For Parents
Choosing the right summer programme for your child is an important decision. At Oxbridge Summer Scholars (OSS), we provide a safe, academically enriching, and inspiring experience where students can explore their passions, develop new skills, and gain confidence in a supportive environment.
Why Parents Choose OSS?
More than a summer school, it is a carefully designed experience that helps students grow academically, personally and with confidence.
Academic Confidence
Students learn to think independently, ask deeper questions, and experience university-style teaching.
Global Perspective
Living and studying alongside students from over 40 nationalities broadens cultural awareness and builds lifelong friendships.
Authentic Oxbridge Experience
Students experience real university life by living, studying and dining in historic Oxford and Cambridge colleges.
Personal Growth
Students discover new interests and develop independence, resilience and confidence in a supportive environment.
Safe & Supportive Environment
From arrival to departure, students receive dedicated pastoral care, creating a structured and nurturing summer experience.
Future Readiness
OSS helps students explore their academic interests and build their confidence for future university pathways.
Safeguarding and Student Welfare
All programme activities are supervised by trained staff, providing a structured and supportive environment in which students can focus on learning and socialising while making the most of their summer. Your child’s safety is our top priority. OSS provides:
Programmes Designed for Different Stages of High School
Oxbridge Summer Scholars offers programmes for students aged 14–15 and 16–19. While both have the same academic standards and pastoral care, each one is carefully designed to match students' age, independence and educational level.
Junior Programmes
Programme Highlights
A Day at OSS
Masterclass
Senior Programmes
Programme Highlights
A Day at OSS
Masterclass
Explore Our Academic Streams
Let's Talk About Your Child's Summer Experience
Colleges We're Working With
Where Your Child will Stay & Study
We work with a select group of colleges at Oxford and Cambridge that have been chosen for their academic environment, facilities and welcoming atmosphere for international students.
Founded in 1879, Somerville College is one of the University of Oxford's most historically significant colleges, having been established as one of the first to admit women. It has a long-standing tradition of intellectual courage and progressive thinking, shaping generations of leaders, scientists and public figures. Notable alumnae include Margaret Thatcher and Indira Gandhi. Located on Woodstock Road and boasting spacious gardens, Somerville offers the welcoming atmosphere of a campus alongside the full academic rigour of Oxford.
Somerville has one of the largest on-site accommodation provisions in Oxford, with students based within the college's grounds throughout the programme.
Here at Somerville, great food that’s not only delicious but also sustainable and affordable is the order of the day. The wonderful kitchen staff serves three meals a day during the week and two more on weekends (brunch and dinner). A wide range of vegetarian and vegan options are available with every meal, and source food locally and sustainably wherever possible.
Founded in 1885, Hughes Hall was the first institution in Cambridge to provide higher education for women, and is now one of the most vibrant and international colleges. Set in beautiful gardens just a short walk from the city centre, it blends a welcoming, modern atmosphere with the traditions of Cambridge life, making it especially popular with students from around the world.
Students are accommodated in college residences located within or close to the main campus, providing a comfortable and convenient base for the programme.
The College has deservedly earned a reputation for delivering good food. Most meals are provided in the dining hall with a buffet service, including lunch and dinner. In additional to regular meals, the College provides formal, waiter-service dinners known as Formal Halls.
Founded in 1929, St Peter's is one of Oxford's most welcoming and characterful colleges, situated in the heart of the city on New Inn Hall Street. Although it is a relatively young college by Oxford standards, it boasts a vibrant academic culture and a strong sense of community. The college comprises buildings dating back several centuries, including a beautiful chapel with a thriving choral tradition. It is also within five minutes' walk of Oxford's main libraries and the Bodleian Library.
Students are accommodated within the college's central site, placing them at the heart of Oxford from the very first day of the programme.
Experienced chefs prepare affordable, healthy and fresh meals daily, and the Dining Hall provides walk-in breakfast, lunch and informal dinners. The Catering team can cater for many different dietary requirements. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are always available.
All-Inclusive Programme Cost
Everything your child needs for an unforgettable Oxbridge experience
DECEMBER PROGRAMMES
£6550
JULY-AUGUST PROGRAMMES
£6950
The total programme cost includes a £500 non-refundable registration fee.
What's included?*
College accommodation
Full board (3 meals)
All tutoring
Trips/extracurricular activities
24/7 supervision by trained staff
* Optional airport transfers are available for an additional fee.
Not included: International travel to and from the UK, visa costs, or health insurance
How to join the Oxbridge Summer Scholars programme
1. Review eligibility requirements
Age Requirement: Check the age requirement at the start of each programme you plan to attend.
Academic Potential: Your academic achievements, goals, and potential will be assessed during the interview to make sure you are a good fit for our programmes.
English Language Requirement: We will assess your level of English proficiency, which you will have an opportunity to demonstrate during the interview process, in order to ensure you meet proficiency requirements before you attend a programme.
2. Fill out the online application form
Complete an Oxbridge Summer Scholars application form.
All students must submit information about your major and preferred intakes and streams, and Contact details for a parent or guardian. Check your inbox for the confirmation of receiving your application
3. Interview
You will be contacted by our Admissions Team via email for an interview. This conversation serves to understand your motivation for joining our programmes and assess your English proficiency. There's no need for extensive preparation — simply be ready to share a bit about yourself and your enthusiasm for being a part of our programmes.
