An academic and English summer school in Oxford for students aged 12 to 16, with six courses to choose from and 15 hours of teaching a week.
Headington Summer School runs on the 23-acre campus of Headington School, just under two miles from the centre of Oxford. It is designed for students aged 12 to 16 who want to improve their English while exploring a subject in more depth. Students receive 15 hours of teaching a week in classes of no more than 15. Six courses run in 2027: Future Scientists (STEM), Future Doctors, Future Entrepreneurs, Future Global Leaders, Future Artists (new for 2027) and English Adventures. Each subject course teaches English through its topic, so students practise explaining ideas, working in teams and presenting their conclusions. English Adventures focuses directly on speaking, listening, reading and writing, and is open to all levels from A1 to C1. Courses build towards a Time to Shine project, where students present what they have made or learned. Outside lessons there is a daily activity programme that uses the school's swimming pool, tennis courts, sports hall, theatre and art and dance studios, plus excursions to London, Oxford and Thorpe Park. Students stay in the school's boarding houses, in single, twin or small dorm rooms, with all meals included. Everyone finishes with an end-of-course report, a certificate and a leavers' party.
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A 30 minute walk away from the centre of Oxford lies the idyllic and impressive Headington School. It was originally founded in 1915 and, after a relocation and many modern additions – including a dance studio, new science laboratories and...
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| Session | Dates | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Headington Oxford Summer School - 12 July to 26 July 2027 (2 Weeks) | 12 Jul 2027 - 26 Jul 2027Enrolling now | 2 weeks | £4,795 | |
Headington Oxford Summer School - 12 July to 9 August 2027 (4 Weeks) | 12 Jul 2027 - 9 Aug 2027Enrolling now | 4 weeks | £9,590 | |
Headington Oxford Summer School - 26 July to 9 August 2027 (2 Weeks) | 26 Jul 2027 - 9 Aug 2027Enrolling now | 2 weeks | £4,795 |
Summer Boarding Courses runs summer programmes for students aged 8 to 17 across eight UK campuses, including Oxford, Cambridge, London and Eton. Courses combine subject learning with English-language development.
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View moreStudents stay in high-quality boarding school or university-style accommodation, usually in single or shared rooms. Facilities are modern and safe, with common areas for socializing. Boys and girls are accommodated separately, and staff are always nearby.
SBC generally offers 15 to 20 hours of tuition per week, depending on the course, combining taught components and skills based group project work. At Oxford College and Dukes Cambridge 25 hours of tuition are offered weekly, combining lectures, seminars, tutorials, and industry experience sessions.
SBC welcomes students of all English proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced. Placement tests are conducted in advance of student arrival to ensure students are placed in the appropriate class for their ability.
SBC ensures a high level of supervision. There is a dedicated team of welfare staff to supervise students 24/7. Staff-to-student ratios are typically high to ensure students are supported both academically and pastorally.
Earlscliffe fees include return transfers to/from London Heathrow and London Gatwick for flights/trains scheduled to arrive/depart between 9am-3pm on published arrival and departure days.
For other locations, students are provided with the option of using SBC's Shared Transfer Service from/to London Heathrow Airport and St. Pancras International.
When a student arrives, an SBC staff member wearing a bright yellow t-shirt will be waiting to greet her/him and accompany them to our Welcome Club. At Welcome Club, she/he will have the chance to meet other students arriving, have some light refreshments and relax. After a little rest, students will be accompanied by students and SBC staff to board the coach and be taken directly to the School in a private coach. The Shared Transfer Service can be used by students using the following flight times:
Flight landing time on arrival day: 06:00-17:00 Flight take-off time on departure day: 8:00-18:00 If you book a flight outside of these times or to/from another UK airport, we can look at sending a staff member in a taxi to collect or drop off your child, but it will cost more than the Shared Transfer Service. Quotations are available upon request.
Yes, course insurance is included in the cost of your course. This covers essential medical insurance, including emergency treatment and other related costs.
Yes, students receive a certificate of achievement at the end of the course, detailing their progress and any academic milestones they’ve reached. Students at Oxford College and Dukes Cambridge receive a Letter of Recommendation to support their university applications.
Students from countries outside the UK or Schengen Area may require a standard visitor visa. SBC provides supporting documentation, including confirmation letters, but students or their families are responsible for the visa application process. It’s recommended to apply for a visa well in advance. Please see the following website for more details: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
