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Creative Writing Scholars
Join the Creative Writing Scholars summer school at the award-winning Oxford Summer Courses in 2026. Hosted at the renowned Harrow School for ambitious 12–14-year-olds, each class is limited to just 15 places. Apply now to secure your place.
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Learning
Outline
Creative Writing Scholars is designed for 12–14-year-olds who love storytelling and want to explore different styles and formats. Students will create believable characters, build engaging plots, and experiment with new ways to tell stories—from poetry and short fiction to photography and podcasts. We don’t follow a fixed curriculum — our tutors shape each course around the group’s interests and ideas, making every learning journey personal, creative, and dynamic. Each day also includes a reflection activity to help students absorb what they’ve discovered.
Teaching methodology
Our teaching for 12–14-year-old students is focused on interactive and task-based learning. You’ll be taught by experienced tutors who are passionate about creative writing and skilled at inspiring curiosity. Over the course of the week, you’ll develop your writing through multimedia presentations, group work, writing exercises, and peer reviews, with a meaningful focus on real-world storytelling. With no fixed curriculum, you’re encouraged to share your specific writing interests when you apply, and our expert tutors will tailor the course content to reflect those passions wherever possible.
The Creative Writing Scholars programme is hosted by Oxford Summer Courses at the prestigious Harrow School. With dedicated house parents and on-course staff, students are supported and cared for throughout their stay as they develop their writing skills. Harrow has a rich literary tradition, making it an inspiring setting to spark creativity and imagination.
Students stay in standard shared rooms at Harrow School, with caring house parents and on-course staff ensuring comfort, safety, and support throughout their stay.
Meals are provided on a full-board basis, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Students dine in historic school halls or local dining facilities, with all dietary requirements catered for.
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The Oxford Summer Courses Experience
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Creative Writing Scholars gives young writers the space and confidence to express their ideas in powerful and imaginative ways. Through storytelling techniques, character development, and guided discussion, students experiment with different genres and discover their own voice as a writer. It’s a chance to share ideas boldly, think creatively, and explore how writing can shape the way we see the world.
Each weekday includes two extended morning lessons in small, discussion-led groups, where students write, edit, and present their work with support from experienced tutors. Afternoons offer guided project time, supervised study, and subject-linked excursions — providing new inspiration and fresh perspectives to fuel their writing. With structured evening socials, reflection activities, and full-time support from trained staff, learners grow confidence, independence, and essential communication skills. They finish the week proud of the stories they’ve told — and excited to keep writing.
Visiting Warwick Castle is an opportunity to explore the rich history of this magnificent medieval fortress. It dates back to the 11th century and has played a significant role in English history. Students can explore the castle's impressive collection of buildings and exhibitions, as well as witness jousting tournaments, falconry displays, and other live shows.
The Tower of London is a historic castle and fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison, and even a zoo over the centuries. Visitors can explore its impressive collection of buildings and exhibitions, including the iconic White Tower, the Crown Jewels, and the medieval palace. They can also learn about the infamous prisoners who were held in the tower over the centuries, including Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes.
The Harry Potter Studios Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Harry Potter movies, with interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the magical world of Hogwarts. Students can explore the Great Hall, see the actual sets used in the films, and even step inside the Hogwarts Express.
Oxford is a world-renowned university city with stunning architecture, idyllic cobblestone streets, and rich history. It is home to some of the most iconic university buildings in the world, such as the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College, which inspired the Hogwarts dining hall in the Harry Potter movies. Visiting Oxford is like taking a step back in time and discovering the quintessential beauty of England.
Typical outings
Timetable
Dates & Prices
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Not included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Certificate: Paper certificate.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Not included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Certificate: Paper certificate.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Not included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Certificate: Paper.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discounts: 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.
- Certificate: Paper certificate.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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 private room and bathroom.
- Certificate: Paper.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- 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 (shared bathroom).
- Certificate: Paper.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- 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.
Related Courses
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the option you choose.
In our Plus (residential) programme, students get small-group lessons (max 15), accommodation, all meals, daily activities, supervised excursions, airport transfers (Heathrow 8 AM–3 PM), travel and medical insurance, and 24/7 pastoral care.
In the Non-Residential (day) option, they join the same lessons and daytime activities/trips but return home in the evenings. You can compare both in full on our Prices & Dates page.
Yes. Families can choose between our Plus (residential) or Non-Residential (day) programme. Each offers different inclusions and levels of support — full details are available on our Prices & Dates page.
Courses are taught by experienced subject specialists who work with early-teen learners. Lessons include discussion, group projects, real-world case studies, and problem-solving tasks that help students think more independently and explore topics in greater depth.
Every student receives a certificate of achievement and written tutor feedback highlighting their progress, subject strengths, and suggested next steps as they prepare for more advanced study.
Students are supervised 24/7 by safeguarding-trained staff. The campus is secure, routines are structured, and students are guided and supported throughout lessons, meals, activities, and excursions — with room for growing independence.
We’re an award-winning summer school welcoming students from 150+ countries. Families rate our courses highly for quality and care. Unlike many programmes, we don’t follow a fixed curriculum — tutors tailor lessons to group interests, giving students a more engaging and personalised learning experience. It’s an inspiring environment where young learners build confidence, independence, and new friendships.
