The Oxford Economics & Finance Summer School (ages 16-18) is a two-week residential programme delivered at Oxford University colleges (Balliol College and others). The course combines core seminars, lectures and project labs in microeconomics, macroeconomics and corporate finance, using case studies, simulations and real-world projects to develop students' analytical and financial decision-making skills.

Students take part in daily academic workshops, expert masterclasses, group projects and cultural activities, and receive mentorship, guest speakers, a graduation ceremony and a certificate of completion with an academic report. The programme includes on-campus accommodation with meals (for ages 16-18 breakfast and dinner included as described), supervised student care, and optional excursions.

Practical arrangements include flight pick-up/airport transfer options available for an extra fee (London Heathrow A3215 one-way) with specified arrival/departure windows. Colleges used may include Balliol College, The Queen's College and St Peter's College; students are allocated according to age and programme.

The University of Leeds STEM Outreach Team runs a Year 12 Physics Work Experience Week from Monday 13 to Friday 17 July 2026. The week gives students a taste of working in an academic, research-based university through workshops, lab sessions and a group research project guided by a postgraduate researcher.

Participants will work in pairs to develop a research poster around one of the School's five research areas, present at a conference-style poster session, attend lectures, perform hands-on lab experiments, and take part in skill-building workshops and talks to help with preparations for Year 13. The programme is non-residential; students must commute daily and be available for the full programme each day.

The Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition is a fully virtual writing challenge for motivated high school students around the world. Participants respond to university-style prompts across creative, argumentative and journalistic categories, access live webinars, on-demand bootcamps and curated learning resources, and receive essay evaluation with the possibility of endorsement by the competition organisers. The programme is designed to sharpen writing skills and provide international recognition that can strengthen university applications and resumes. Competitors join a global network of students and can expect structured prompts, learning resources, and opportunities to have standout essays highlighted. Past winners from 2025 are showcased on the site, illustrating the international reach of the competition. Registration is open to secure a place in the 2026 competition; Kazakhstan students have a dedicated registration link provided on the site. The competition is run entirely online, allowing students worldwide to participate without travel.

This online Architecture & Design summer course introduces students to core concepts in architecture and design, including urban planning, sustainable design and drafting techniques. Lessons are delivered as live online tutorials led by subject experts and typically include project-based learning and hands-on design assignments.

Live tutorials run daily from 1-3 PM UK time (BST) and classes are kept small (maximum 15 students) to allow personalised feedback from tutors, who are often academics from leading universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. Successful participants receive a Certificate of Achievement and outstanding students may be awarded a personalised Letter of Recommendation.

Courses are available as one- or two-week programmes (two-week courses include 20 hours of live teaching plus masterclasses). 2026 start dates are listed across June-August. Applicants register via the online registration form and supply a personal statement; English proficiency at CEFR C1 (IELTS 6.5) is required or should be checked with Oxford Scholastica.

Girls into Electronics is a free, in-person campus workshop run by the University of Leeds in partnership with UKESF. The day introduces students to Electronics and studying the subject at university level, includes talks from female graduate engineers working in the electronics sector, and offers hands-on practical sessions using Arduino microcontrollers.

Participants will take part in two practical activities: an Arduino microcontroller workshop and a second session where students build their own remote-control cars. The programme also includes a campus tour, Q&A with engineers, and lunch (provided). The event is aimed at school groups (maximum 10 pupils per school) and is specifically for female and non-binary students currently studying Maths and Physics in Years 10, 11 or 12.

Registration and arrival are at Parkinson Court steps on the University of Leeds campus, with activities held in the School of Electronic & Electrical Engineering. Bookings are managed by UKESF and open in January 2026. Risk assessments and arrival information will be emailed to confirmed groups; mini bus parking can be arranged in advance (driver name and registration required).

Join the tutor2u subject experts for a full day of crucial exam technique and core topic revision, delivered on the big cinema screen. The Grade Booster cinema workshops focus on improving exam technique for AQA A-Level Sociology, with four fast-paced, interactive sessions and a comprehensive workshop booklet.