4. Receive Your Offer
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Successful applicants will receive an Offer Letter by email. To confirm the place, a £1,000 deposit must be paid within 7 days of receiving the offer. The remaining programme fee (£5,350) must be paid within 60 days of paying the deposit.
5. Pre-Arrival Guidance
Once your child's place has been confirmed, our admissions team will provide guidance on the necessary documentation and ensure that the application process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Check your email regularly for pre-programme instructions and resources.
UK Visa
or ETA
Required for non-UK students. Please note that OSS does not provide visa services, and families must obtain the appropriate visa independently.
Travel and Health Insurance
Comprehensive coverage is strongly recommended to protect against medical, travel, and personal property risks during the programme.
Transfers and Travel Arrangements
Optional services, including airport transfers, can be arranged on request for an additional fee.
6. Stay connected
From the moment you apply until your child arrives in Oxford or Cambridge, our admissions team will keep your family updated and provide reminders and guidance to help you prepare for the programme.
Trusted by parents
Listen to what parents have to say about their children's experience with Oxbridge Summer Scholars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is student safety and supervision managed?
All students are fully supervised 24/7 by trained OSS staff. Safety protocols include:
- Secure accommodation and monitoring of student wellbeing
- Strict safeguarding policies for all activities and excursions
- Curfew policy to ensure students are accounted for at all times
Student safety and welfare are our highest priorities.
Can I get a consultation before the programme?
Yes, after the interview with the student, we will invite parents or guardians to join a dedicated Q&A call. This will be a great opportunity for them to ask any questions they may have about the programme, while also allowing us to share more details about who we are, how the programme is structured, and what their child can expect.
Will you help with a visa to attend the OSS Programme?
Oxbridge Summer Scholars does not provide visa assistance. All students are responsible for obtaining the necessary passport and visa for their chosen destination. However, once you have paid the fee in full we can provide a letter confirming your participation at OSS and your residence address during the programme.
We strongly recommend that you start the visa application process at least three months before your program start date. Please consult the official government website of your destination country for specific visa requirements and procedures.
Failure to comply with visa regulations and maintain required attendance can result in reporting to relevant authorities.
When should my child arrive and depart?
Students should arrive on the published programme start date and depart on the published programme end date.
If arriving one day early is necessary, please contact the OSS team in advance. We can arrange one additional night's accommodation before the programme begins for an additional fee, subject to availability.
Please note that accommodation cannot be extended after the programme ends, and all students are expected to depart on the official end date.
Can students travel independently?
Students aged 14–19 are generally allowed to travel to the UK independently. However, parents should make sure that all UK immigration requirements and airline policies are followed before departure.
1. Parental Consent Letter
For students travelling without a parent or legal guardian, we strongly recommend carrying a signed parental consent letter. The letter should include parental contact details and confirm that the student has permission to travel independently.
While requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances, having this document available can help make the arrival process smoother if requested by UK Border Force officers.
2. Airline Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Requirements
Airline policies regarding Unaccompanied Minor (UM) services vary significantly. For students aged 14 and above, a mandatory UM service is relatively rare, but we strongly recommend checking the requirements directly with your airline before booking flights. In most cases, a parental consent letter is sufficient for teenagers travelling independently.
If your airline requires a mandatory UM service, please inform OSS in advance. In this case, the airline may require the student to be handed over to an authorised adult at the airport. If you need a member of the OSS team to meet your child at the airport for this handover, this can be arranged as an additional service at an extra cost.
Please note that the airline’s UM service and OSS airport assistance are separate services and neither can replace the other.
3. Airport Transfer Requirements
OSS offers an optional private airport transfer service for all students who would like additional support, regardless of age.
However, for students under 18 travelling to the UK alone, a private airport transfer must be arranged either through OSS or independently by the family. This is because UK Border Force officers have become increasingly strict when assessing young travellers arriving alone. Students may be asked to provide details of who is meeting them at the airport, and in some cases, entry may be delayed or refused if appropriate arrangements are not in place.
If you arrange your own transfer, please make sure that the driver or transfer provider is available to meet the student at the airport arrivals area and take them directly to the college.
How can I stay informed about my child during the programme?
You can receive regular updates by contacting the OSS team via email or phone, and our staff are always available to respond promptly to parent enquiries to ensure you remain informed about your child’s wellbeing and overall programme experience. In addition, we share a dedicated programme newsletter with parents and partners during the course, providing the latest updates, key activities, and highlights so you can stay closely connected throughout your child’s journey.
What happens if a student has a medical or personal issue during the programme?
It is important to inform the admissions team of any medical conditions or personal concerns before the programme begins.
While OSS staff are trained to respond to general emergencies, they are not specialists in serious medical or psychological issues. Providing this information in advance helps to ensure that a safe, supportive and comfortable environment is provided for your child and all participants.
Health insurance is an essential part of preparing for your Oxbridge Summer Scholars experience. In the event of illness, injury or emergency, students must rely on their own insurance arrangements.
Make sure you secure the right insurance before travelling, so your child can focus on learning, exploring and enjoying their time abroad, safe in the knowledge that they are protected if the unexpected happens.
What will students receive after the programme?
Upon successful completion of the Oxbridge Summer Scholars programme, you will be celebrated at a formal award ceremony. As a testament to your achievements, you will receive a certificate recognizing your participation and accomplishments.
Download our programme brochure
