Biology and Chemistry
The Biology and Chemistry summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, hosted at Oxford colleges, is designed for 13-15-year-old students and is priced from £6,495. The first course begins on 29 June 2025, with limited places available across June, July, and August. Each course has only 8 places available, and they are filling up quickly. Many students have already secured their place—apply now to avoid missing out.
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Learning
Outline
Biology and Chemistry is designed for 13–15-year-olds who want to explore the science of life and matter through both theory and hands-on discovery. Students will develop key skills in scientific thinking as they explore topics such as genetics, molecular biology, organic chemistry, and environmental science. They’ll be encouraged to question ideas, analyse data, and apply the scientific method to real-world challenges. We don’t follow a fixed curriculum—our tutors tailor the course to the group’s interests, making every learning experience engaging, relevant, and thought-provoking. The course also includes a masterclass focused on essential life skills like teamwork and problem-solving, along with a reflection session to help students track their goals and progress
Teaching methodology
Learning in a small group (no more than 8 students and often fewer) means that you get quality time with your teacher and ask as many questions as you like! Through interactive learning, our teachers will guide you through new concepts and assign you practice tasks to build your knowledge and skills. You will also have an opportunity for group work, independent research, and homework assignments to be discussed in class. Small classes mean everyone gets to have their say, and students learn from debating with one another, as well as from their tutor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since spaces are limited, once a course is full, we are unable to accept additional students. We recommend applying early to avoid disappointment.
We recommend applying as soon as possible. Spaces are in high demand, and many courses fill up well in advance. The earlier you apply, the better your chance of securing your preferred course dates and accommodation type.
Each course has a limited number of spaces available across multiple accommodation options—Plus, Superior, and Premier. With two-week courses running from 29 June to 30 August 2025, we recommend securing your spot early as spaces fill up quickly.
Courses begin on 29 June 2025, with two-week courses running until 30 August 2025. Spaces are already filling up fast, so apply now to avoid missing out.
The Oxford Summer Courses experience
Get ready to explore life at its most fascinating. On our Biology and Chemistry course for ages 13–15, your child will delve into the wonders of living organisms and the building blocks of matter. From genetics and ecosystems to atoms and reactions, they’ll develop a strong foundation in the sciences — and their curiosity will guide the way. With no fixed curriculum, students are encouraged to share their interests when they apply, and our expert tutors will tailor lessons to reflect those passions wherever possible.
With classes capped at no more than 8 students (and often fewer), they’ll benefit from close support and meaningful discussion in every session. Through interactive learning, tutors introduce new concepts and guide students through structured tasks, including group work, debates, and independent research. Directed study sessions also provide time for homework and consolidation, with support from on-course staff.
Outside the classroom, the summer experience continues with social and cultural activities, off-site excursions, and evening events — all culminating in a graduation ceremony and celebratory disco. It’s a summer of discovery, connection, and scientific exploration.
Typical outings
Reviews
We know how important it is for young learners to feel confident, independent, and supported — and our summer school experience in Oxford is designed with that in mind.
While they study Biology and Chemistry this summer as part of our 13–15s programme, your child will stay at one of the Oxford colleges where we host our courses. With shared living spaces, on-course staff available to support academic and personal needs, and a warm, welcoming environment, it’s an inspiring place to experience life in a world-renowned academic city.
Whether they’re relaxing after class, taking in the city’s rich scientific heritage, or spending time with new friends, it’s all part of the Oxford experience.
For students attending the Oxford 13-15 course, accommodation is based on the selected tier. In the Classic Tier, students will stay in a single or twin room, with final room assignment confirmed by us at a later date. In the Plus Tier, students can select their preferred single or twin room. The Superior Tier guarantees an ensuite room, providing additional comfort and privacy. For the Premier Tier, our concierge service will help select the best available accommodation based on the student’s preferences.
Meals are provided on a full-board basis, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are served at the accommodation or at local restaurants, ensuring a variety of dining options.
Dates & Prices
- Teaching: Academic tuition.
- Meals: Full board includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Sunday to Thursday. Friday includes breakfast only, and Saturday no meals are provided.
- Accommodation: Housing in Resa Vallehermoso.
- Extracurricular Activities & Excursions: Included activities and excursions are available every afternoon, evening, and throughout the weekend.
- Transportation: Transportation for included activities.
- Use of Athletic and Recreation Facilities: Access to athletic and recreation facilities during the program.
- Safety & Supervision: Safety and supervision are provided for students throughout the course.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided).
- Accommodation: Standard (shared room).
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Included.
- Insurance: Travel and medical insurance included.
- Merch: Backpack, notepad, and water bottle.
- Certificate: Paper certificate awarded at the graduation ceremony.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided).
- Accommodation: Standard (shared room).
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Included.
- Insurance: Travel and medical insurance included.
- Merch: Backpack, notepad, and water bottle.
- Certificate: Paper certificate awarded at the graduation ceremony.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: 13-24: Tutorials (1-2 students per tutor), seminars, and workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13-15 are Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16-24 are Half-board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Single or twin room (confirmed by us at a later date).
- Certificate: Digital.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Merch: Notepad, pen.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13-15 are Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16-24 are Half-board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Concierge helps select the best available option.
- Certificate: Framed, signed (wet signature).
- Customer Service: Enhanced (OxSC concierge).
- Merch: Bottle, notepad, pen, backpack (premium merch).
- Airport Transfer: Included (Heathrow Airport only. No time restrictions.).
- Insurance: Platinum coverage (top-level protection on cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: One-year free deferral.
- Future Coaching Session: Included (1 session).
- Friends & Family Discount: Discounted stay/meals for family in top Oxford/Cambridge hotels while on course.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13-15 are Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16-24 are Half-board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Guaranteed ensuite room.
- Certificate: Paper.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Merch: Bottle, notepad, pen (enhanced merch).
- Airport Transfer: Included (Heathrow Airport only, available for flights arriving/departing between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. T&Cs apply.).
- Insurance: Enhanced coverage (higher limits on cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: One-year free deferral.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discount: Discounted stay/meals for family in top Oxford/Cambridge hotels while on course.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13-15 are Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16-24 are Half-board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Select your preferred single or twin room.
- Certificate: Paper.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Merch: Notepad, pen.
- Airport Transfer: Included (Heathrow Airport only, available for flights arriving/departing between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. T&Cs apply.).
- Insurance: Standard coverage (cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discounts: Not included.