Best Science Summer Schools

Best Science Summer Schools

Discover fascinating science summer courses in world-class locations including Oxford, Cambridge and London.

Discover, Experiment, Understand.

Welcome to our guide to some of the very best science summer schools in Oxford, Cambridge and other top study destinations. Science summer schools invite curious students to explore the wonders of biology, chemistry, physics, and beyond. With expert-led classes, hands-on experiments, and access to inspiring academic settings, all programmes featured on our site offer an exciting glimpse into real scientific thinking — and a head start for future study.

Explore Featured Programmes

Browse a curated selection of standout science summer schools across Oxford, Cambridge and other top institutions. Each programme listed meets our high standards for academic quality, student experience, and trusted delivery—making it easy to find the right fit for your goals.

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.

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.

Fun Summer English Courses for Juniors summer school Fun Summer English Courses for Juniors logo Oxford
From £3,195 - £4,425 Ages 9-15 Summer 2026

The summer juniors program offers English language learning and leadership development for 9-15 year-olds, combining academic enrichment with cultural excursions in Oxford.

Easter Revision Course with OXSS summer school Easter Revision Course with OXSS logo Oxford
From £1,350 - £1,950 per week Ages 14-19 Summer 2026

Maximise Holiday Revision Time with Structured, Expert Tuition this Easter

Camp Dragon Oxford English Language Programme summer school Camp Dragon Oxford English Language Programme logo Oxford
From From £3,850 Ages 8-12 Summer 2026

Our innovative summer camp for young learners. Discover, develop, and dare for an experience they will always remember.

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.

Career Preparation Summer Programmes in Oxford & London summer school Career Preparation Summer Programmes in Oxford & London logo London • Oxford
From £2,470 (pw) Ages 13-17 Summer 2026

Bucksmore Career Preparation Summer Programmes in Oxford & London offer dynamic, hands-on experiences in various professional fields for students aged 13-17.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pre-University Scholars with Sapphire Education summer school Pre-University Scholars with Sapphire Education logo Bath • Oxford
From £5,990 Ages 14-18 5 July - 15 August

New for 2026! Explore your subject with Sapphire Education’s two-week programme in Bath and Oxford this summer. Are you ready to supercharge your futur?

Find the Best Experience for You

Whether it’s the historic charm of Oxford or the academic prestige of Cambridge, each city offers a unique and inspiring summer experience. Explore what makes each location special—and find the perfect setting for your summer school journey.

The Radcliffe Camera in Spring with pink blossoms on a tree, part of Oxford University, a host venue of Oxford Summer Schools
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Science Summer School in Oxford

Ranked as being in the top 5 globally for science and medicine, the University of Oxford is the heart and soul of Oxford (and many summer schools are based on-campus), with Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking among its most remarkable scientist alumni.
Browse Oxford

View of a University of Cambridge College from the front quad, a Cambridge summer school host venue
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Science Summer School in Cambridge

Cambridge has given the world some truly amazing scientific discoveries: evolution (Charles Darwin studied here), IVF, the UK’s first successful heart transplant, and more Nobel Prize winners than any other institution in the world. Study science here and join them!
Browse Cambridge

A University College London (UCL) campus building - also a London summer schools host venue
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Science Summer School in London

London is a science powerhouse, with more universities ranked in the world’s top 25 than any other city, and plenty of science career opportunities. It’s also home to a dazzling selection of (usually free) museums, including the Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the Royal Observatory.
Browse London

A female student departing for a Summer School
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Browse All Destinations

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

Find A Course

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Globalisation, Populism, and the Politics of Identity

While the world has been moving increasingly towards greater inter-connectivity through trade, infrastructure, communications, and migration, criticism of ‘globalisation’ has…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Introduction to Cognitive Psychology

How are we able to focus on one thing rather than something else? Why do we remember some things and…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Climate Law and Policy

Perhaps the greatest challenge facing humankind is anthropogenic climate change, the rapid warming of the earth’s temperature driven by the…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Social Minds: The Psychology of Connection and Division

What brings people together — and what pushes them apart? This course explores how group identities are formed, how individuals…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
The Secret Lives of Books: Parchment, Printing-Presses, and Paperbacks

How have various technologies, from the printing press to the coding, impacted how people have read, used, and understood books?…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Oxford and the Rise of Fantasy Literature

