Oxford Summer Schools 2027
An Oxford summer school suits high school and upper middle school groups looking for an academic setting and a collegiate atmosphere. Most students are aged 13-17; language programs run 1-4 weeks and academic programs usually 2 weeks. There are two distinct segments: language school with homestay typically costs about £998 – £1,025 per week (2026–2027), while academic programs in historic university colleges cost about £3,498 (2027).
Quick facts
- Ages
- 12–17 (mostly 13-17)
- Program length
- 1-4 weeks (language); 2 weeks (academic)
- Season
- June – August; peak in July
- Accommodation types
- Homestay (with a language school), Historic university college
- Weekly price (approx.)
- £998 – £1,025 (2026–2027, approx.)
- Premium / academic (approx.)
- £3,498 (2027, approx.): Academic programs in university colleges (usually 2 weeks)
Prices are approximate weekly "from" prices and should be read together with the season year.
What is a summer school in Oxford like?
Oxford is a small, walkable university city: historic college buildings, libraries, the riverside and many parks all sit close together in the centre. Summer programs usually run in one of two ways. The first is a language school in the city, with lessons in the morning, activities and excursions in the afternoon, and students staying with host families. The second is a 2-week academic program held in historic university colleges, where students live in college and lessons and academic workshops run in the college setting; these programs are aimed at ages 13-17.
Oxford's real draw is the collegiate atmosphere: students study among books, stone courtyards and centuries-old buildings and get a close look at university life. Day trips can go to London and the surrounding country towns, or to villages in the Cotswolds.
A typical day
- Morning: breakfast and lessons; English on language programs, topic seminars on academic programs.
- Midday: lunch and a short break.
- Afternoon: a city tour, museum, riverside activity or sport.
- Evening: dinner, then relaxing and activities in college or with the host family.
- Weekend: day trips to London or nearby towns.
Prices
Oxford prices do not fit a single average; there are two clear segments. Language school programs with homestay in the city cost around a thousand pounds a week. Academic programs with residential stays in historic university colleges cost far more and are usually sold as 2-week courses. The table below shows the two segments side by side.
| Location | Typical ages | Standard programs (weekly, approx.) | Premium / academic (weekly, approx.) | Season year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford | Ages 12–17 (mostly 13–17) | £998 – £1,025 | £3,498 (2027)Academic programs in university colleges (usually 2 weeks) | 2026–2027 |
| London | Ages 9–18 (mostly 12–17) | £950 – £1,607 | £2,595Academic junior programs on boarding-school campuses | 2026–2027 |
| Cambridge | Ages 8–18 (mostly 12–17) | £1,220 – £1,673 | £3,498Academic programs in university colleges (usually 2 weeks) | 2026–2027 |
| Brighton | Ages 8–18 (mostly 11–17) | £800 – £1,150 | – | 2026–2027 |
Weekly "from" prices compiled from 2026 and 2027 season price lists published on providers' own websites. Multi-week packages are divided per week. Tuition, accommodation, full board and activities are usually included; flights, visa, insurance and pocket money are not. Prices for school groups are quoted separately based on group size, dates and scope.
For a full price comparison across countries and cities, see the Summer school price guide page.
Oxford for school groups
For school groups Oxford is a small-scale, academic option. The centre is walkable, so supervision and transport planning are much simpler than in London, and the college setting raises students' ambitions. Prices differ sharply between the two segments, though: language school with homestay is on the economical side, while college programs are far higher. College programs have limited places, fixed dates and are mostly sold to individual participants, so flexibility for a closed group may be limited. With homestay, keeping a large group in one place can be hard, so group size needs to be clear from the start.
For a closed group we design the program ourselves: lesson intensity, excursion days, teacher involvement and the daily flow are built around the age and goals of the group. We propose suitable school and accommodation options, homestay or residential, in the offer. Oxford suits small and medium groups especially, as well as high school groups with an academic goal.
Which age group is it for?
Oxford programs cover ages 12-17, with most students aged 13-17. The academic college programs are aimed at 13-17 and mean most to motivated students preparing for university life. Language school programs suit a wide range from the last year of middle school to high school. For younger children we would suggest campus-based options elsewhere instead of Oxford.
Accommodation options
Oxford has two main kinds of accommodation: homestay and historic university colleges. Homestay is valuable for daily English use and for getting to know local life; students usually walk or take the bus to school. College accommodation puts students inside the academic environment, with lessons and activities run from the same site. With homestay, students may be spread across several houses in small groups, which calls for a different supervision set-up. In the offer we propose options suited to your group's age and size.
Comparing with other cities
The closest academic alternative to Oxford is Cambridge in the same country; for a bigger city experience consider London, and for the seaside Brighton.
- Cities in the same country: London, Cambridge, Brighton
- United Kingdom page
- Summer school programs
- Summer school price guide
Related guides
Useful reading for planning and budgeting.
Malta or England? A Decision Guide for School Groups
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Read the guidePocket Money, Cards and Phones at Summer School: A Parent Guide
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Read the guideFrequently asked questions about Oxford summer schools
How long does an Oxford summer school last?
Language school programs usually run 1-4 weeks. Academic programs in historic colleges are usually 2-week courses.
How much does an Oxford summer school cost per week?
Language school programs with homestay typically start at about £998 – £1,025 per week (2026–2027); academic programs in university colleges at about £3,498 (2027). Flights, visa, insurance and pocket money are normally not included. Prices for school groups are quoted separately.
What is the difference between the academic program and the language school?
On a language school program the focus is English lessons and students usually stay with host families. On an academic program students live in a historic college and take seminars on chosen academic subjects, which is why it costs considerably more.
Will my child be safe with a host family?
Homestay is arranged through the language school, and on school group programs supervision, meeting times and the communication routine are planned in advance. Details are set out in the offer for your school.
Is Oxford suitable for small groups?
Yes. Because the city is small and walkable, supervision and transport are easy for small and medium groups. Homestay for very large groups can be difficult; in that case we may suggest another city or a campus.
Oxford or Cambridge?
Both offer an academic atmosphere. Oxford stands out for homestay and college options; Cambridge also offers boarding-school campuses for younger ages. We decide together based on the age of your group.
Get an offer for Oxford tailored to your school
Share your student numbers, age group and preferred period; we design the program and propose suitable campus and accommodation options in the offer.