Skip to main content

Summer Schools

Future Scientists – Headington

Discover the wonders of science, develop your English, and unleash your curiosity in Oxford.

Key Details

  • Ages: 12-16
  • Location: Headington, Oxford
  • Start dates: 12 July & 26 July 2027
  • English level: B1+
  • Duration: 2 weeks

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

Explore the wonders of science

Big questions, brilliant discoveries

Ever wondered what makes the universe tick? Future Scientists invites curious students aged 12–16 to discover the wonders of science, while developing their English in a fun, international environment.

On this science summer school, you’ll investigate fascinating questions and learn how science helps us understand the world. From the mysteries of the human body to the forces of nature, there’s plenty to discover.

Ask questions. Investigate evidence. Solve problems. You’ll develop your scientific thinking and learn to explain your discoveries in English. Outside the classroom, a packed programme of sports, activities, and excursions makes for an unforgettable summer in Oxford.

Discover more about Future Scientists and book your place today.

Our immersive summer schools are delivered by SBC, the UK’s number 1 multi-campus summer school for children aged 6-17.

Future Scientists – Headington

Future Scientists is an exciting two-week science summer school in Oxford for curious students aged 12–16 who love asking questions and discovering how the world works.

During the programme, you will:

– Explore fascinating scientific ideas from biology, chemistry, and physics
– Investigate scientific questions, interpret evidence, and draw your own conclusions
– Discover how scientific breakthroughs influence medicine, tech, and the environment
– Work with your classmates on a science project and present your findings

You’ll also enjoy an action-packed summer in Oxford, with sports, exciting excursions, and new friendships with students from around the world.

Book your place today and see where your scientific curiosity takes you.

At a Glance

  • Price
  • Duration
  • Location
  • Ages
  • Start Dates
  • From £3,495
  • 2 weeks
  • Oxford
  • 12-16
  • 12 & 26 Jul 2027

Academic Overview

Discover what you’ll learn – and how you’ll learn – in the academic overview for this programme.

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.

Course Modules

Discover how scientists investigate the world, explore the impact of scientific discoveries, and develop the skills to share your ideas.

Learn to speak the language of science

Great discoveries begin with great questions. Explore how scientists describe their observations, explain fascinating phenomena, and share new ideas. Through discussions and engaging scientific texts, you’ll expand your English vocabulary and learn to communicate your own scientific thinking.

Become a scientific detective

Put your curiosity to work as you investigate questions and search for explanations. You’ll examine evidence, interpret data, and tackle scientific puzzles with your classmates. Discover how scientists test ideas and use their findings to understand the world around us.

Explore the discoveries changing our world

Can science solve the world’s biggest problems? Explore how developments in medicine, technology, and environmental science are transforming society. You’ll discuss exciting breakthroughs, consider difficult ethical questions, and debate how scientific progress could shape our future.

Get started

Choose Your Date

Pick the start date that suits you and secure your place.

12 July 2027

2 weeks

Places available

26 July 2027

2 weeks

Places available

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.

“I loved it – it was the best summer school I have been to. As soon as I return home, I will absolutely share my experience with my friends and recommend that they go. I would love to return and do another two weeks here.”

Future Scientists

Student

Have a Question?

If you’d like to speak to us before you book, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Fill in the form and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Our Campus

Future Scientists is hosted at Headington Oxford.

Life at Headington

A taste of boarding school life – with Oxford just a stone’s throw away. Students benefit from exceptional facilities, excursions to London and Oxford, and a fun-filled programme of social activities.

A home from home

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.

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.

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.

One summer, a lifetime of learning ahead

What Your Child Takes Away

After your child’s programme, they leave with recognition of their achievements and skills that set them up for their next steps.

A certificate recognising that your child has completed the Future Scientists programme.

Each student receives an individual end-of-course report reflecting their participation, progress, and development throughout the programme.

Students expand their scientific vocabulary and develop their ability to describe observations, explain processes, and discuss scientific concepts in English.

Through investigations and collaborative projects, students practise evaluating evidence, solving problems, and comparing explanations. They’ll also gain experience working with others and presenting their scientific discoveries to an audience.

Fees

Day or Residential?

You can choose for your child to board with us or return home each evening. Discover what’s included with each option.

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 essential materials are provided. Students may wish to bring a notebook and stationery to take their own notes.

Our tutors provide hands-on teaching throughout the course. Students will receive feedback during projects, discussions and presentations. Because we keep our class sizes small, each student gets plenty of individual support.

An intermediate level (B1) or above is recommended in order to participate effectively in this summer school.

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. This programme is designed and delivered by Summer Boarding Courses, which is part of Dukes Plus. Summer Boarding Courses contracts the use of these facilities and has no formal connection with Headington Rye School, and it does not deliver, partner in, or endorse our programmes.

Have a Question?

Fill out the form and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.