What inspired the emergence and flowering of the fantasy genre in the 20th and 21st century? Oxford - historic, beautiful,…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Economic History: The Great Divergence, Convergence, and Beyond

What are the causes of the vast differences in wealth between nations? Why have certain societies prospered whilst others still…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
PPE: Leadership in Business and Society

Whether it is a politician guiding a nation through crisis, a visionary tech entrepreneur disrupting the global business landscape, or…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Generative AI and Deep Unsupervised Learning

Deep Unsupervised Learning is an exciting emerging area of research in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning, in…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Radical Modernism: British Art and Literature from the Pre-Raphaelites to the Bloomsbury Group

In this very special course, students benefit from access to and engagement with the extraordinary collection in the Ashmolean and…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
The Higgs Boson and the Future of Particle Physics

Join this course to explore the universe at the smallest distances and highest energies where quantum mechanics and special relativity…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies: Shakespeare’s Plays and the Book that Saved Them

Taking its cue from the First Folio (1623), the book that preserved many of Shakespeare’s plays for posterity, the course…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
International Law

Knowledge of the subject of International Law is vital, not just to those who hope to become lawyers, but to…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Computational Psychology and Artificial Intelligence

How does the brain process information, make decisions, and learn? Computational Psychologists seek to answer these questions by using algorithms…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Jane Austen: Literature and Legacy

A moderately successful author in her own lifetime, Jane Austen has since become a global phenomenon: her writings are now…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Natural Language Processing

Through predictive text, translation tools, and smart devices natural language processing (NLP) is increasingly a part of our day-to-day lives,…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Museum Studies: Collection, Curation, and Colonialism

Museums: What are they good for? The Ashmolean, since it opened its doors in 1683 as the world's first ever…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Theory and Practice

In our age of burgeoning smart technology and automation we are already seeing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence and…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Computer Vision

From self-driving cars and augmented reality to intelligent medical imaging helping doctors identify diseases more quickly, computer vision is a…

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Law and the Pursuit of Freedom

Does the law protect or undermine our freedom? Which legal doctrines govern our speech, assembly, property, and personal autonomy? This…

More Details: Science Summer Schools

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

Academic Focus and Teaching

Science summer schools emphasize an inquiry-based teaching approach that actively engages students in the learning process. This method fosters critical thinking and encourages exploration of scientific concepts beyond the confines of a typical school curriculum. By integrating hands-on experiments and collaborative projects, students gain a deeper understanding of theoretical knowledge and its real-world applications. Unlike conventional educational settings that may adhere strictly to standardized curricula, these programs often allow for greater flexibility in topics and themes, addressing students’ interests and fostering a more personalized learning experience.

Programme Structure and Student Experience

The structure of science summer schools is often designed to promote a dynamic and interactive learning environment, balancing lectures, discussions, and practical experiments. Students can expect a rhythm that varies daily, incorporating both guided instruction and independent research. This blend fosters a classroom atmosphere that encourages curiosity and collaboration among peers. The focus on project-based work enables participants to delve deeply into specific scientific inquiries, enhancing their understanding while cultivating essential skills such as problem-solving and teamwork. Overall, the experience is marked by engagement and a sense of community, enriching students’ academic journeys.

Student Age Groups and Eligibility

Science summer schools cater to a broad range of students, welcoming individuals with varying levels of prior knowledge and interest in the subject. These programs are designed to accommodate learners who are eager to expand their scientific understanding, regardless of their formal education background. Expectations typically include a willingness to participate actively in discussions and experiments, as well as an openness to explore new ideas and concepts.

What Makes Science Summer Schools Unique

What sets science summer schools apart is their distinctive focus on experiential learning and exploration. Unlike traditional classroom settings, which often prioritize rote memorization and standardized testing, these programs encourage a hands-on approach that allows students to engage with scientific principles in a meaningful way. This emphasis on project work and inquiry not only deepens students’ understanding of scientific concepts but also fosters a passion for discovery that can extend well beyond the summer experience.

