Creative Writing Scholars in Harrow

Where Stories Take Flight

At Oxford Summer Courses, our Creative Writing Scholars programme at Harrow School invites young storytellers aged 12–14 to find their voice and bring their ideas to life. Through inspiring workshops and creative exercises, students explore fiction, poetry, and scriptwriting while discovering how to express themselves with confidence and imagination. Set within Harrow’s historic grounds, this one-week experience blends tradition with creativity. Students learn to experiment with language, shape compelling characters, and weave stories that reflect their unique perspectives. It’s not about following rules — it’s about learning how to craft meaning, emotion, and impact through words.

Why Study Creative Writing at Harrow with Oxford Summer Courses

Harrow School provides the perfect backdrop for creative thinking. From its centuries-old halls to its vibrant campus community, inspiration is everywhere. Guided by passionate tutors who are writers themselves, students are encouraged to take creative risks, share ideas, and see storytelling as both an art and a form of exploration. At Oxford Summer Courses, learning is deeply personal. Tutors adapt lessons to the interests of the group, helping each student to refine their voice and experiment with new techniques. Whether crafting a poem, short story, or dramatic scene, students are supported in developing both skill and self-expression.

What You’ll Learn

Over the course of the week, students will explore the fundamentals of storytelling — from character and setting to dialogue and tone. They’ll learn how to plan, draft, and edit their own creative work, while also reading and discussing examples from classic and contemporary writers. Every day is different: one session might involve collaborative writing challenges, another might focus on crafting powerful imagery or performing spoken word pieces. By the end of the course, students leave with a portfolio of original writing and the confidence to keep exploring their creativity long after summer ends.

How We Teach

Our teaching for 12–14-year-old students is focused on interactive and task-based learning. You’ll be taught by experienced teachers who are passionate about nurturing creativity through hands-on, collaborative activities. With class sizes capped at 15, every student has the space to share their work, receive feedback, and learn in an encouraging, supportive environment. Lessons blend group writing tasks, creative games, multimedia presentations, and problem-solving exercises that help students experiment with language and storytelling techniques. This age-appropriate approach balances independence with teamwork, giving students the tools to express themselves clearly and creatively.

Life at Harrow School

Learning doesn’t stop when class ends. Harrow’s inspiring atmosphere offers endless opportunities to connect ideas, cultures, and creativity. Students might write poetry in the gardens, exchange stories over dinner in the Great Hall, or draw inspiration from trips and cultural excursions beyond campus. These shared experiences help young writers build confidence, empathy, and friendships that transcend borders. Surrounded by peers who share their curiosity, students leave not just as better writers, but as more imaginative thinkers and communicators.

Your Journey Starts Here

The Creative Writing Scholars programme at Harrow is more than a summer course — it’s a space for young minds to discover the power of their own stories. Whether students dream of publishing novels, writing for film, or simply expressing themselves more freely, this course helps them unlock creativity in ways that will stay with them for years to come. Applying is simple: choose your dates, complete your application, and share a short statement about why you’d like to join. Once accepted, our admissions team will guide you through the next steps. Places are limited, so we recommend applying early to secure your spot in this inspiring summer experience.