Campus Oxford have specialised in high-quality summer and Gap Year programmes for over thirty years.
Campus Oxford offers trusted summer and gap-year study programmes in
Oxford and other locations, combining high-quality teaching with
clear pastoral support and focused guidance for international students and families During this time our programmes have become a benchmark for academic quality cultural experience. Our students are typically motivated high school students and graduates, from the US
and elsewhere, and our emphasis is on interactive, student-focused teaching in small seminar groups and one-on-one tutorials. We offer a supportive environment, in which students are encouraged to develop as independent, self-motivated learners. Campus Oxford builds on long-standing relationships with high school students, their counsellors and parents. We offer a unique opportunity for students who wish to ‘step outside the box’ during their summer or Gap Year, and take an academic and cultural enrichment course in Oxford or Cambridge in order to extend their knowledge, develop their skills and prepare for the demands of college-level work. Gap Year Programme
The Oxford Gap Year is the perfect way to prepare for the independent mode of study required at college, and gives the opportunity to pursue courses of interest in depth and at comfortable pace, freely exploring topics that arouse curiosity. Skilled tutors provide a rich subject choice to enhance knowledge in chosen areas, without formal assessment but with close engagement and support. A varied cultural and visits programme compliments the study element. Students may work on college applications with their tutors’ help or take time to decide on what direction to take next. The ambience of Oxford, home to England’s oldest and most prestigious university, provides an historic and inspiring backdrop. Academic Insights (Summer programme)
Academic Insights provides ambitious high-school students from around the world with an unrivalled experience studying undergraduate-level subjects whilst residing at Oxford and Cambridge University colleges. All classes are taught by expert academics from world-leading universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge. Each subject follows a specifically designed summer school syllabus, that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application – ensuring all students receive a well-rounded and challenging programme, helping them to develop for future success. Our options for ages 13 to 15 are designed to ignite students’ interest and help them better understand which subjects to pursue at a higher level. Students are introduced to challenging content in an easy-to-understand and approachable way. Our programmes for 16 to 18 year olds provide a unique insight into what it’s like to study a subject at university level. Our tutors have carefully designed rich and interesting curricula to further the existing passion that participants have for their chosen discipline. With 40 + hours of engaging and academic sessions, students choose one subject to study intensively over a two-week period. Summer Studies Programme (Summer programme)
The Advanced Studies programme is one of the longest-established academic and cultural summer courses for High School students, offering a wide choice of stimulating study subjects in small groups, following the Oxbridge tutorial method. Students thereby develop as confident and independent learners in the stimulating setting of an Oxford or Cambridge college. There is a full and varied programme of cultural visits, workshops and activities to balance the academic work. Young Leaders (Summer programme)
Based around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations in 2015, this course will help students to develop key 21st century leadership skills whilst tackling issues that are increasingly important to young people today, through creative projects and local action. Students on this exciting and innovative course will work together on a different weekly theme based on these SDGs. Young Professionals (Summer programme)
Young Professionals offers ambitious students an insight into different future career paths in Architecture, Engineering, Medicine, International Relations & Law, Forensic Science & Criminology, and Business & Enterprise. Students choose one subject per two-week course and receive a combination of classroom theory-based teaching, as well as practical sessions. Courses are available at the prestigious UK boarding schools, d’Overbroeck's in Oxford and Tonbridge School in Kent. Female Future Leaders (Summer Programme)
Our first ever all-female two-week residential course welcomes bright and motivated participants from around the world. Students will develop key leadership skills such as motivation, project management and critical thinking. The Female Future Leaders summer programme offers a multi-disciplinary exploration of leadership for engaged and motivated young women. The programme encompasses a range of subjects from STEM subjects to business and beyond. Young Performers (Summer Programme)
On Young Performers, students gain an insight into careers in performing arts through working with professionals in the sector. From screen writers, actors, artists and musicians, this course will look at all the aspects of the Performing Arts. All workshops and tuition are provided and delivered in partnership with West End On Demand, by professional West End performers, and are held in a variety of London theatres and studios. A-Level Studies Programme
The A-level is the examination at the end of a student’s High School, and normally three subjects are studied over one or two years. It is not uncommon for some international students to consider applying to a British university. If they have not completed high school to twelfth grade or equivalent, or for some reason have under-achieved they may be advised to sit the Advanced Level (GCE) exams, popularly known as A-levels. Advanced Placement, although less rigorous, is the nearest equivalent to the A-Level, which is regarded as roughly equivalent in standard to courses taken in freshman year at a US college. A good passing grade at A-Level will normally merit college credit and therefore permits exemption from a college course. Students who choose to continue their education in the UK will need to qualify for entrance to a British University. For those who have not achieved a sufficiently high standard of qualification in their home country, examination in two or three A-level subjects is normally required. The A-Level is the usual qualification required for entry to a British university, with passing grades in two subjects being the minimum requirement. The most popular subjects are :
Art & Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Chinese, Economics, English Language, English Literature, French, Geography, German, Government and Politics, History, History of Art, Mathematics, Media Studies, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Russian, Sociology, Spanish.
28/07/2026
The final year of high school can feel very pressured. There are deadlines, predicted grades, stressful revision, exams, and all that time towards the end, waiting for results day. Time constraints, expectations, grades that may allow you to carry on with your goals, or the disappointment at not having quite achieved what you were hoping to.
There are other ways to learn, explore and build your knowledge more organically. There is a chance to take a breath and re-evaluate your path.