Sessions cover question decoding, using an item, planning essays, evaluation, analysis and application skills, and revision of key topics such as Education, Crime and Deviance, research methods and sociological theory. All cinema bookings are supported by the Grade Booster Online course and an attendee hub with downloadable resources to extend learning beyond the day.

Workshops are aimed at Year 13 students preparing for the 2026 AQA A-Level Sociology exams. The offering includes teacher-developed materials, experienced presenters and practical practice opportunities designed to boost exam performance and confidence.

The British Astronomy & Astrophysics Olympiad (BAAO), run within the BPhO trust, offers schools across the UK a series of competition papers focused on astronomy and astrophysics. Launched in 2015, the competition is syllabus-independent and builds on core physics applied to astronomical contexts; no prior specialist astronomy modules are assumed. It provides a pathway for students to explore current research topics and to progress to higher education in related fields.

Students are encouraged to attempt the Astro Challenge Paper in the Autumn term and must take at least one of the BPhO Round 1 (November) or the BAAO Round 1 (January). Top performers are invited to the BAAO Round 2 in February, with final selection of the five students who will represent the UK at the IOAA taking place at an Easter training camp in Oxford in April. Past papers and solutions are available online and studying them is strongly recommended to prepare.

Assessment outcomes use medal boundaries (approximately 60%+ Gold, 40%+ Silver, 20%+ Bronze, below 20% Commendation). The BAAO is closely linked with university-based training camps and provides an opportunity for motivated school students (including GCSE and A-level students) to gain advanced problem-solving experience and compete internationally.

Alliance Franaise d'Oxford runs a dedicated A-level and IB French support programme taught by native teachers in very small groups. The programme emphasises oral practice, fills grammar gaps, and improves essay-writing techniques. The school offers one class for Year 12 and one class for Year 13, catering for differing levels within each group and supporting students from all exam boards. Scholarships are offered (link on site).

This term the Year 12 A-level group focuses on francophone culture (cinema, music, architecture, gastronomy) with grammar work on future and past tenses and object/relative pronouns. The Year 13 group concentrates on political themes (voting, protests, parties) with grammar focus on subjunctive/indicative structures and advanced sentence builders. Both A-level and GCSE/KS3 offerings run weekly at the paces shown on the site (A-level/GCSE: 1.5 hours weekly).

The centre also provides GCSE courses (Level 1 and Level 2) and Pre-GCSE options for younger secondary pupils (Y7-8 and Y8-9). Students unsure of their level are invited to take a free placement test on the website. Booking is handled through the Alliance Franaise d'Oxford website (add course to cart and checkout).

The UCL Psychology Summer School (2026) is a two-week, university-style academic programme for students aged 15-18 held on the University College London campus. Participants follow a structured combination of lectures and practical workshops that introduce core areas of psychology, including cognitive, developmental, social and behavioural psychology, plus neuroscience foundations.

Classes are taught in small groups with experienced academic tutors who provide individual feedback. The course combines theory sessions, case studies and experiments, and includes a Personal Project - an independent research assignment supported by tutors that students present at the end of the programme.

The programme aims to build research and analytical skills, strengthen academic writing and critical thinking, and prepare students for university applications. Day and boarding options are available; boarding participants receive on-site accommodation, and a London Heathrow shared transfer service is offered for arrivals and departures.

The Classical Association's Gloucestershire branch is hosting a public lecture by Dr Alison Pollard (University of Oxford) titled 'How to Decorate a Roman House'. The talk will explore Roman domestic decoration - likely covering frescoes, mosaics and interior display - and is aimed at anyone with an interest in Classics, ancient history, archaeology or historic art and interiors.

The lecture takes place at Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham on Tuesday 28 April 2026, 7:30pm-8:30pm. For more information or enquiries about this branch event contact Claire Wilkinson at wilkinsonc@cheltladiescollege.org. For queries about other local Classical Association branch events see the Branches page on the Classical Association website.

