Summer Schools
Art Summer Schools
Unearth your creativity with our incredible range of summer schools for budding artists. Booking for summer 2027 now open.
Why Choose Our Art Summer Schools?
- Three amazing art summer schools to choose from
- Options for all ages from 12-18
- Summer schools in London, Cambridge, and Oxford
- Learn from expert art teachers and professional artists
- Explore a range of forms and media – from sculpture to life drawing
5 star-rated by
of career experience students
Students from
countries around the world
We’re the UK’s
multi-campus summer school
We’ve welcomed
students since 2008
5-star rated by
of SBC summer school families
Unearth your creativity
Art Summer Courses with Dukes Plus
Aspiring to become an artist? Explore your creative side this summer on our summer art schools.
You’ll learn from expert art teachers and professional visiting artists, work in highly equipped studios, and discover a variety of forms and media as you prepare your own unique portfolio.
With options for students aged 12-18, our courses are perfect whether you’re just beginning to develop your artistic skills or you’re committed to a career in art and want to learn more about how to break into the industry.
Discover more about our range of summer art schools and book your place today.
Our immersive summer schools are delivered by SBC and InvestIN, the UK’s leading multi-campus summer school and provider of career experiences.
Our Art Summer Schools
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The Art and Design Summer Experience
From£2,290.00Join our Young Artist Summer Experience to learn from experts, work in professional studios, and exhibit your masterpiece. Book now.
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Faculty of Art & Design – Dukes Cambridge
For ages 14-17, hosted in Cambridge: create your own artworks, study art theory, and master the fundamentals of design.
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Future Artists – Headington
For ages 12-16, hosted in Oxford: create artworks in various media and showcase your work, while developing your English.
Which Course Should I Choose?
Experience life as a professional artist or designer
The Art and Design Summer Experience gives students aged 15–18 the chance to explore creative careers in London, guided by professional artists and designers. You’ll take part in practical masterclasses, experiment with techniques ranging from illustration to animation, and learn how to build an impressive portfolio. The full two-week programme culminates in an exhibition of your work at a London gallery.
It’s ideal for students considering a career in art or design who want professional experience, expert portfolio advice, and a better understanding of the creative industries.
Develop your creative vision and study art theory in Cambridge
The Faculty of Art & Design introduces students aged 14–17 to artistic expression and the principles of visual communication at Dukes Cambridge. You’ll explore how artists and designers use colour, composition, and imagery to communicate ideas, while experimenting with graphic design, branding, and illustration. Through creative workshops and practical projects, you’ll develop your own designs and learn to present your work in English.
It’s particularly suited to students who want to deepen their understanding of art and design as both academic and creative disciplines, while improving their English in an inspiring international environment.
Discover your artistic talents and bring your ideas to life
Future Artists is a creative summer school for students aged 12–16, hosted at Headington in Oxford. You’ll discover inspiring artists, experiment with different styles and techniques, and explore how illustration, photography, and design can communicate powerful ideas. You’ll also create and present your own artwork, alongside an exciting programme of sports, activities, and excursions.
It’s perfect for younger students who love art and want to explore their creativity, try new techniques, and develop their English while making friends from around the world.
Need Help Deciding?
Contact us and a member of our friendly team will get back to you as soon as possible.
What’s Included in Our Summer Schools?
Students have 15-25 hours of lessons per week with expert tutors, depending on the programme. Teaching takes place in a mixture of seminars, workshops, classroom lessons, and supervised projects.
Throughout our art summer schools, students have regular opportunities to strengthen their English language skills – improving their confidence in speaking, writing, and presenting.
Most of our summer schools include exciting and enriching excursions to some of the UK’s top landmarks and cultural attractions. Excursions vary by programme and campus, but may include a tour of Oxford, visits to London, or a day out at Thorpe Park. All students are supervised during their excursions.
The exception is the Young Art & Design Summer Experience: this includes site visits to professional locations in the art world, but not social or cultural excursions.
