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
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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
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.
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.
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.
Ages 10-16
Headington Oxford
Our Headington Oxford campus is ideal for students aged 10-16 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
- 28 Jun, 12 & 26 Jul 2027
Life at Headington
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?
Recommended
Residential
From £4,795
- Full board — all meals & accommodation included
- Multi-activity programme
- Evening activities & excursions
- 24/7 pastoral care
Day
From £3,495
- Same academic programme as residential
- Lunch & evening meals
- Activities and excursions
- Return home in the evening
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.