Science Scholars
Join the Science 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
Science Scholars is designed for 12–14-year-olds who are fascinated by how the world works — from the smallest living cells to the vast mysteries of space. Students will explore key ideas in biology, chemistry, and physics through hands-on experiments, creative challenges, and group discussions. They’ll investigate how scientific discoveries shape everyday life and learn to think like scientists — asking questions, testing ideas, and finding their own explanations. We don’t follow a fixed curriculum — our tutors adapt the course to the group’s interests and curiosity, making every learning experience unique, exciting, and relevant. Each day also includes reflection time to help students absorb what they’ve discovered.
Teaching methodology
Our teaching for 12–14-year-old students is interactive and task-based. You’ll be taught by experienced tutors who are passionate about inspiring curiosity through science. Over the course of the week, you’ll develop your understanding through experiments, group investigations, multimedia presentations, and creative problem-solving activities with real-world relevance. With no fixed curriculum, you’re encouraged to share your specific interests when you apply, and our tutors will tailor the course content to reflect those passions wherever possible.
The Science Scholars programme is hosted by Oxford Summer Courses at the prestigious Harrow School, an inspiring setting where discovery meets tradition. With dedicated house parents and on-course staff, students are supported in a safe and welcoming environment. Harrow has a proud history of fostering curiosity and innovation — the perfect place to explore, experiment, and see the world through a scientific lens.
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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Explore the wonders of the universe — one question at a time. On our Science Scholars course for ages 12–14, hosted at Harrow, you’ll investigate the principles of biology, chemistry, and physics in an interactive and engaging way. You’ll learn how living things function, how materials transform, and how forces shape the world — all while developing curiosity and confidence in your ability to explore big ideas. Whether you’re intrigued by nature, the human body, or the stars, this course encourages you to question, experiment, and discover.
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 daily reflection sessions and enjoy a variety of social and cultural activities, including on-site and local events, chats and downtime with house parents and friends, off-site excursions, a formal graduation ceremony, and a farewell disco to celebrate new friendships.
Each one-week course blends curiosity, creativity, and collaboration within a supportive community, with prices starting from £2,295.
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: 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.
- 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.
