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Cambridge Summer School

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Cambridge Summer School for ages 13 to 18

30,000

Happy Alumni

175+

Nations Represented

20 YEARS

Of Excellence

99%

Recommend

Live and study on campus at the University of Cambridge

Our Cambridge Summer School is an exceptional opportunity for students who are looking to experience the vibrant academic atmosphere of one of the world’s most prestigious universities: the University of Cambridge. Students aged 13-18 can choose from 8 different programmes that span various subjects, each providing an inspiring learning experience that will help students to develop their intellectual curiosity.

Connect with like-minded individuals from all corners of the globe and make lasting friendships. Together, you will have the chance to live and dine like a Cambridge student, and immerse yourself in Cambridge’s rich heritage.

Location University of Cambridge
For Ages 13-18
Duration 2 weeks
Start Dates 30 Jun, 14 Jul

Students at our Cambridge Summer School will enjoy an unparalleled learning experience, designed to equip them with the skills needed for the world of university and to shape future careers. Our two-week academic timetables consist of 40 hours of lessons in career-focussed subjects, combining engaging workshops, seminars and group projects. All of this takes place in the truly inspiring academic environment of one the historic colleges of Cambridge University.

Our Cambridge Summer School programmes are designed by experts in their respective fields to give students the ultimate educational experience. We carefully build timetables, making sure that every moment comes together to turbocharge our students’ entry into their chosen subject.

Our teachers – often lecturers and graduates from Cambridge University and other top institutions – inspire students to excel. Teachers cater to the individual needs of each student, and adapt their teaching style appropriately. 13-15-year-old students will be instructed in the key principles of their field, whilst 16-18-year-olds will be prepared for their university applications and guided in their career aspirations by learning more about different specialisms within their field.

Students will not just be taught in a traditional classroom setting, but will learn in a myriad of dynamic ways. This includes independent research, undertaking group projects with their international classmates, academic and practical workshops with experts in their field, and an all-day immersive Challenge Day a unique opportunity to apply their skills to a real-world scenario.

Over the programme, we host many educational events in some of the fantastic venues in Cambridge. Every evening, students will have the chance to take part in our Public Speaking and Debate Society to develop confidence and communication skills, all culminating in our debate grand final. 16-18 students enjoy enriching seminars, such as our ‘Shaping Your Future’ series and the Headline Address discussing a critical modern issue.

All students’ accommodation, lessons, meals, lectures, and events will take part in the amazing educational venues of Cambridge. Programmes utilise the world-class facilities at Cambridge University and in the city to ensure our students get the most from their studies.

We ensure that students who attend our Cambridge Summer School not only develop crucial academic skills but also have a summer to remember. Our programmes include exclusive cultural activities, such as events, exciting excursions, and social and sporting activities, to ensure our students get the most out of their stay in the historic city of Cambridge. Some examples include:

Students on our Cambridge Summer School will enjoy a thrilling excursion to a nearby cultural city over the middle weekend of the programme. For example, 16-18-year-olds will visit the global city of London, having the opportunity to explore world-famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.

Not only will students have the chance to live and study on campus at one of the historic colleges of Cambridge University, they will also have the opportunity to experience the culture of the city, such as punting on the river or exploring the Fitzwilliam Museum.

After busy weeks of learning, we make sure our students can celebrate with fun parties in amazing campus venues. On each Friday of the programme, we host a party with a specific theme for each of our age groups, complete with activities, a DJ, or a silent disco.

As well as our educational timetable and exclusive events and excursions, we also have a thoroughly planned set of activities for our students to relax and make new friends through, such as our campus Talent Show and the Olympics in the Park.

As the programmes draw to a close, students are invited to attend an illustrious graduation ceremony to honour their achievements, in which they will receive their certificates in an amazing Cambridge venue.

Student welfare is our number-one priority. We do everything within our power to make sure that their summer is a safe and happy one, and the Oxford Royale teams have been recognised nationally for this commitment.

We pride ourselves on the exceptional level of pastoral care we provide to our students, made possible by the expertise and experience of our staff. They are supported by our robust system of welfare policies and procedures that has been developed over two decades of providing successful summer programmes.

