St Benet’s at St Hilda’s, Oxford
Experience an award-winning Oxford summer school for ages 13–15, hosted at one of the university’s most tranquil and supportive colleges. Discover new subjects, grow your confidence, and enjoy learning in a safe and inspiring riverside setting.
A Brief History of St Benet’s at St Hilda’s
St Benet’s Hall was founded in 1897 by the Benedictine monks of Ampleforth Abbey and became a Permanent Private Hall of the University of Oxford in 1918. Known for its close-knit community and welcoming atmosphere, it was one of the smallest academic communities in Oxford, with a reputation for academic focus and personal support. In 2022, St Benet’s Hall formally closed, with many of its academic links and heritage carried forward through connections with St Hilda’s College.
Today, St Hilda’s College — founded in 1893 and originally established to promote women’s education — provides the setting for Oxford Summer Courses students staying in this part of Oxford. The college is known for its riverside location, modern facilities, and inclusive community, making it a distinctive place to study and live.
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.
Accommodation and Facilities
Students are accommodated in newly refurbished buildings a short walk from the main college site. All rooms are single occupancy and include bed linen, towels, duvets, and pillows. Bathrooms are typically shared between 2–3 students. In line with college policy, kitchens are not available for student use, but all meals and care are managed on-site by our pastoral team.
Facilities at St Hilda’s are designed to support both study and wellbeing. These include the college library (used as a quiet classroom space), green outdoor areas for relaxation, and dedicated pastoral support throughout the course. Together, these features create a comfortable and enriching home for younger students as they take their first steps into a more academic setting.
Discover our available summer courses and prepare for the learning experience of a lifetime.
apply for a 2025 course
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.
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.
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