Summer courses at Harrow, Winchester and Oxford: what parents should know
How summer courses at famous British schools work, what that means for teaching and admissions, and five ways to compare them.
WBS · Updated 13 October 2026
Harrow, Winchester, Wellington, Oxford — a summer course at a famous British school or university is a wonderful experience. It helps to know how these courses work, so you can choose with your eyes open.
How these courses work
Summer courses listed under well-known schools are held on the school's campus during the holidays. They are separate from the school's term-time teaching, and a course held on a school's campus is not necessarily run by the school itself. Students live and study on the campus — boarding houses, classrooms, playing fields and dining halls. Courses held at Oxford University colleges are summer courses on college premises, not official University of Oxford courses.
What this means for you:
- The teachers and house staff are usually recruited for the summer, not the school's term-time staff.
- Fellow students are international summer students, not the school's own pupils.
- Admission to a summer course doesn't affect admission to the school itself — they are separate processes. Some courses do include visits, talks or interview practice that are useful if you're thinking about a UK boarding school.
Why the campus still matters
The setting shapes the experience: historic buildings, sports facilities, theatres, chapels and countryside. Campuses differ a lot — compare, for example, the rural setting of Sedbergh in the Cumbrian fells, Shrewsbury above the River Severn, or the colleges of Oxford.
How to compare courses at famous schools
- Safeguarding and accreditation — ask your WBS adviser for the course's safeguarding policy and accreditation details. (See our safety guide.)
- What will my child actually study — hours per week, class sizes, subjects?
- Who else attends — ages, nationalities and the mix of languages?
- What's included — excursions, transfers, insurance? (See our cost guide.)
- Are the 2027 dates confirmed? Our course pages show this clearly.
Courses at well-known schools on our site
Browse all schools or use the course finder. A WBS adviser can tell you exactly what each course includes and how it compares.
Frequently asked questions
Will a summer course help my child get into the school?
Summer course places and school admissions are separate. Some courses include visits or interview practice that can help families considering a UK boarding school.
Are the teachers from the school?
Usually not. Most summer staff are recruited specially for the summer.
Tell us a little about your child. A WBS adviser will reply within one working day.
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