Our summer schools include a packed programme of social activities and access to the outstanding facilities on their campus. From indoor sports to football, karaoke to film nights, our social programme is the perfect chance to relax after a day’s work
Accommodation and meals are offered on all our art summer schools.
Students stay in comfortable, modern bedrooms – most children share with a few others in bright and spacious dormitories, while on some campuses older children may have their own room.
Alternatively, if you prefer to attend a summer school as a day student, that’s absolutely fine! Day places include the same academic programme and many of the same activities, with students travelling to and from campus every day.
Our Students Love Us
Testimonials
Why Book Our Summer Schools?
Our students benefit from 15-25+ hours per week of instruction from expert art teachers. Plus, all our art summer schools include guest lectures and masterclasses from professional artists and designers, allowing participants to learn from their extensive experience.
Try your hand at a dazzling array of different forms. From animation and book binding to life drawing and sculpture, students will have the chance to explore a wide range of artistic media – all in well equipped studios and under the tutelage of our experienced teaching staff or visiting professional artists and designers. Hone your skills in your favourite form or discover a new passion as you develop your own portfolio.
Our students always rave about the amazing programme of social activities we provide in the evenings. From quizzes to film nights or karaoke, our social programme is the perfect chance to relax after a day’s work and develop lifelong friendships.
Understanding the art world and how to develop a career in this unique but demanding industry is vital for any aspiring artist. All our art summer schools, even those for younger students, include an element of careers advice and mentorship from working artists. This is a particular focus on our Artist Summer Experience, which also includes networking opportunities to launch your career as an artist.
Our Art Summer School Campuses
Our art summer schools take place at some of the most inspiring settings for learning in the UK.
Ages 15-18
University College London
At University College London (UCL), students aged 15-18 discover thrilling career possibilities. All our immersive career experiences take place at UCL, where students can experience living and studying at one of the leading universities in the world. With the thriving professional culture of London on your doorstep and exclusive site visits to some of London’s top firms, it’s the ideal place to launch your career.
- Price
- Duration
- Start Dates
- From £2,290
- 1-2 weeks
- 5, 19 Jul & 16 Aug 2027
Ages 14-17
Dukes Cambridge
Our Cambridge campus, hosting pre-university summer schools for students aged 14-17. Lessons take place at some of Cambridge’s most prestigious schools and the historic university city is on your doorstep. Beyond the classroom, students enjoy supervised excursions in Cambridge and London. They live in comfortable, purpose-built modern accommodation.
- Price
- Duration
- Start Dates
- From £3,495
- 2 weeks
- 28 Jun, 12 & 26 Jul 2027
Ages 12-16
Headington Oxford
Our Headington Oxford campus is ideal for students aged 12-16 who wish to experience exciting and innovative academic courses whilst participating in an action-packed range of social activities. This campus is based at the prestigious Headington Rye School, with 23 acres of grounds and outstanding facilities, just over a mile from Oxford city centre.
- Price
- Duration
- Start Dates
- From £2,995
- 2 Weeks
- 12 & 26 Jul 2027
FAQs
Our art summer schools each cater to a different age range. Overall, we welcome students aged 12 to 18 onto our programmes.
Students will explore a variety of artistic disciplines. This could include drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, and performance art. Participants will receive expert tuition in each form or medium.
Our art summer schools take place in London (University College London campus), Cambridge, and Oxford (Headington Rye School). Students will have access to excellent facilities including well equipped art studios.
Yes! Accommodation, including meals and guardianship, are offered on all our courses. Alternatively, you can join as a day student if you prefer.
Absolutely! We have welcomed students from more than 150 nationalities since 2008.
Our summer schools are a brilliant opportunity for children to improve their English and make friends with peers from around the world.
Most of our programmes require a minimum English level of B1 (intermediate). Check the specific course you’re interested in to see its requirements.
Yes, all of our courses are open to day students, where you travel to and from the campus every time rather than staying in accommodation.
The academic programme is identical for day and residential students, and day students do all the same daytime activities, too.
Have a Question?
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