Oxford Royale has been twice awarded the prestigious RoSPA Bronze Award for our health and safety practices. RoSPA has been running for almost 100 years, making vital changes in legislation surrounding accident prevention. We are delighted by the continuing recognition of the extensive lengths we go to in ensuring all our students, teachers, and staff enjoy a safe time while they are with us.

The summer courses are run by an exceptional and experienced staff, led by our Programme Director. The Director is supported by a team of Counsellors who ensure that students are looked after culturally, and socially during their programme, as well as meeting any pastoral needs. Each campus has dedicated members of staff who are residential throughout the programme and are able to assist students at any time, day or night.

Safety, happiness and inclusion are woven into the fabric of our summer programmes. One of the most important and enriching aspects of a summer programme with Oxford Royale is the opportunity for bright young people to interact, network and build new lifelong friendships with students from across the globe and from different cultures. There will always be counsellors on campus to reassure or advise, and our team has decades of experience in the international school sector.

Oxford Royale is the UK's leading international summer school and for nearly two decades, we’ve given students around the globe access to world-leading academic programmes and an unrivalled cultural experience. We’ve helped launch brilliant careers, provided the market’s widest range of courses, and created an authentic taste of university life.

Oxford Royale has welcomed more students than any other academic summer school provider. 99% of our alumni recommend us and we have more five-star reviews than the other providers combined. More parents trust Oxford Royale to help their children than any other provider, and have done for the last 20 years.

Unlike other summer programmes, our curriculum is developed by academic experts who draw from their wealth of teaching experience and subject expertise, crafting programmes that allow students to grasp the core concepts of their field of study, and enlighten them to the current issues and innovations shaping the future of their subject. Our students receive comprehensive educational materials designed by us, containing the key concepts they are learning in class, alongside useful resources to help them grow as an ambitious learner and reach their full potential.

On the ground, programmes are led by highly qualified campus teams, with courses headed by an expert programme director, selected for their vast experience in educational leadership roles. They ensure a consistent and exceptional educational experience, as well as protecting students’ welfare. Unlike other summer programmes, we have a dedicated student welfare team operating across our colleges with many years of experience in safeguarding.

Our Cambridge Summer School takes place on campus at 2 of the largest and most historic residential colleges of Cambridge University: St Catharine’s and Clare. Our students will have the chance to eat, sleep and study in the same rooms that inspired some of the most influential minds in history. All of our colleges are located near the exciting city centre of Cambridge, allowing students to visit attractions, restaurants and shopping centres in their free time.

  • Our exemplary standards of education, service and safety have been recognised by numerous accreditation bodies, and we are honoured to have received some of the most prestigious awards in the education sector:
  • The Queen’s Award for Enterprise – Three Time Winner
  • British Youth Travel Awards: Best Educational Product – Five Time Winner
  • BETA: Best Customer Service – Gold Award 2019
  • RoSPA Awards – Bronze Award, 2019
  • The Beautiful South Awards for Excellence – Bronze 2019 & 2020
  • Education Investor Awards – 2017: Finalist

Over our 20-year history, Oxford Royale has hosted 30,000 alumni from over 175 different countries. Students on our Cambridge Summer School will be exposed to an international perspective on the subject they study, and will make friends with a global network of future leaders in their field.

What Can I Study at the Cambridge Summer School?

Select Your Age Group

Experience an Oxford Royale Graduation

Watch our 16 to 18 graduation video to see our students celebrating everything they have achieved on campus at their Cambridge Summer School.

Learn from world leading experts

Watch our 2023 Great Debate featuring Helen Sharman, the first British person in space, and gain a taste of the enriching experiences offered to our students.

An authentic taste of university life

Get a taste of authentic undergraduate life at your Cambridge Summer School while still a high school student. Hosted in historic residential colleges at the University of Cambridge, you’ll have the opportunity to experience what it is really like to be a Cambridge student. Sleep in student bedrooms set in centuries-old quadrangles, relax and socialise in vibrant common rooms, and explore the beautiful and tranquil Botanic Gardens. 

