About Oxford Summer Courses
Personalised Summer Experiences in Oxford, Cambridge, and Beyond
Oxford Summer Courses was founded in 2010 by Oxford alumni Harry and Rob, who believed the Oxford approach to education should be shared more widely. Inspired by their own academic journeys, they set out to create summer programmes that capture the magic of Oxford-style learning while remaining accessible to curious minds from around the world. They wanted to offer students a taste of tutorial-style learning, free from the constraints of traditional exams and fixed syllabuses, where curiosity and exploration could take the lead. What began as a single course in Oxford has grown into an award-winning organisation welcoming students aged 9–24 from over 120 nationalities, each drawn by the promise of rigorous teaching, cultural immersion, and the unique spirit of our learning community.
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Independent, but Inspired by Oxford
Our programmes take place in Oxford, Cambridge, Eton, Harrow, and international venues, but Oxford Summer Courses is an independent education company and not affiliated with the University of Oxford or Cambridge. This independence allows us to design flexible, tailored courses while still drawing inspiration from the teaching traditions of world-class institutions. Students live and learn in historic colleges and schools, staying in authentic accommodation and making use of lecture rooms, gardens, dining halls, and cultural spaces that bring each setting to life. Alongside these inspiring surroundings, they benefit from a modern, personalised approach that keeps their growth at the centre of the experience.
Where We Teach
We host our summer programmes in exceptional locations including Oxford and Cambridge colleges, Eton College, Harrow School, and international destinations such as Spain. Each venue is chosen for its academic prestige, cultural richness, and ability to inspire students to think differently. Whether living and learning in the historic setting of Oxford, staying in Cambridge’s renowned colleges, or studying abroad, every location offers the same promise: rigorous learning, cultural discovery, and a welcoming community.
The Oxford Summer Courses Difference
What sets Oxford Summer Courses apart is our commitment to personalised learning, small class sizes, and the development of critical thinkers. Students don’t follow rigid syllabuses — instead, they help shape the direction of their course, with tutors adapting content to their interests, goals, and abilities. Learning is engaging and challenging in equal measure, while the intimacy of small groups ensures every student receives close attention. By combining academic rigour with curiosity-driven learning, we give students the skills and confidence to think independently and express their ideas with clarity.
Our Teaching Approach
Our teaching evolves with the age and experience of each student. Younger learners (9–12) are introduced to subjects through interactive, hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity. Teenagers (13–15) explore their fields in seminars and small group discussions that sharpen analytical thinking and collaboration. Older students (16–24) take part in Oxford- and Cambridge-style tutorials that encourage debate, independent thought, and intellectual exploration. This progression ensures that as students grow, so does the sophistication of their learning experience.
Oxford Summer Courses – Who We Are
Get to know what makes Oxford Summer Courses unique. In this video, we explore our teaching style, global community, and how we help students aged 9–24 build confidence, independence, and a love of learning.
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Flexible Summer Programmes
Every family has different priorities, which is why we offer a choice of programme packages — from Classic to Premier — with varying levels of accommodation, support, and added benefits. While the academic experience remains consistently high-quality across all tiers, the flexibility allows families to choose the package that best suits their needs. Our transparent tiered structure reflects our premium standards, ensuring clarity, choice, and exceptional value.
Our Community
With students joining us from more than 120 nationalities, Oxford Summer Courses is a place where global perspectives meet. Small class sizes and shared experiences allow students to form meaningful connections with their tutors and peers, while discussions are enriched by the diversity of cultures in the room. Beyond lessons, friendships grow through shared meals, cultural trips, and college life, creating a supportive community where everyone feels welcome. Many alumni tell us these friendships last long after their summer, becoming one of the most valuable parts of their experience.
Beyond the Classroom
An Oxford Summer Courses experience is about more than academics — it is about living and learning in historic, inspiring environments. Students take part in excursions, cultural activities, and social events that bring the UK and our host locations to life. From punting on the river and exploring museums to discovering nearby cities and historic landmarks, these experiences broaden horizons, encourage independence, and create memories that last a lifetime.
What Students Take Away
Our courses are designed to equip students with skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Participants leave with sharper critical thinking, stronger confidence, and the independence to pursue their ambitions. They develop a global outlook by learning alongside peers from around the world, while gaining the resilience and adaptability that come from living and studying in new environments. Alongside these skills, they form friendships and connections that endure, and discover that learning can be both challenging and life-changing. It’s why we’re proud to be rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot, based on over 370 reviews from students and parents worldwide.
Looking Ahead
We are proud of what we have achieved since 2010, but our story is still unfolding. Each year we refine our programmes, introduce new opportunities, and expand access for students worldwide. What remains constant is our belief that education should spark curiosity, unlock potential, and open doors to the future. Wherever our students go next — in school, university, or their careers — Oxford Summer Courses is where many take their first steps with confidence and ambition. And just as our founders intended, we will continue to reimagine education as an experience that values curiosity and exploration over exams and rigid syllabuses.
Our Guiding Values
We have a strong sense of adventure and are always willing to learn from our mistakes. We challenge our colleagues to reach their full potential and always strive towards pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone and into the learning zone.
We prioritise a healthy work-life balance and place wellbeing at the centre of everyday operations at the company. We look out for our colleagues, show care and consideration to one another, and are mindful of each other’s workloads.
Student experience lies at the heart of everything we do. We set high standards and act with purpose, always aiming to improve the long-term life chances, personal development, and future opportunities of young people who come on our summer courses.
We always support our colleagues and adopt a ‘say yes first’ approach to testing new ideas. Trust, empathy and friendship are at the centre of our workforce and we never play the blame game.
We believe in staying agile — constantly testing, improving, and adapting so we can keep moving forward and delivering the best possible student experience.
Across like-minded students, our tutor network, and healthy relationships in head office, all while creating a positive impact on society and the wider environment.
Secure Your 2026 Place Today
With limited spaces and high demand, early applications give you the best choice of course, date, and location. Apply now to guarantee your summer with our award-winning programmes.
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