Choosing the Right Programme or Provider

  1. Curriculum breadth and depth offered by the programme
  2. Teaching methodologies and their alignment with student learning styles
  3. Duration and intensity of the programme
  4. Opportunities for independent research and project work
  5. Feedback and reviews from past participants

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 Science Summer Schools Compared

Last updated: 13/10/2025

Course Provider Subject Location Duration Fees Short Description Link
Green Futures: Solutions to Environmental Challenges (The Oxbridge Institute for Advanced Studies) Oxbridge Academic Programs Climate & Sustainability, Social Sciences, Sciences Oxford 4 weeks $12,595 The course will begin by introducing students to the approaches and techniques required to carry out a successful research project related to the Environmental crisis. At the same time, the instructor will propose a range of topics students might wish to concentrate on. View
Pre-University Preparation Medicine Bucksmore Education Medicine, Sciences, Psychology, Neuroscience, Exam Preparation, University Preparation Oxford 2 or 4 weeks 3195 This programme prepares students to excel in their chosen subjects within the highly competitive higher education environment. Students choose one university-level subject taught at a first-year undergraduate level. View
Mathematics in Oxford for Ages 16-18 Immerse Education Mathematics, STEM, Sciences, Economics Oxford 2+ weeks 7495 Solve complex equations in Oxford, following in the footsteps of world-renowned mathematicians. View
Computer Science (13-15 years old) Oxford Summer Courses Computer Science, Coding, Tech & Coding, STEM Cambridge 6995 The Computer Science Cambridge summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 13-15 years old students, provides seminars and small group learning and is priced from £6,995. View
Law Explorers (11-12 years old) Oxford Summer Courses Law, Humanities, Social Sciences UK Boarding Schools 2395 The Law Explorers summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 11-12 years old students, provides interactive learning and is priced from £2,395. View
Natural Sciences in Cambridge for Ages 13-15 Immerse Education Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Physics Cambridge 2+ weeks 7495 Discover the interconnected world of science in Cambridge, a city that has inspired countless scientific breakthroughs. View
Economics (Oxbridge in New York) Oxbridge Academic Programs Economics, Business, Social Sciences New York 4 weeks $11,495 The city that over the past two centuries has contributed more than any other to making the world rich, while bankrupting it on several occasions, becomes a classroom as students are introduced to the theories that govern economic thought as well as economic modeling. Guided by experts, and making full use of visits to Wall Street and experts drawn from corporate New York, students go on to test their knowledge against contemporary economic problems in order to understand how the world economy might evolve. View
Politics (The Oxford Summer Seminar) Oxbridge Academic Programs Politics, Social Sciences, Humanities Oxford 1 or 2 weeks $3,995 for one session; $7,395 for the combined session What goals and methodologies, if any, do politicians around the world share? To what extent are politicians able to change contemporary society? View
Youth Leadership ISSOS Leadership, Business, Social Sciences St Andrews 3 weeks 7900 Develop leadership skills and discover your own potential on this unique leadership programme that will give you a variety of valuable life skills that will be useful in both your academic and your personal life. View
Mathematics Reach Cambridge Mathematics, STEM, Sciences Cambridge 2, 4 or 6 weeks £6,295.00 – £18,495.00 There is no better place to gain an introduction to university-level mathematics than at Cambridge – a home to numerous Fields Medal winners. View
Veterinary Studies in Sydney for Ages 13-15 Immerse Education Veterinary Science, Sciences, Biology Sydney 2 weeks From £3,995 Begin your veterinary journey in Sydney, surrounded by Australia’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. Click to learn more. View
Experience Psychology & Neuroscience Academy Oxford Scholastica Academy Psychology, Neuroscience, Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities Oxford 2 weeks 6995 Fascinated by the human mind, thought and behaviour? If you’re thinking of studying psychology, this course will give you a great head start. View
Business Management in Cambridge for Ages 16-18 Immerse Education Business, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Humanities, Social Sciences Cambridge 2+ weeks 7495 Develop advanced business skills in Cambridge, a global centre for learning and innovation. View
Engineering in New York for Ages 15-18 Immerse Education Engineering, STEM, Sciences New York 2+ weeks 7495 Explore engineering innovation in New York, where infrastructure and technology shape the modern city. View
Enterprise Explorers (13-14 years old) Oxford Summer Courses Business, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Leadership, Social Sciences UK Boarding Schools 2395 The Enterprise Explorers summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 13-14 years old students, provides interactive learning and is priced from £2,395. View

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