Escape ordinary classroom teaching and learn through workshops, debates, interactive lectures and educational trips. Hear from remarkable guest speakers and study in classrooms where 121 Nobel prize winners took their first academic steps. It’s the ideal place to expand your own understanding, discover new interests and develop key skills crucial for future success. 

Cambridge Summer School: Two girls on campus
Cambridge Summer School King's College
Cambridge Summer School: three girls on balcony
Cambridge Summer School: 4 students on a punt
Cambridge Summer School: a dining hall full of students

Where will I stay?

Our Cambridge Summer School offers students the unique opportunity to live and study in two of the esteemed colleges of the University of Cambridge, immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage of these beautiful campuses.

Hear From our Students
Clare College campus of Cambridge Summer School

Clare College

Founded in 1326, Clare is the second oldest of Cambridge’s 31 colleges, and has two picturesque sites on either side of the River Cam.

St Catharine's College of Cambridge Summer School

St Catharine's College

A medieval college with a famous open courtyard, ‘Catz’ has produced many famous actors such as Sir Ian McKellen,

Exciting Activities and Trips

Cambridge summer school trip to London

Explore London

Discover the UK’s most exciting city! A short journey from Cambridge, explore the many wonders that London has to offer: from Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace to the Museum of Natural History and National Portrait Gallery, there are endless ways to be entertained. Enjoy luxury shopping, or vibrant markets in Camden, and choose from hundreds of restaurants. London is a unmissable location filled with new opportunities.

Cambridge Summer School walking tours

Walking Tour of Cambridge

Experience the magic of Cambridge on a walking tour of the city. Wander through historic colleges with stunning architecture, see the pub where the discovery of DNA was announced, or uncover hidden gems from coffee shops to art galleries. 

Cambridge summer school formal dinner group

Graduation

Experience an Oxford Royale graduation, on campus at the University of Cambridge. Dress up with your new friends, dine in a magnificent venue, and celebrate everything you have achieved on your programme. 

See our exclusive events Oxford Royale Graduation

Cambridge Summer School students punting

Punting

Feel like a real Cambridge student and try your hand at punting, a type of rowing that uses a metal pole to push the boat forward! Relax in the sun and view some of Cambridge’s spectacular colleges as you punt along the River Cam.

The interior of the Fitzwilliam Museum

Museums and Galleries

Immerse yourself in the arts and sciences at Cambridge’s renowned museums. See the works of old masters at the Fitzwilliam Museum, explore the natural world at the University Museum of Zoology, and discover prehistory at the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences.

See our exclusive events Night at the Museum

Cambridge Summer School student testimonial 1
“I think it was a great choice for me to come here this summer, it has given me so much insight into what I want to do in the future, and not only that it has been very fun and very informative, and I would love to come back. ”

Kareem, Jordan

Cambridge Summer School student testimonial 2
“Oxford Royale gave me an insight into a university course I was very interested in and helped me decide I wanted to do that for sure. Apart from the great academic programmes, the activities in Cambridge were extremely enjoyable and unforgettable. I really recommend Oxford Royale to everyone who wants to gain an insight into what university is like.”

Claudia, Spain

Reviews

We have a 4.8 rating based on 769 reviews on Reviews.io.
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Ethan

It was very nice and the experience at Cambridge was amazing! I made a lot of new friends and made a lot of memorable memories. I also really enjoyed all the activities such as punting and then the party. I hope to do this again.

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Mila

It was one of the most fantastic experiences I have ever had! Thank you!

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Brenya

Oxford Royale helped me gain more knowledge in business. I made life long friendships with people from all over the world. It is an unforgettable experience. It will be forever my best 2 weeks of my life.

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Georgios

My experience at Oxford Royale Academy was undoubtedly unforgettable. Apart from the knowledge I gained, I got introduced to new cultures and made strong friendships with people from all around the world.

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Megan

i had easily, the best summer of my life. from the learning opportunities, to meeting friends for life, oxford royale was the best place to enjoy a holiday filled with memories and great fun. i would 10/10 recommend joining along all the adventures magical oxford royale has to offer!!

