Somerville College, Oxford
Experience an award-winning Oxford summer school for ages 16–17, hosted at one of the university’s most progressive and inclusive colleges. Live and study just a short walk from the heart of Oxford, surrounded by green space, academic history, and a vibrant student community.
Our Approach to Summer Learning
At Oxford Summer Courses, we believe that where you learn matters. That’s why we host our programmes in some of the most prestigious and inspiring college settings in Oxford and Cambridge—giving students the chance to live and learn in world-renowned academic environments.
Unlike traditional programmes, we don’t follow a fixed curriculum. Instead, our courses are shaped by our students. Our expert tutors tailor the experience based on each group’s interests, goals, and curiosity, creating a learning journey that’s as personal as it is powerful. To make our programmes even more flexible, we offer a range of tiered pricing options—so you can choose the experience that’s right for you, from accommodation preferences to extra support and services.
Pricing
Payment plans are available, and you can apply for more than one course to extend your stay. For more details on what’s included, visit our what’s included page.
Studying at Somerville College
Somerville College is a calm, open, and welcoming college located just north of Oxford’s historic city centre. Founded in 1879 to promote educational access for women, it has since become co-educational and remains known for its inclusive values, academic strength, and spacious green grounds.
Our summer courses hosted at Somerville College are for students aged 16–17 who are starting to think seriously about university-level study. With 50–150 students per course, the atmosphere is lively and diverse, while classes remain small and focused to ensure meaningful academic engagement.
Discover our available summer courses and prepare for the learning experience of a lifetime.
apply for a 2025 course.webp)
Who Studies Here and How They Learn
Courses at Somerville follow a tutorial-style teaching model, inspired by the Oxford and Cambridge systems. Students take part in small-group seminars (no more than 8 students), complete two pieces of independent work (essays or problem sets), and then explore their ideas further in either 1:1 or 2:1 tutorials with an expert tutor.
These tutorials provide space for academic exploration, critical feedback, and lively discussion. Students leave with improved confidence, deeper knowledge, and a clearer sense of their academic direction. Every student receives a certificate and letter of recommendation from their tutor at the end of the course.
Accommodation and Facilities
Students stay in single rooms across the main Somerville College site, clustered around a large green central quadrangle. Rooms are quiet and comfortable, with bathrooms typically shared between a small number of students. All bed linen and towels are provided. In line with college policy, students do not have access to kitchens.
Facilities at Somerville include shared common areas, on-site laundry and dining, and the college’s peaceful grounds, which offer space to unwind after classes. The balance of independence and support makes it an ideal location for 16–17-year-olds preparing for the next stage of their academic journey.
FAQs about Venues and Tier Options
Sometimes. If you’re applying for a Junior (9–12), Eton (12–14), or Spain (15–17) course, your venue is fixed: Harrow School, Eton College, or Resa Vallehermoso in Madrid.For Oxford and Cambridge, your venue is assigned based on your age, subject, dates, and pricing tier. After you apply, an advisor will contact you to confirm the details — including your venue — and help with any questions before you confirm your place.
For Oxford and Cambridge courses, you can choose from four pricing tiers: Classic, Plus, Superior, and Premier. All tiers include teaching, meals, and activities, with higher tiers offering extras like ensuite rooms, airport transfers, and more flexibility. Junior, Eton, and Spain courses have one fixed price that includes everything you need for a safe, structured, and rewarding experience.
All tiers include your course, meals, activities, and support throughout your stay. Higher tiers add benefits like private ensuite rooms, return airport transfers, travel insurance, premium merchandise, and more flexible booking terms. You can compare all tiers on our Prices and Dates page.
You’ll be told your assigned venue after you apply. One of our admissions advisors will contact you directly to confirm your course details — including where you’ll be staying. This is your chance to ask any questions or discuss options before you accept and pay your deposit.
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.jpg)
.svg)
.svg)
