Science Scholars
Join the Science Scholars summer school at the award-winning Oxford Summer Courses in 2026. Hosted at the renowned Eton College for ambitious 12–14-year-olds, each class is limited to just 15 places. Apply now to secure your place.
.avif){kind=avatar}
Learning
Outline
Science Scholars is designed for 12–14-year-olds who are curious about how the world works—from the tiniest building blocks of life to the vastness of space. Students will explore key topics in biology, chemistry, and physics through hands-on experiments and interactive discussions. They’ll ask big questions, investigate scientific ideas, and develop skills in observation, analysis, and problem-solving. We don’t follow a fixed curriculum—our tutors adapt the course to the group’s interests, making every learning experience unique, exciting, and relevant. Each day also includes a reflection activity to help students absorb what they’ve learned.
Teaching methodology
Our teaching for 12-14-year-old students is focused on interactive and task-based learning. You will be taught by experienced primary teachers, who are there to inspire and engage you with the subjects they are passionate about. Our courses run over a week, and during this time you will develop your subject knowledge through multimedia presentations, group work, games, problem-solving, and project work with a meaningful real-life focus. This teaching style has an increased focus on age-appropriate content and offers more opportunities for independent group work than our 9-10 courses.
Oxford Summer Courses proudly runs the 12–14 Science Scholars programme at Eton College, where your child will be supported by dedicated house parents and on-course staff in a safe and welcoming environment. Eton has educated great scientific minds, including Sir Joseph Banks, the renowned naturalist and explorer, making it the ideal place to inspire curiosity and discovery in young scientists.
Students stay in standard shared rooms at Eton College, 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.
The Oxford Summer Courses Experience
.webp)
.webp)
Dive into the world of science and explore the wonders of the natural world. On our Science Scholars course for ages 12–14 hosted at Eton, you’ll discover the key concepts across biology, chemistry, and physics. You’ll investigate the principles behind life processes, chemical reactions, and physical forces, and explore how these scientific concepts shape our understanding of the world. Whether you’re interested in the environment, health, or technology, this course will fuel your curiosity and deepen your scientific knowledge.
Our teaching for 12–14-year-old students is focused on interactive and task-based learning. You will be taught by experienced primary teachers who are passionate about the subjects they teach. During the course, you will develop your scientific knowledge through multimedia presentations, group work, games, problem-solving, and project work with a meaningful real-life focus. With no fixed curriculum, you’re encouraged to share your specific interests when you apply, and our expert tutors will tailor the course content to reflect those passions wherever possible.
Benefit from a focused academic experience with 12 one-hour lessons per week, a small class size of 15 students for personalised attention, and supervised homework time. Engage in curriculum enrichment with daily reflection time and participate in a variety of social and cultural activities, including on-site or local events, chats and bedtime with house parents and friends, off-site excursions, a formal graduation ceremony, and a disco to conclude the course with new friends.
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: 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.
- 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.
- Certificate: Paper certificate awarded at the graduation ceremony.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- 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 ensuite room.
- 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.
- 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
.svg)
Frequently Asked Questions
At Oxford Summer Courses, the safeguarding of students aged 13-14 is ensured through enhanced DBS checks for all staff, comprehensive safeguarding training, and 24/7 on-site security. Our staff offer supervision when necessary and implement curfews to ensure students' safety while encouraging age-appropriate independence. Our policies ensure that students feel safe and supported.
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 very limited, and with only two course dates available, they are expected to fill up quickly. The earlier you apply, the better your chance of securing your place.