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Konstantinos

The activities were amazing and everything was organised perfectly. I really liked the fact I could combine having fun, being independant and also improve my knowledge. I made new friends and I met people from all over the world. My favourite activity although I liked all of them was the masterclass and the punting. I feel very lucky I had the chance to go to the campus and I will never forget this experience which I wish everybody could have.

Frequently Asked Questions

The process for booking a place on our our Cambridge Summer School is the same as booking a programme at any of our summer school locations.

Once you have decided which programme you would like to attend, you can book online using our secure booking system. You will need the details of the student and of the person paying the bill, the name of the programme or programmes you would like to study, and a credit or debit card to pay the enrolment fee.

We are happy to accept enrolment fee payments via a number of other, non-card payment methods (including domestic and international bank transfer), thanks to our partnership with education payment specialists, Flywire. If you would prefer to pay your enrolment fee by bank transfer or another method, please contact our Admissions team who will be able to assist you.

Once your application has been submitted, your enrolment fee has been received by us and your booking processed by our system or our team, you will be sent an email confirming your place. You will also receive a login to the Oxford Royale Portal, which you will use to provide us with important additional information about you as your time with us approaches.

A Welcome Pack is available to download from the Oxford Royale Portal.

If at any time you would like to discuss your booking with a member of our award-winning Customer Service team, please feel free to contact us.

Please see our Prices and Dates site for details.

All programme fees include the following:

  • Classes and tuition
  • Study files/materials
  • Guest lectures by academic speakers
  • Personalised academic reports and graduation certificate
  • Accommodation at the University of Cambridge
  • Meals in the dining hall of your college, every day of your programme (Meals provided are typically as follows: breakfast, lunch and dinner for ages 13-15; breakfast and dinner for ages 16-18)
  • Free WiFi (subject to availability)
  • A wide selection of afternoon and evening activities
  • Coach excursions (kindly note that excursions can be to local attractions or to sites further afield)
  • Welcome and graduation events
  • A multitude of extras, including an Oxford Royale notebook and branded clothing

If you wish to change your programme or study options (including dates), please do not hesitate to contact us. However, changes to programmes are always subject to availability. For this reason, it may be more difficult for us to accommodate any changes requested less than 60 days before the programme start date.

Oxford Royale’s terms and conditions for refunds are as follows:

Any cancellation must be received in writing and can only be made on the following terms:

  • No refund of the enrolment fee will be made under any circumstances once the two-week cooling-off period has concluded;
  • For cancellations before your programme start date, the remainder of the programme fees excluding the enrolment fee will be proportionally refunded as per the table below:
Period Before Start Date Total Refunded (excluding enrolment fee)
120+ days 100%
90-119 days 50%
45-89 days 10%
0-44 days 0%

Cancellations made after the commencement date of the programme will not receive any refund.

For full information regarding cancellation and refund terms, please see our full terms and conditions, and please contact us if you have any questions.

Our English language requirements for all programmes on our Cambridge Summer School are C1 or IELTS level 6.5 or higher.

Students who have studied at an English speaking school for two or more years are exempt from English requirements.

It is certainly possible to take more than one programme and combine a variety of subjects. This can be done by enrolling on two different programmes. For example, you may wish to have two weeks on the Film Academy and then two more weeks on Creative Writing.

Students staying for two consecutive sessions will be provided with accommodation for the Saturday night, and their campus will provide supervised activities between their first session ending and second session starting. Should you have any queries about how to take more than one programme please do not hesitate to contact us.

All our programmes take place in a secure environment. Our students are supervised 24 hours a day by campus staff. All students must check-in regularly during the day: at breakfast roll-call; at their morning classes; in the afternoon for lessons, workshops or activities; at dinner and in the evening before curfew. All campuses have a curfew.

Each campus office has its own safe where students may deposit items of value such as passports, travel documents, bank cards etc.

All campuses have residential staff who can be contacted 24 hours a day.

Cambridge Summer School is suitable for high school students aged between 13 and 18. Most courses are split into two age groups:

  • 13 to 15
  • 16 to 18

Typically, students in these age groups will stay in the same college, but they will be on separate timetables for the duration of the summer school. Students will have the opportunity between classes and activities to see friends or siblings in other age groups.

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