By visiting a gallery, exhibition or attending a lecture, discussing a topic with international peers or just walking around the city, students learn to absorb and evaluate their learning in different ways.
Gap semesters can be a refreshing way to change the pace, build on creative curiosity and enhance social skills. At Campus Oxford, we are ready to discuss alternative ideas with you; why not email us at [email protected] to book a call. We are currently taking applications for September 2026 and January 2027 start.
The Oxford Gap Year programme is not directly affiliated with the University of Oxford, though many tutors also teach at the university.
Photo: Students visiting the Natural History Museum in Oxford
15/06/2026
Thinking about your Gap year? This is how the Gap semester works at Campus Oxford.
1. Start with doing your research - When you decide to take a Gap year after High School, it is really important to think carefully about how you would like to use your time.
Our Gap Semester in Oxford is the best way to meet students from all over the world, develop independence in a supportive environment, and study something different.
2. Identify the course - On our ‘Gap Year Course’ search, in the menu bar on our website, we have an extensive range of courses to choose from. You need to select FIVE courses from the list for your application. It could be ‘Sociology of Crime and Deviance’, ‘Buddhism’, ‘Travel Writing’, ‘20th Century British and Irish Poetry’ and ‘Ethics’.
3. Complete your application - Once you have decided on which courses to take, you can hit ‘Apply now’ and fill in our application form. You can choose to start in September or January. We will ask you for your contact details, and you will need to write a Personal Statement telling us a little bit about yourself and your goals.
4. Select housing - You will notice on our application form that we have different housing options at the college depending on your age. You could have your own bedroom with a bathroom, or share with a room mate. There is also the option to live with a family in Oxford. The sooner your apply, the more choice you will have.
5. Meet us on Zoom - Once we receive your application, Ruth will get in touch to organise a Zoom call with our Director of Studies. You can choose to do this on your own, or with your family present. It is a chance for us to meet you, to see whether or not you are a good fit for our programme, and for you to ask any questions.
6. Arrive! - Once we approve your application, Ruth will advise you on travel and visa requirements, we will also organise airport transfers to the college. A house parent or designated member of staff will greet you, and introduce you to the other students in your house. You will be ready to start your adventure!
Contact us by email at [email protected] to discuss your application or visit our website to apply now.
The Oxford Gap Year programme is not directly affiliated with the University of Oxford, though many tutors also teach at the university.
26/05/2026
I had a wonderful conversation with our University Foundation Programme student, Sebastian. In this excerpt we discuss how his time at St Clare's, Oxford really helped him become independent, and prepared him for life at uni.
We are currently taking applications for our Gap semester starting in September. Please visit our website for more details. https://campusoxford.com/oxford-gap-year/
Sharing the beauty of Christ Church college in Oxford, with its verdant gardens and majestic cathedral; it is a very peaceful place for a stroll. We are experiencing a heatwave in the UK during half term week; parks and gardens are busy, as people try to escape the heat. Are you thinking of taking a gap year next year? At Campus Oxford, we are a small, dedicated team of education consultants. We can help you find the right academic programme. Maybe you are not sure you have the right qualifications to apply to uni, or you already have a place but want to fine tune your skills? Or maybe you are going to medical school but would love to study something completely different, like Buddhism or ‘European crime writing’ during your gap year? We offer small tutorial style courses, independent but supported accommodation and a great social calendar. We have a variety of courses to choose from and we will help guide you through our application process. Why not head over to our website, take a look at our courses and fill out an application form. We will then contact you to organise a zoom call together with our Director of Studies to find you the best programme. We are now taking applications for September. Any questions? Please send us an email [email protected]. Campus Oxford is not affiliated with Oxford University although some of our tutors may teach there.
Thank you.
14/05/2026
A beautiful Spring day in Oxford. Walking past Christchurch and had to stop to admire it. Sometimes when you pass something everyday, you forget to appreciate it.
12/05/2026
Throwback to Elisabeth who came to us on her Gap Year. She chose an academic programme that would allow her to dig deep into her humanities subjects. She absolutely loved it. Before her trip, we were able to put her in touch with other students in the US who had done the programme, they were able to give her great advice allaying any fears and worries she might have had.
Last year, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sebastian Urdaneta, one of our students on the University Foundation Programme at St Clare's, Oxford. He spent a year there doing business, maths and economics before going on to Birmingham City university to study Computer Science. I heard from Sebastian today and he's doing really well! I will be interviewing him again soon to find out how he's enjoying uni life and how St Clare's shaped his experience. Stay tuned! https://campusoxford.com/interview-with-ufp-student-sebastian-urdaneta/
30/04/2026
Beautiful day in Oxford today, not a cloud in the sky!
30/04/2026
Beautiful day in Oxford today! Why not join our academic programme at St Clare’s International College for a semester? Visit our website or DM us for more details.
14/04/2026
Do you have a budding architect at home? What better place to immerse yourself in the world of architecture than the amazing city of London! Our Career Insights Architecture & Design programme open to 15-18 year olds, combines hands-on workshops with industry visits to top architecture firms, and excursions to some of London's top urban designs. From Sir Christopher Wren's St. Paul's Cathedral to Renzo Piano's Shard, London is a treasure trove of incredible architecture.
Remember, class sizes are very small and availability is limited so book now to avoid disappointment.
We also offer Career Insights courses in Banking & Finance, Business Management, Creative Industries, Engineering, Film Studies, Fine & Digital Art, Law, Media & Journalism, Medicine, and Software Development & Gaming.
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