Junior Summer Courses for Ages 9–12
Build Confidence and Explore Your Passions in a Supportive Environment
At Oxford Summer Courses, our Junior programmes for ages 9–12 are designed to inspire curiosity, confidence, and independent thinking. Students will explore new ideas, develop key skills, and build connections in an encouraging and structured environment. Courses are hosted at Harrow School and St John’s Beaumont — two of the UK’s most prestigious boarding schools. Each course is led by experienced tutors who tailor learning to each student’s interests, ensuring that lessons remain engaging, interactive, and enjoyable. Alongside academic learning, students take part in a rich social programme, helping them build confidence and meaningful connections with other students. Limited places available – apply now.
Flexible Course Options and Pricing
We offer a single pricing tier for our Junior Summer Courses, designed to provide a structured, supportive, and enriching experience for younger students:
- Junior Course (£2,395) – Comfortable shared accommodation, expert teaching, engaging social activities, and 24/7 pastoral support.
Our Junior Summer Courses are hosted at top UK boarding schools, including Harrow School and St John’s Beaumont. Places are limited, and courses fill up quickly, so we recommend applying early to secure your spot.
For a full breakdown of what’s included and to explore available dates and options, visit our Prices and Dates page.
Junior Learning Outcomes
Our Junior courses are designed to give students more than just academic knowledge — they are about building confidence, independence, and a passion for learning. Through interactive lessons and hands-on activities, students develop essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication. By working on group projects and creative challenges, students learn how to collaborate with others, express their ideas clearly, and think critically about the material. This balanced approach to learning helps students develop a strong academic foundation while building the confidence to take on new challenges.
The combination of structured lessons and creative projects allows students to engage deeply with their subjects while reinforcing key academic skills like research, analysis, and presentation. Tutors provide regular feedback and encourage students to explore their own ideas, helping them to develop a sense of independence and curiosity. By the end of the course, students leave not only with a deeper understanding of their chosen subject but also with improved social and academic confidence — valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their educational journey.
Junior Teacher Expertise
At Oxford Summer Courses, we carefully select tutors who not only have deep subject knowledge but also have experience working with younger learners in an interactive learning environment. Many of our tutors have backgrounds from institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, bringing a wealth of academic expertise and teaching experience. Crucially, they are skilled in delivering hands-on, activity-based lessons that keep younger students engaged and motivated. Tutors are trained to create a positive and supportive atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring new ideas.
Our tutors are specifically chosen for their ability to adapt to the interactive learning style used in our Junior courses. They incorporate games, creative exercises, and group-based projects into their teaching, encouraging students to think critically and work collaboratively. This ensures that lessons are engaging and accessible while helping students build key skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. By tailoring lessons to each student’s interests and learning style, our tutors create a dynamic learning environment where students feel confident to explore their academic passions.
Junior Teaching Methodology
Our Junior Summer Courses are centred around interactive learning, where students engage with academic content through hands-on activities and group-based projects. This approach encourages students to learn actively rather than passively, helping them to explore new ideas and develop critical thinking skills in a fun and engaging environment. Tutors use a variety of methods, including games, creative exercises, and problem-solving challenges, to keep students motivated and focused. Lessons are designed to spark curiosity, with students encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and work together to find solutions.
Collaborative learning is a key part of our teaching method. Students often work in small groups to complete creative tasks, such as building models, conducting experiments, or developing presentations. This helps them to practise teamwork and communication while reinforcing their understanding of the subject material. The interactive nature of the lessons ensures that students remain engaged and inspired, while personalised feedback from tutors helps to build confidence and deepen their understanding of the subject matter.
Example Junior Timetable for Ages 9–12
Our timetable for juniors aged 9–12 offers a balanced mix of learning, creativity, and fun to keep students engaged throughout the day. Each day begins with a hearty breakfast and a morning sign-in, followed by engaging lessons led by expert tutors. These interactive sessions are designed to develop new skills and encourage creative thinking through hands-on activities and problem-solving. After a mid-morning break, students return for more learning before enjoying lunch with their classmates in a relaxed and social setting.
Afternoons are focused on a combination of supervised homework sessions, house activities, and creative workshops designed to build confidence and teamwork. Evenings are all about winding down and having fun — from movie nights and house games to talent shows and team challenges, students have plenty of opportunities to socialise and make new friends. On Wednesdays, students head out for an exciting excursion to explore local attractions, adding a cultural element to the week. Fridays finish with a graduation ceremony where students celebrate their achievements with their tutors and new friends. Saturdays are for departures — but not before breakfast and a final chance to reflect on an unforgettable week.
Why Study with Oxford Summer Courses?
At Oxford Summer Courses, our tutors are highly experienced in working with younger age groups, ensuring that lessons are both engaging and age-appropriate. Small class sizes, capped at 15 students, allow tutors to give each student personalised attention and feedback. This creates a supportive and interactive learning environment where students feel confident to ask questions, share ideas, and engage with the material. Our tutors adapt lessons to each student’s interests, encouraging curiosity and independent thinking. This flexible approach allows students to explore their academic passions while developing key skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.
Beyond the classroom, we provide a balanced programme of learning and social activities designed to help students grow both academically and personally. Our structured approach ensures that students develop independence and teamwork skills in a safe and encouraging setting. Students will also have the opportunity to meet peers from around the world, forming meaningful global connections and gaining a broader perspective on different cultures and ideas.
