Ages 12-16 | Oxford
Headington Oxford
A boarding school campus with Oxford on your doorstep. Headington Oxford offers six summer schools packed with adventure and discovery – the perfect way to grow in confidence and independence.
Why Book a Headington Oxford Summer School?
- Summer schools for ages 12-16
- Courses in Science, Medicine, English, and more
- Stay in an Oxford boarding school
- Excursions to Oxford and London
- Fun-filled programme of social activities
Our immersive summer schools are delivered by SBC, the UK’s number 1 multi-campus summer school for children aged 6-17.
UK’s Number 1 Multi-Campus Summer School
Headington Oxford Summer Schools
4.4/5
★★★★★
246 reviews
Discover an exciting world of learning and adventure at Headington Oxford. Designed for students aged 12–16, our six courses offer the chance to explore subjects including Medicine, Business, STEM, and Art.
At a Glance
- Price
- Duration
- Location
- Ages
- Start Dates
- From £2,995
- 2 Weeks
- Oxford
- 12-16
- 12 & 26 Jul 2027
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 families
Headington Oxford Courses
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English Adventures – Headington
For ages 12-16, hosted in Oxford: improve your English and make friends from around the world.
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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.
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Future Doctors – Headington
For ages 12-16, hosted in Oxford: learn how doctors diagnose, study the human body, and debate medical ethics, while improving your English.
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Future Entrepreneurs – Headington
For ages 12-16, hosted in Oxford: learn how to develop a business idea that customers will love, while improving your English.
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Future Global Leaders – Headington
For ages 12-16, hosted in Oxford: study global affairs, understand how governments function, and master persuasive communication, while developing you …
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Future Scientists (STEM) – Headington
For ages 12-16, hosted in Oxford: discover the joys of science and develop your English.
Need Help Deciding?
Contact us and a member of our friendly team will get back to you as soon as possible.
24/7
Pastoral support
From 100% DBS-checked, trained residential staff.
1:6
Staff-to-student ratio
Ensuring our focus is always on your child.
15 hours
Academic teaching per week
An immersive learning experience.
15/15
Areas of strength
In our most recent British Council inspection.
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
Life at Headington
Discover the Best of the UK
During their two-week course, students enjoy three exciting excursions to some of the UK’s most famous destinations. Each trip offers an opportunity to discover new places, make lasting memories, and experience life beyond the classroom.
London – Explore the capital’s iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and famous shopping streets, while soaking up the atmosphere of one of the world’s most exciting cities.
Oxford – Discover the historic home of one of the world’s most prestigious universities, with its beautiful architecture, famous colleges, and centuries of academic tradition.
Thorpe Park – Enjoy a thrilling day out at one of the UK’s leading theme parks, packed with exhilarating rollercoasters and attractions.
All excursions are accompanied by our dedicated staff, with carefully planned itineraries to help students make the most of every visit.
Relax and have fun
From exciting outdoor adventures to unforgettable evening events, there’s always something happening at Headington. Afternoons offer a varied programme of sports and creative activities, giving students the freedom to pursue their interests or try something new. Whether it’s tennis, drama, kayaking, or paintball, every day brings fresh opportunities for fun and discovery.
In the evenings, the whole school comes together for lively social events, from Capture the Flag and the Big Quiz to Talent Night and Prom. These shared experiences help students from around the world form lasting friendships and create memories they’ll treasure long after the summer.
Here’s a full list of what’s on offer:
- Sports & Games: Including badminton, ball games, basketball, cricket, dodgeball, football, rounders, tennis, volleyball and sports tournaments.
- Creative Arts & Performing Arts: Including arts & crafts, creative writing, dance, drama, fashion shows, photo challenges, scrap collages, talent shows and trashion shows.
- Outdoor Adventures & Challenges: Including Capture the Flag, punting, Silly Olympics, Staff Safari and treasure hunts.
- Fitness & Wellbeing: Including fitness classes, Pilates and yoga.
- Social Activities & Entertainment: Including discos, garden parties, International Night, karaoke, murder mysteries, pizza and film nights, quiz nights and Secret Cinema.
Safe days, settled nights
We understand that sending your child abroad is a big decision, which is why their safety and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. Our dedicated residential staff provide 24/7 on-site pastoral support, with a staff-to-student ratio of 1:6 to ensure every student receives the care and attention they need. All residential staff are fully trained and DBS-checked, creating a safe, welcoming environment where students can settle in, make friends, and enjoy their summer.
Speak to Our Headington Oxford Team
Contact us and a member of our Headington Oxford admissions team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Always moving, always learning
A Day at Headington
Life at Headington is a breathless mix of learning, trying new things, and making memories. See what a typical day looks like.
