Back in the days, summer vacations were thought of as a long break from schoolwork and academics. While you do enjoy it in the first few days, things quickly become redundant and unproductive. However, thanks to summer programs in the UK for high school students, you don't need to be a couch potato all summer long.
Summer programs in the UK are not just about lectures and libraries. In fact, most summer programs offer a rare chance for high schoolers to experience university-style learning before things actually start to get real.
The United Kingdom is home to many prestigious universities and institutes that offer a wide variety of summer courses to students from all around the world. This blog post dives into some of the best summer programs in the UK and clears any doubts you might have.
5 Best Summer Programs in the UK for High School Students
Here is a complete list of the 5 outstanding summer programs in the UK that every high schooler must check out. Before diving into the list, it is essential to note that not all summer programs are built the same. Some are meant entirely for recreation, while others focus on academic depth and university-style teaching.
Most of the summer programs on this list are university-led or affiliated with universities. Each offers a unique experience. You can choose the program that best suits you and your summer checklist.
1) The Oxford Summer Program by The Oxford Institute
- Location: St Anne's College at The University of Oxford
- Cost: Starts at around 4,499 GBP but varies. Click here to learn more about the pricing.
- Dates: 26th July to 9 August and from 2nd to 9 August 2026.
- Eligibility: 12–15 | 16–18 | 19+ years, Genuine academic interest in selected subject area, and other factors that will increase your chances.
- Enrol Now
The Oxford Summer Program is the flagship summer program of The Oxford Institute. This program takes place at St Anne's College, University of Oxford. St Anne's is a gated college, and our students get access to its dining halls, lecture rooms, and other facilities.
In this program, students can choose 2 subjects from 30 offerings. Subjects cover many areas like STEM, Humanities and social sciences, as well as arts and creativity. Among the two chosen subjects, one is the student's major and the other is the student's minor.
In this 8-day or 14-day program (depending on your choice), the student attends seminars and lectures and gains international exposure by studying alongside students from around the world. Students also receive training in public speaking and debate coaching from global experts.
Moreover, if you are a pre-university student, this program offers additional value. Admission counselling is part of the package. Therefore, experts provide guidance on admissions to Oxbridge and other leading colleges.
At The Oxford Institute, we use the tutorial teaching methodology, a legacy of Oxford's educational and lifestyle traditions. In this teaching method, each expert tutor has a small cohort of students. The expert is responsible for offering personalized learning to all students in his cohort.
Interestingly, the program also adds a recreational aspect. As most of our students are travelling from outside Oxford or even the UK, we try to introduce them to and immerse them in Oxford's culture and norms. To do this, students are taken on guided city tours and punting on the River Cherwell.
2) King's College London: Pre-University Summer School
Location: Strand Campus of King's College London, UK
Cost: Depends on duration and courses, but starts at £3,195 for one week. £1,200–£2,400 for English Language & Culture courses
Dates: July 6 – 10; July 13 – 17; July 20 – 24; July 27 – 31
Eligibility: Academic interest, age (16-17), passing the English proficiency requirement, and being in their final three years of summer school.
King's College London is a world-famous institution known for academic excellence. Therefore, it naturally offers a great experience to students attending the King's College London Pre-University Summer School.
Students can select one or more subjects from the same or different disciplines. These include language, politics, neuroscience, and many other options. Additionally, each course is one week long, and you can take multiple courses over two to three weeks.
Moreover, the residential package includes both accommodation and tuition fees. Therefore, it is an excellent opportunity not only to experience university-style learning but also to live.
However, it is essential to note that this program is taught entirely in English, so applicants must have studied English to at least level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Make sure to go through their language proficiency and other requirements before applying.
3) London: Knowledge and Power by The University of Notre Dame
Location: Fischer Hall & Conway Hall, London
Cost: $8,750
Dates: 5 July to 19 July
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are at least 16 years old
This two-week-long program is ideal for those who find both history and London fascinating. Over the span of two weeks, faculty from Notre Dame London will immerse you in how London became what it is today. Each day, you explore a different time period and visit places that resonate with that era and its impact on the city.
Guest lectures, curricular and co-curricular activities, theater tours, museum visits, and catching a performance at Shakespeare's Globe are among the key highlights of the program.
However, this program's design serves a niche group of high school students who are willing to develop a much deeper understanding of how London became what it is today.
4) University of Edinburgh Pre-University Summer School
Location: University of Edinburgh, UK
Cost: £5,250
Dates: 29 June to 10 July
Eligibility: Students belonging to the age group of 16-18 and English Proficiency
This university in the capital of Scotland offers an immersive college experience to high schoolers who will soon be starting college. It is a two-week program in which students can choose their subjects and are taught directly by staff from the University of Edinburgh.
The cohort includes international students from all over the world, helping your children to network as they learn.
Moreover, the course includes social activities for students, such as trips to the National Museum and Sterling Castle. So, if this sounds like something you would enjoy, do check out the program details.
5) Imperial Global Summer School
Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London
Cost: $10,091
Dates: 29 June to 10 July or 3 August to 14 August
Eligibility: Students aged 16–17 with proven academic excellence and English proficiency
If formulas, experiments, and problem-solving excite you more than essays and debates, a STEM-focused summer program is where you truly belong. The Imperial Global Summer School offers precisely that.
This approximately two-week summer program works with future engineers and scientists. It exclusively focuses on science, business, and engineering. Moreover, students use cross-collaboration with students from other disciplines to solve a real-world problem.
What to Look for When Choosing a UK Summer Program?
Not all UK programs are meant for every student. The right choice for you depends on academic depth, outcomes, subject offerings, and overall program direction. Above all, what matters most is your expectations for the summer program you are taking.
For example, you could take a summer program focused on exploration, adventure, or travel, or you might want to look for something with pure academic value. Whatever the case, there are plenty of options available, and you should choose the one that aligns with your goals.
Should I attend a summer program?
If you don't want to be a couch potato and do something productive this summer, then the answer is yes. In the past, people thought that summer schools were remedial for children who could not do well during the school year.
However, today this has changed entirely. Many high schoolers attend summer school to gain early university exposure, strengthen their college applications, build strong networks, and for many other reasons.
Why Oxford-Based Summer Programs Stand Out?
Summer programs like the Oxford Summer Program stand out for several reasons.
Firstly, Oxford is one of the most prestigious and historic educational institutions around the world. Summer programs affiliated with the University of Oxford provide students with the opportunity to walk through the halls where some of the most influential people have walked.
Moreover, the Oxford Summer Program includes seminars featuring famous guest speakers who interact with students and uplift and motivate them. In addition to the subjects a high schooler chooses, the program exposes him to debate, public speaking, and tutorial method teaching. The personalized touch of the tutorial teaching methodology has a significant impact on the child's growth and understanding.
In addition, the faculty of the Oxford Institute, which runs the Oxford Summer Program, has been doing this for years. This intense experience allows us to deliver a quality experience to our students each year.
Hence, if you are looking for the right place where ambition meets guidance, our Oxford Summer Program is an excellent choice for you.
FAQs
Is the Oxford Summer Program appropriate for international students?
Yes. The program is open to students from the UK and from all over the world. As a result, our international students settle very quickly into the academic program and college campus lifestyle.
Do I need to have top grades to apply for the Oxford Summer Program?
Good grades are indeed a plus point, but they're not the only consideration. They look for curiosity, motivation, and openness to discussion-based learning.
Will the Oxford summer program help with university applications?
Yes. The academic experience, tutor feedback, and exploration of the subjects can be invaluable. It can improve personal statements, interviews, and university preparation, particularly for competitive universities.