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What to Expect
Our Junior courses are designed to combine structured learning with fun and engaging social activities. Students will have four days of lessons each week, with each session lasting three hours. Lessons are interactive and designed to encourage students to ask questions, explore new ideas, and engage in discussions. Class sizes are capped at 15 students to ensure personalised attention and focused learning.
Outside of lessons, students take part in a lively social programme, including team games, creative projects, and day trips to exciting local attractions. Each course concludes with a graduation ceremony where students celebrate their achievements with new friends.
Subjects Available for Ages 9–12
Students can choose from a range of subjects designed to spark curiosity and build foundational skills:
- Enterprise Explorers
- History Explorers
- Mathematics Explorers
- Science Explorers
- Creative Writing Explorers
- Technology Explorers
- Medicine Explorers (ages 11–12)
- Law Explorers (ages 11–12)
Life Beyond the Classroom
Our social programme is designed to give students the opportunity to build confidence and develop meaningful connections through shared experiences. Team sports such as football and basketball provide a fun and active way for students to bond and work together. Creative activities, including art, music, and drama workshops, allow students to express themselves and explore their talents in a supportive environment. These sessions are designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and personal growth.
Students will also take part in day trips to historic landmarks and cultural sites, offering a chance to learn more about the local area and its rich history. Evening socials, such as movie nights, quizzes, and team challenges, give students time to relax and build friendships outside of the classroom. The week concludes with a formal graduation ceremony — a celebration of each student’s achievements and the new connections they've made during their time with us.
Junior Accommodation
Students will stay in well-equipped boarding houses at Harrow School or St John’s Beaumont, both known for their rich history and outstanding facilities. At Harrow School, students are accommodated in single or twin rooms, providing a quiet and personal space to relax and recharge after a day of learning and activities. The rooms are modern and well-maintained, offering a secure and comfortable environment.
At St John’s Beaumont, students stay in cubicles within a dormitory, creating a more communal and social atmosphere while maintaining privacy and comfort. The dormitories are spacious and well-organised, with shared bathroom facilities. Both locations are fully staffed with experienced residential staff who provide 24/7 supervision and support, ensuring that students feel safe and well cared for throughout their stay. This structured and secure environment helps students settle in quickly, focus on their learning, and build meaningful connections with their peers.
Visa Information
If you are travelling to the UK from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you may require a visa to attend our courses. Most students aged 9–14 can apply for a Child Visitor Visa or a Standard Visitor Visa depending on their age and country of residence. You will need to provide proof of funds to support yourself during your stay, evidence of a return or onward journey, and written consent from a parent or guardian.
Oxford Summer Courses will provide you with a Visa Support Letter confirming your enrolment and accommodation details once your course fees have been paid in full. Students from certain countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, may be eligible for an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW), which is faster and easier to apply for than a Standard Visitor Visa. If you have any questions about the visa process, please contact our team for guidance.
Junior Travel and Support
We provide complimentary transfers for students arriving at London Heathrow Airport on the course start date (Sunday) between 8:00 am and 3:45 pm. Our team will meet students in the arrivals hall and assist with transfers to the course location. On departure day, we provide a complimentary transfer back to Heathrow for flights departing between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
For students travelling as unaccompanied minors, we offer a paid service (£145) where students will be escorted to the airport and checked in by a member of our team. Full travel details will be provided in the Travel Form before the course begins.
Not Affiliated with Harrow School or St John’s Beaumont
Oxford Summer Courses is not affiliated with Harrow School or St John’s Beaumont. While our courses are hosted at Eton College, we operate independently. This allows us to offer a flexible, tailored academic experience that is shaped around each student’s interests and learning goals.
Our courses are hosted in the renowned facilities of Harrow School and St John’s Beaumont, where students benefit from an inspiring learning environment. Our own expert tutors, not affiliated with the Colleges, lead the sessions and tailor lessons to each student’s academic background, encouraging independent thinking and active participation through small, discussion-based classes.
FAQs about Juniors Summer School
- How do you ensure a smooth transition for young students? Our House Parents provide support and care from the moment your child arrives. With engaging activities and a welcoming environment, students quickly settle into their new surroundings.
- What kind of supervision is provided during excursions? All excursions are fully supervised by experienced staff, ensuring every child enjoys a safe, educational, and fun experience.
- Are dietary accommodations available? Yes, we cater to various dietary needs and preferences, including allergies and special requirements. Please notify us in advance of any specific needs.
- What should students bring? We provide a detailed packing list before the course begins. Essentials include personal items, toiletries, comfortable clothing, and any necessary medication.
- Why choose Harrow School or St John’s Beaumont for my child? Harrow School provides a dynamic and historic environment, perfect for young learners seeking inspiration. St John’s Beaumont offers a peaceful and supportive setting near Windsor, ideal for children to learn and grow. Both venues are renowned for their safety, facilities, and enriching atmospheres.
Secure Your Place
To secure your preferred location, we highly recommend applying early. Each of our courses has a limited number of places available, and they tend to sell out quickly. Once they are full, no further places will be available. Submit your application as soon as possible to ensure your child doesn’t miss this exciting opportunity.