The Thomas Hardy Society is running a free online lecture series exploring different aspects of Thomas Hardys life and work. The four weekly lectures cover Hardy and Gender, Hanging/Punishment/Justice, Hardy and Religion, and Exploring Hardy's Wessex. Each session is delivered by an expert associated with the Society and is designed for anyone interested in Hardys fiction and poetry. Sessions take place on Zoom on 12 April, 19 April, 26 April and 3 May 2026, each starting at 4pm (UK time). The format is one-hour lectures with plentiful illustrations and textual citations; a recording will be available for attendees. The event is hosted by the Thomas Hardy Society in partnership with the Mirthy online events platform. To join, visit the Mirthy event page (https://www.mirthy.co.uk/event-calendar/thomas-hardy-series/) for registration and full event details. The series is open to the public and is presented by THS speakers including Dr Tracy Hayes, Mark Chutter, Reverend Canon Richard Franklin and Dr Tony Fincham.

This is a one-day online masterclass for students in Year 12 who are considering applying to study Physics at the University of Oxford. The day includes an admissions overview from the Physics Access Officer, a lecture on current physics research, interactive problem-solving workshops, and a panel Q&A with current Oxford physics undergraduates.

The event runs live online and will also be made available as on-demand videos for later catch-up. Attending the live event allows students to ask questions and interact with speakers through the webinar platform. The masterclass is identical in content to the Masterclass held on 7 March 2026; students should not register for both events.

Registration is required in advance. The event is primarily targeted at Year 12 state school students studying Maths and Physics, with prioritisation for those from schools with little or no history of applications to Oxford. If the event becomes oversubscribed, organisers will prioritise the targeted group but may open remaining places more widely.

Quantum in the Summer is an intensive week-long summer school run by the Quantum Engineering Technology Labs at the University of Bristol. It combines lectures and laboratory practicals covering classical optics, introductory quantum mechanics, quantum/classical computing and quantum key distribution, and includes evening socials and careers guidance. The course is taught on the University of Bristol campus and aims to inspire A-level students to pursue science and engineering careers by sharing practical lab experience and researchers' insights. The 2026 edition runs from 3-7 August and is open to UK and international students (international applicants must be able to obtain a UK visa). The programme is free to attend, though students are expected to cover accommodation, travel and dinner unless awarded a bursary. Applicants must have completed the first year of A-level study (or equivalent), be studying Maths and Physics at A-level, be over 16 by the start date, and be available for the entire week. A CV is requested as part of the application.

The Cambridge Chemistry Challenge is a UK school competition designed to stretch and challenge students interested in chemistry and to give insight into studying chemistry beyond the school syllabus.

The competition is set by an experienced team of teachers and university chemists and is designed to be accessible to Year 12 students while encouraging university-style scientific thinking. The assessment takes the form of a 90-minute written paper, consisting of two or three questions, which is sat at school under supervised conditions within a specified time window after AS exams.

Registered schools (those entering at least one student) are sent the paper at the beginning of June. Teachers may enter as many candidates as they wish; for schools submitting more than five scripts, teachers should mark these themselves, while schools entering five or fewer may submit papers unmarked. Students who perform well receive certificates, and the highest performers are invited to a residential camp at the University of Cambridge at the end of August.

Chetham's Summer School is a week-long residential music programme for young instrumentalists, pianists, singers and jazz musicians. The 2026 course runs from 3-9 August and combines daily workshops, personalised lessons and ensemble music-making, culminating in performances at Stoller Hall. Residential and non-residential places are available, with purpose-built boarding facilities and a full schedule of evening social activities.

The course is aimed at musicians aged 11-17 (vocalists aged 14-17) who are playing at approximately ABRSM Grade 4 level or above. No auditions are required to apply. Residential students receive accommodation and three meals per day; non-residential students receive two meals per day (breakfast available at an extra cost). Tutors include experienced music professionals and there are opportunities for advice auditions for applicants considering full-time study at Chetham’s.

Chetham’s is a Duke of Edinburgh Approved Activity Provider and offers support for applicants with financial need. Applicants can apply via the online application form linked on the Summer School page; further details on grants, bursaries and instrument hire (for overseas visitors) are provided on the website.

