assignments that cover portraiture, urban landscapes, photojournalism, and art photography. All students exhibit their best work at the end of the program. Students need to bring their own DSLR camera with USB cable, charger, manual, and at least one 16GB memory card. View
Experience Debate & Public Speaking Academy Oxford Scholastica Academy Arts, Creative Writing, Drama, Humanities Oxford 2 weeks 6995 Want to improve your public speaking and debate skills? This debating summer course will help you develop confidence, learn persuasive techniques, and practise the art of rebuttal — skills that are essential in many careers and day-to-day life. You’ll learn what made famous speeches so powerful and put your skills to the test in our international diplomacy challenge. View
Theatre (Elective) ISSOS Drama, Arts, Creative Writing St Andrews, Cambridge 3 weeks 7900 Explore your Theatre skills this summer and work with your group to devise and perform a unique piece of theatre under the expert guidance of our theatre professionals. View
English Plus Business Bucksmore Education English, Business, Marketing, Creative Writing, Leadership Brighton 2 weeks 1795 The English ‘Plus’ courses integrate the Bucksmore English syllabus with specialist workshops, pushing students out of their comfort zones. This unique experience allows them to pursue their passions while gaining a deeper understanding of a specific subject. View
Architecture in Oxford for Ages 16-18 Immerse Education Architecture, Arts, Creative Writing, Design, Humanities Oxford 2+ weeks 7495 Analyse architectural marvels in Oxford, a city that embodies the evolution of design through the ages. View