Summer’s in full swing — and there’s still time to make it count. Whether it’s for you or your child, there are still places available on exciting summer schools that combine learning with adventure. From hands-on projects to new friendships, it’s a brilliant way to turn this stretch of summer into something meaningful, memorable, and fun.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Maybe you’re curious, stuck in a routine, or just looking for something new. A summer school can give you the space to explore your interests, build confidence, and discover what matters to you. It’s not all about having a plan — it’s about finding your spark and seeing where it takes you.
Try Something Completely New
This season could be your first step into something entirely different — a subject you’ve never studied, a skill you’ve never tested, a talent you didn’t even know you had.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to try coding. Or write a short film. Or solve a real-world problem using science. Why wait? A short course gives you a chance to explore without committing to a full curriculum — and sometimes, those experiments lead to your best decisions.
Set in some of the world’s most iconic academic cities — from Oxford and Cambridge to Singapore, New York, and Toronto — Immerse Education gives students the chance to learn in environments that inspire curiosity and confidence. Their courses aren’t just about studying in beautiful places (though that helps); they’re about finding your voice, discovering new interests, and getting a taste of university life — all while meeting peers from across the globe.
But what really sets Immerse apart is its skills-first approach. Whether you’re exploring business, medicine, architecture, or creative writing, every programme is designed to build real-world abilities. You’ll problem-solve, collaborate, present your ideas, and stretch your thinking — all in small groups led by expert mentors. It’s the kind of hands-on, focused learning that not only sharpens your academic edge but helps you walk away with confidence in what you can do next.
What students say: It was the best two weeks of my life! The mentors were knowledgeable and supportive, and I left feeling more confident in both my academic skills and myself (Immerse Education)
Build Confidence in Your Abilities
A short summer course gives you the chance to learn real skills you’ll actually use — like public speaking, coding, teamwork, or creative thinking. It’s hands-on, active, and way more exciting than a regular classroom.
And because it all happens in a short, focused burst — usually one to two weeks — you feel the progress fast. You’re not just learning theory; you’re building skills you can put into action right away. It’s a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t have to take years — sometimes, it just takes the right environment.
Oxford Royale creates learning environments where students of all ages — from teens preparing for university to young professionals expanding their skill set — can step beyond routine and discover what they’re capable of. Whether you join them in Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, or soon in Dubai, the format is the same: small, intensive classes where you’re actively engaged. You’re not just another face in the room — tutors know your name, challenge your thinking, and give you space to speak up.
What sets their programs apart is the balance of academic rigour with real-world application. Through workshops, public speaking sessions, group projects, and mock interviews, you move from passive learning to active participation. For many students, this is the first time their voice carries weight in a room full of ambitious peers. That shift — from observing to contributing — stays with you. It reshapes not just how you perform in class, but how you carry yourself in interviews, social spaces, and future opportunities.
What students say: I’ve never learned so much in such a short time. The classes were challenging but fun, and the tutors really listened and helped you grow. I left with more confidence in my ideas — and in myself. (Oxford Royale)
Discover the Joy in Learning Again
Learning isn’t supposed to feel like a chore. But after months of routine school life, it often does. A shift in pace — and place — can remind you of why you started in the first place.
Small classes, hands-on projects, and teachers who actually love what they do? That changes everything.
This isn’t about memorizing facts to pass an exam. It’s about unlocking ideas, skills, and confidence that stay with you long after the course ends. You’ll start to see yourself as a real contributor — not just a student.
ISSOS is designed for teens who want more than just another classroom experience — they want inspiration. Set in world-renowned locations like St Andrews, Cambridge, and Yale, ISSOS combines serious academic learning with a fun, international community vibe. Students from over 80 countries come together for three enriching weeks of study, cultural exchange, and unforgettable adventures. The environment is safe, supportive, and energising — perfect for trying something new, meeting new people, and reconnecting with the love of learning.
At ISSOS, academics are only half the story. Whether you choose journalism, business, debating, or theatre, you’re learning in ways that are dynamic and practical. Outside the classroom, students take part in Highland Games, beach barbecues, talent shows, and leadership challenges — all designed to build confidence, spark creativity, and foster meaningful friendships. It’s a space where curiosity thrives and pressure fades, helping students re-engage with learning on their own terms. For teens feeling burnt out or bored, this is where joy comes back into the picture.
What students say: ISSOS offered me the summer of a lifetime with endless opportunities to meet new people, try new things, step out of my comfort zone and build my character. I wouldn’t change my ISSOS experience for the world.
Take Control of What You Learn
Not every classroom gives you a choice. But a summer course can. Instead of following someone else’s curriculum, you get to focus on what you actually care about — whether that’s a subject you love, a challenge you want to crack, or a future you’re curious about.
Want to dive into a subject your school doesn’t offer? Explore it. Need help with a topic that’s been dragging you down? Get clarity, fast. Thinking about a future field but unsure if it’s for you? Try it on — with zero pressure and maximum insight.
Summer Boarding Courses (SBC) is more than just a summer getaway — it’s a carefully designed educational experience that helps children rediscover the joy of learning. With courses tailored for ages 6 to 17 and campuses in world-renowned locations like Oxford, Cambridge, and Eton, SBC creates spaces where students feel encouraged, supported, and inspired. Small class sizes, dynamic teaching, and creative learning approaches allow children to engage at their own pace — often with more confidence and enthusiasm than they show during term time.
What sets SBC apart is the way it shifts learning from a task into an adventure. Whether it’s through practical science experiments, interactive English lessons, or real-world project work, students gain skills without even realising how much they’re growing. When children feel safe to ask questions, share ideas, and express themselves, they start to see learning as something exciting rather than stressful. For many, it’s a turning point — where school becomes a place of curiosity, not just pressure.
What students say: SBC staff is very professional and friendly… The courses and activities are well organized… It is the most multicultural program I’ve ever been in… the staff encourage students to speak English… always watched by the staff so there were no risk
The Season Starts Now
So — what are you waiting for? You don’t have to overhaul your life or make massive decisions today. But you can take one small, smart step toward the future you want.
This season, give yourself the chance to learn with purpose, grow with support, and connect with people who bring out your best. That’s what short courses and summer schools are really about — momentum, meaning, and the skills to keep moving.
Featured Programs & Courses
Immerse Education
- Boston
- 13-15
- 16-18
Exceptional academic programmes in Oxford University colleges, designed and taught by expert tutors from world-class universities.
Options from: £5,995
Oxford Royale
- Cambridge
- 13-15
- 16-18
- 19+
- 8-12
Our top-rated summer school in Oxford, offering a premium academic and cultural summer experience.
Options from: £6,995
ISSOS
- Cambridge
- 13-15
- 16-18
An exceptional summer school in an international setting that balances academia and fun, with a lot of added extras thrown in.
Options from: £7,100
Summer Boarding Courses
- Cambridge
- 13-15
- 16-18
SBC offers academic and English-language focused summer courses for students aged 9 - 18, all taught by expert tutors in prestigious venues.
Options from: £4,495