5 benefits of attending a Summer School: A parent’s guide

Picture this: you’re sitting in a lecture hall at one of the finest academic institutions in the world, surrounded by ambitious peers from every corner of the globe as a world-renowned professor takes you to new intellectual heights in your favourite subject. This experience is something most young learners won’t unlock until they start university, but the best academic summer schools offer such opportunities to motivated students as young as 13. 

Choosing the right summer school for your child is a decision that can have a lasting impact on their academic and personal development. Attending a summer programme with Oxford Royale helps students get ahead: not only academically, but personally and socially, too, as they develop greater independence and confidence, and are exposed to diverse opinions and cultures. 

As a parent, you want to ensure that the time and resources invested in such a programme yield significant benefits. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on why summer schools are worth considering and how they can contribute to your child’s growth. 

 

Discover new academic passions and gain a deeper understanding of your favourite subjects

One of the primary reasons parents choose to send their children to summer school is the opportunity for academic enrichment. During the regular school year, students often follow a set curriculum. Schools are obliged to work according to standardised curricula, which means an academic summer school is an excellent way to follow your interests beyond classroom learning. 

The best summer schools offer a wide range of subjects, from medicine and law to business and the arts. These courses are taught by experts in the field and are designed to be both challenging and engaging. For some students, this will be an opportunity to try new subjects, while others – gifted students in particular – can enjoy an environment where they can be challenged at a higher level. The pace of learning is often accelerated, and the content is more advanced than what is offered during the school year. This can be particularly beneficial for students who are preparing for university or are considering a career in a specialised field.

Matteo, an Oxford Royale alum testified to the positive impact of individualised attention from his Law & Politics tutor: “The teacher really knows what she is talking about. She seems very knowledgeable and very passionate about what she is doing. She is also very kind and available if we have any questions, she is available to meet us for office hours which has been really good.”

Meet a truly international community of peers and build a future professional network.

Beyond academics, summer schools offer invaluable opportunities for social development and networking. These programmes bring together students from diverse backgrounds, creating a unique environment where they can learn from each other, form lasting friendships, and build networks that will benefit them throughout their lives.

In addition to peer connections, summer schools also provide opportunities to network with professionals and academics. Top summer school providers bring in guest speakers and offer lectures with experts in various fields. These interactions can provide valuable insights into potential career paths and help students start building a professional network at an early age. 

For example, a student attending a business summer school might have the chance to meet industry leaders through guest lectures and career workshops, and receive guidance on how to pursue a career in their chosen field. 

Oxford Royale invites leading experts to speak at its summer schools; past speakers have included Simon Morris, Co-Founder of LOVEFiLM and Chief Creative Officer at Amazon; David Olusoga, the British-Nigerian historian, broadcaster, and filmmaker; and Baroness Shami Chakrabarti, a lawyer and a member of the British House of Lords who served as director of the human rights group Liberty, campaigning against “excessive” anti-terror legislation. 

Read more about Oxford Royale’s prestigious speaker list here.

Experience life as a student at an elite institution

One of the most significant benefits of attending a summer school is the preparation it provides for higher education and a successful career. Whether your child is aiming for a top university or simply wants to experience what university life is like, a summer school can offer a glimpse into the academic and social environment of higher education, while helping them stand out for future career success.

The best summer schools are held on world-class university campuses, giving students the opportunity to live and study in a university setting. This experience can be invaluable for students who are considering applying to university in the future. They get to experience the independence of living away from home, the rigours of university-level coursework, and the social dynamics of campus life. 

For example, attending an Oxford Royale summer school will involve staying in one of the historic colleges, attending lectures in university lecture halls, and eating meals in the dining halls. This immersive experience can help students gain a better understanding of what to expect at university and give them the confidence to thrive in that environment.

Attending a prestigious summer school can also be a valuable addition to a university application. It demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence and a willingness to challenge oneself. Students attending any Oxford Royale summer school can enjoy academic workshops which can help them develop relevant skills for higher study, with previous examples including independent research and referencing.

Access to World-Class Facilities and Faculty

The quality of instruction at summer schools is often one of their biggest draws, if not the main attraction. At top summer schools, programmes are taught by faculty members from the best universities, experts in their field, or experienced professionals, with the majority of teachers holding postgraduate qualifications in their specialisms. In previous years, Oxford Royale alumni have had the opportunity to learn from leaders in multiple fields: examples of our world-class teaching staff can be found on this page.

Students walk away with greater independence of mind, with the full intellectual toolkit to be able to pursue their own lines of academic enquiry. Kira from Austria, who studied our Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship course, talked about the value of conducting academic research as part of a motivated cohort of students: “The classes are long, but the time flies as they are so interesting. In class, there are lots of independent projects, and then we come together to discuss what we have learned. We try to find simple explanations for complicated things, and we do lots of market research.”

 

Master skills that enhance future job prospects – from public speaking to problem-solving

Improving your future job prospects goes far beyond academic achievements. Summer schools provide a rich environment where you can master essential skills like public speaking, problem-solving, and leadership – abilities that employers value highly. From confidently presenting your ideas in front of a crowd to thinking on your feet during simulated professional scenarios, you’ll gain experiences that set you apart from the competition.

Through these programmes, you’ll also receive expert guidance from world-class mentors who understand what it takes to succeed in the professional world. This advice can help you focus on your strengths and identify areas for growth, giving you a clear pathway to stand out when it comes to job applications or interviews.

Summer schools also emphasise extracurricular activities. From sports and recreation, which build teamwork and resilience, to social events and excursions, every moment is designed to develop a well-rounded skill set. These experiences are not just enjoyable breaks from studying – they’re opportunities to grow personally and professionally, preparing you for success in any future career.

Building Independence and Confidence

Living away from home, even for a few weeks, can be a transformative experience for students. It teaches them how to manage their time, take care of themselves, and make decisions independently. It’s important that this new experience is managed sensitively, which is why leading summer school providers like Oxford Royale invest heavily in their pastoral provision and welfare infrastructure. Read more about Oxford Royale’s award winning service here.

The challenges and opportunities presented by this new level of autonomy  can also help build your child’s confidence, as well as a greater sense of responsibility and maturity. 

Successfully completing a rigorous academic programme, making new friends, and navigating a new environment all contribute to a sense of achievement and self-assurance. This confidence can carry over into other areas of their life, helping them to approach future challenges with a positive and proactive attitude. For example, a student who excels in a debate summer school might gain the confidence to participate in public speaking competitions or take on leadership roles in their school. 

Furthermore, as students learn to manage their own time and academic workload, they learn the importance of being organised, meeting commitments, and being accountable for their actions. 

 

In conclusion, choosing the right summer school for your child is an investment in their future that extends far beyond academics. At Oxford Royale, students are immersed in an environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and global connections. Whether they are discovering new academic passions, mastering skills that will enhance their future job prospects, or building lifelong friendships with an international community, the experiences gained during a summer programme are truly transformative. These weeks will not only help your child stand out in university applications but also prepare them for success in their future careers. As a parent, you can be confident that your child will return home more independent, confident, and equipped with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

If you’re considering a summer school for your child this year, arrange a call with one of Oxford Royale’s Student Experience team to learn more about how an academic summer school can help your child fulfil their potential.