Summer Schools: Programmes In UK High School Students Must Apply To

Parents of high school students are often posed with the dilemma on how to make their children’s summers as productive as possible. Earlier, the choices were limited to options in their hometowns, but today the options available are across the globe.

In this article, we will explore the summer options available to high school students (Ages 13-18) in the United Kingdom.

Oxford Summer School by Oxford Royale

About the Programme: Hosted in the historic residential colleges of the University of Oxford, high school students will have the opportunity to step into undergraduate college life. Students will learn from subject experts and get an incredible opportunity of studying in Oxford’s lecture theatres and laboratories.

What can you study? Students can choose their area of interest from the following – Engineering and Technology, Curing the Future: Medicine and Disease, Architecture and Design, Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Philosophy, Literature and Modern History.

Dates: July 2023.

Eligibility: Students who are 13-15-years and 16-18-years of age can apply.

Fees: 6000GBP

Accommodation: Single or twin room at Oxford’s residential colleges.

Application Link: https://www.oxford-royale.com/oxford-summer-school/

LIYSF – London International Youth Science Forum

About the Programme: A hybrid science enrichment programme with in-person and online lectures on current STEM-related topics in technology and development. The aim of LIYSF is to bring the youth from different nations together to learn about various cultures through a shared passion for science.

What can you study?: STEM related subjects like Nano-technology, Engineering, Robotics, Biology (choice of 32 science related subjects).

Dates: July 26 – August 9, 2023.

Eligibility: 16 to 21 years.

Fees: Funding options available to students.

Accommodation:14 nights accommodation in South Kensington, Central London.

Application Link: https://www.liysf.org.uk/liysf-participation/booking-forms

Also Read: Documents You Will Need From Your High School For Admissions Abroad

University of the Arts London (UAL)

About the Programme: A unique opportunity for high school students to study in an art school environment. Students will create work inspired and informed by London's rich cultural and social diversity, as they engage in a series of art and design projects. These art pieces can be used as a part of their portfolio for university applications.

What can you study?: Art and Design.

Dates: To be announced.

Eligibility: 16 to 18 years.

Fees: 400GBP to 600GBP (tuition only)

Accommodation: To be arranged by the student

Application Link: https://www.arts.ac.uk/subjects/fine-art/short-courses/creative-process/ual-international-summer-school-for-16-to-18-year-olds-short-course-csm

Imperial Global Summer School – Summer Residential Programme

About the Programme: Take your interest for your STEM subject to the next level through a challenging academic program. You also get the opportunity to solve a real-world challenge by coming together with students from other academic subjects to share expertise in a STEM challenge.

What can you study?: Choose between Engineering, Medicine & Life Sciences and Physics

Dates: July and August 2023.

Eligibility: 16 – 18 year olds (Academic excellence demonstration)

Fees: 5825 GBP

Accommodation: Student accommodation at Imperial’s South Kensington Campus.

Application Link: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/be-inspired/global-summer-school/applying/registeryourinterest/

Also check - Admission Tests You Need To Take For Oxford And Cambridge

King’s College London – Pre University Summer School

About the Programme: An opportunity for high achieving high school students to explore and choose from a variety of subjects. Students will also have the opportunity to network and collaborate with each other on group assignments and experience social learning which are central elements of undergraduate study.

What can you study?: Choose from a variety of courses – Business Management, International Relations, Law, Medical Science, Psychology, Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship.

Dates: July 2023

Eligibility: Minimum age – 16 years; must be in their last two years of high school

Fees: 2900 GBP

Accommodation: Kings Residences

Application Link: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/summer/applying/apply-now

Also check - Summer Schools: A Peek Into What Your Freshman Year Will Be Like

Important Things To Keep In Mind

Deadlines: Students should apply as soon as they are ready, 4-6 months before the programme start dates to allow ample time for visa processing, if accepted.

Visa: Visa requirements differ for each program, depending on the duration of the course. Always check with the programme provider whether you can participate in the programme on a ‘tourist visa’ or whether you require a ‘Short Term Study Visa’.

English Language Proficiency: Some courses may require you to submit ‘English Language Proficiency Test’ results as part of your application. This requirement depends on the student’s board of education.

Hope this gives you all some insight into the top summer schools you can apply to in the UK. Make your summer holiday count!

Aashna Nasta Jagasia is head of Undergraduate Services at OnCourse Global. She completed the IB Diploma before pursuing BBA at Singapore Management University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, double majoring in Marketing and Corporate Communication. She also co-founded OnCourse's test prep division and headed the company's business development in the Middle East.