8am: House Meeting and breakfast. Get the day off to a great start with your housemates.
9am: Subject Lessons. Fast-paced, interactive lessons in your subject led by experienced, engaging tutors.
11am: Time to Shine. Collaborate with your peers on researching, designing, and creating a fascinating group project related to your subject.
12:30pm: Lunch. Enjoy a nutritious meal to fuel you for the afternoon’s fun.
1:30pm: Multi-Activity Programme. Enjoy an exciting activity with friends – whether it’s art, drama, swimming, tennis, or adventure sports.
5pm: House Time. Unwind back at your house – a chance to call home or relax with friends.
6:30pm: Dinner. Re-assemble as a whole school to enjoy an evening meal.
7:30pm: Whole-School Events. Everyone comes together for a great evening – from Capture the Flag to Talent Night and the Big Quiz.
Comfortable Oxford Accommodation
Enjoy a welcoming and comfortable place to call home during your summer school experience. Headington offers five boarding houses, with separate accommodation for boys and girls. Students stay in single or twin rooms, with a small number of shared dormitories also available.
Each room includes a desk and wardrobe space, while shared bathrooms are cleaned daily. Comfortable common rooms provide space to relax, socialise, and spend time with new friends after a busy day.
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“For me, it was very good, and I improved my English a lot. It was amazing being here.”
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“I thoroughly enjoyed it. The teacher explained everything perfectly. The best part was that he refrained from labeling things as strictly right or wrong. Instead, he encouraged us to form our own opinions.”
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“It was really good! Eddie is such a good teacher, he teaches really well but also makes the lessons fun and interesting”
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“Our teacher Hazel has been the sweetest person and taught us science while having fun. I have made such great and close friends from my class.”
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“My course was very good and I liked everything. I learned a lot of useful things.”
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“The academic programme was very centered on science and was very organized. The teacher was very nice.”
Fees
Day or Residential?
Recommended
Residential
From £4,295
- Full board — all meals & accommodation included
- Multi-activity programme
- Evening activities & excursions
- 24/7 pastoral care
Day
From £2,995
- Same academic programme as residential
- Lunch & evening meals
- Activities and excursions
- Return home in the evening
Is Headington Oxford Right for You?
Everyone arrives with their own interests and ambitions, but if any of these sound familiar, you’ll fit right in.
You’re keen to get involved, take on new experiences, and meet students from around the world.
You enjoy discovering new ideas in the classroom, then bringing them to life through hands-on activities and exciting challenges.
You want a summer packed with variety, opportunities to become more independent, and plenty of chances to explore Oxford.
Optional Extras
Take your Oxford experience further by adding on optional extras. Places are limited so make sure to add them to your package when you book.
Tennis Academy
Take your tennis skills to the next level with our Tennis Academy. Combining expert coaching with regular match play, the programme helps students refine their technique, develop their tactical understanding, and improve their performance on court. With a balance of individual development and team activities, students have plenty of opportunities to put their skills into practice in an encouraging and supportive environment.
- Price
- £295
Adventure Sports
Enjoy two days of outdoor adventure, with exciting challenges on both water and land. Students spend the first day trying activities such as canoeing, kayaking, or sailing, developing new skills and learning to work together under expert supervision. On day two, a paintball session puts their strategy, communication, and teamwork to the test. It’s an ideal experience for students who love the outdoors, enjoy a challenge, and want to try something different.
- Price
- £295
FAQs
Of course. Just fill out our enquiry form and a member of our admissions team will get back to you as soon as possible.
No prior study is required. Students should have an interest in the subject area but the course is designed to be flexible to different levels of knowledge and experience.
All workshop and project resources are provided. Students can choose to bring standard study items such as pens, notebooks, and a laptop or tablet for project work.
Yes. The programme includes simulations and hands-on workshops where you’ll try out tasks and challenges.
Although we cover lots content, our teachers are skilled at adapting the level of difficulty according to each student’s comfort with English and ability to absorb new information.
An intermediate level (B1) or above is recommended in order to participate effectively in the summer schools at Headington Oxford.
All our residential staff are DBS-checked and trained. We have a high staff-to-student ratio and we offer 24/7 pastoral support.
No. These programmes are designed and delivered by Summer Boarding Courses, which is part of Dukes Plus. Summer Boarding Courses uses the facilities at Headington School in Oxford so students can live and study in a prestigious school setting. Summer Boarding Courses has no formal connection with Headington School, and the school does not deliver, partner in, or endorse our programmes.
Yes! Headington Oxford is just one of four campuses where we run our Oxford summer schools. Each campus is designed for a different age range to help students grow in their personal and academic journeys.
Have a Question?
Fill out the form and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.