TeenEagle runs an international competitive programme for school-aged participants focused on knowledge, spelling, writing and team debate. Free online practice rounds run monthly and are used to prepare students for official qualifier rounds. Qualifier formats include free online rounds, online regional qualifiers, paper-based local qualifiers organised with partners/schools, and multi-event Regional Round events (including occasional sleep-away formats). Regional Qualifiers are held regularly (online first and third Saturday of each month) and consist of an 80-question combined Spelling & Knowledge test (80 minutes). Passing a qualifier with at least an Honourable Mention (40%+) is required to register for Global Finals. Global Finals (three to four events each season) comprise multiple competitive tasks - Knowledge Quiz, Spelling Bee, The Writing Challenge and Persuasive Speaking (team debates) - with detailed scoring and medals awarded across receptive and productive skills. TeenEagle provides teacher books, student workbooks and a portal for sign-up and event materials. Schools and partners can register to host paper-based qualifiers and regional events; teacher webinars (monthly July-December) and a portal exist to support club-based and school participation. Detailed schedules, booking and logistics are handled through the TeenEagle portal.

Experience an intensive two-week residential Law summer school on Oxford University campus with Oxford Scholastica Academy. The Experience Law Academy introduces key legal principles, criminal and civil systems, international law and corporate law through daily classes, masterclasses and a four-hour Moot Court Challenge where students research cases, craft arguments and present in a mock trial.

Classes are taught by expert tutors from leading universities (typically Oxford and Cambridge). Beyond academics, the programme includes social, cultural and sporting activities, day trips (e.g., Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace), and a formal graduation ceremony at St Anne’s College. Students who complete the course receive a Certificate of Achievement and may be awarded a Letter of Recommendation.

This course is designed for motivated 15-18 year olds worldwide. Small class sizes (maximum 15 students) and tailored feedback aim to strengthen academic skills, public speaking and advocacy, and to support stronger university applications.

This online Business & Enterprise summer course for 15-18 year olds introduces core concepts in entrepreneurship, business management, marketing and economic thinking. Across one- or two-week options, students explore business structures, branding, the time value of money and prepare and pitch a business plan, guided by expert tutors from leading universities.

Live tutorials run daily from 1-3 PM UK time (BST) and the programme is project-based, combining live teaching with independent study and masterclasses. Class sizes are capped at 15 students to allow personalised feedback; completing the programme earns a Certificate of Achievement and eligible students may receive a personalised Letter of Recommendation.

The course is delivered online via Zoom and is designed for a global classroom. Applicants complete an online registration form including a short personal statement; no academic prerequisites are required, but students must meet the stated age and English language requirements.

Debate Chamber's online Economics Summer School is a live, interactive programme for students aged 15-18. Courses combine theory with real-world case studies and economic simulations, helping students develop analytical and debating skills relevant to study and careers in economics, finance, and public policy. For 2025 the provision was split into three parts: an 'Introduction to Economics' (suitable for students with no prior economics experience, ideal for those considering A-Level Economics) and two subject-focused courses-'Growth, Development and Inequalities' and 'Money, Capital, and Financial Markets'-which are suitable for both beginners and students with some background. Teaching is delivered in small seminar groups to encourage discussion, contributions, and individual feedback. Sessions are live and not recorded, so participants must be available during scheduled hours and have a reliable internet connection. The provider offers a limited number of full and partial bursaries (up to 90% of fees) for eligible students. Booking requires a 25% non-refundable deposit with the balance due eight weeks before the course start date. Contact details and bursary application links are provided on the Debate Chamber website.

High School Psychology Academy at UCLA is an immersive two-week summer programme for motivated high school students interested in psychology. Delivered on the UCLA campus, the course covers core psychological principles across development, cognition, social learning and abnormal psychology, and includes hands-on experiments and supervised research activities. Sessions explore sleep and dreams, mental health perspectives, clinical and organisational applications, and practical demonstrations of major psychological theories.

Students participate in small interactive classes led by UCLA-selected instructors, with structured morning and afternoon academic periods plus supervised social and extracurricular activities. Residential and day options are offered; residential students receive housing, two meals per day and campus supervision. International students receive visa support information and a mandatory international registration fee that includes medical insurance and airport transfers as described.

On completion students receive detailed performance reports, instructor feedback and a Course Completion Certificate (and letter of recognition). The programme is intended for high-school-aged learners seeking enrichment and pre-college experience in psychology.