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Students building a model bridge on our Oxford Engineering Summer School

Oxford Royale 2025

Oxford Engineering Summer School

Oxford Summer School

Oxford Engineering Summer School (Ages 13-15)

Explore Engineering & Technology

Oxford Royale’s Explore Engineering Summer School provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the exciting career opportunities in engineering and technology. Students explore the fields of Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical engineering as they survey emerging technical applications, from self-driving vehicles to space travel.

Students gain a practical foundation in the science of engineering through fun design simulations that provide a grounding in mathematics and physics. Learn to think like an engineer and strengthen your critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity skills. Students can apply their skills an engineering design challenge such as the ‘Mission to Mars Design Challenge’, a collaboration with peers to propose engineering and technology solutions that will support the establishment of a colony on Mars.

Location Oxford
For Ages 13-15 years
Duration 2 weeks
Price
Course Dates
  • 6th Jul to 19th Jul
  • 20th Jul to 2nd Aug
  • 3rd Aug to 16th Aug
Enrol Today
Students building robots on our Engineering Summer School

See our Engineering Programme in Action

Watch our Engineering Summer School trailer and see our students building robots as part of the practical application of the engineering skills they learn on the programme. Listen to students and teachers the breadth of engineering knowledge students gain whilst on the course, and watch students form an idea about where they want engineering to take them.

Marcus du Sautoy giving a lecture in the Sheldonian Theatre to our Oxford Summer School

The Oxford Experience

Watch our Oxford Summer School highlights video to hear from students about the life-changing experience they had whilst attending our Oxford Summer School. See the amazing Oxford venues of our lessons, excursions and parties as students discuss meeting friends from all around the world whilst having an amazing educational experience.

Oxford Engineering Summer School for Ages 13 to 15 Details

With students joining us from over 175 countries, this is the perfect place to build a global network of aspiring engineers. Our students will meet like-minded classmates, all excited by engineering, but each providing unique insight into industry differences across different countries. With engineering opening doors to a wide range of international opportunities, who knows where a meeting of minds might lead you in the future?

Our Engineering programme for ages 13 to 15 offers access to the finest academic tutors and industry experts in the sector. Under their guidance, students will master the foundations of engineering and build their academic skills by:

– Learning the fundamental principles of engineering needed to solve challenges

– Reinforcing their knowledge of mathematical, scientific and technological concepts

– Comparing and contrasting different fields and disciplines of engineering

– Taking part in hands on practical workshops to apply their knowledge

For budding engineers, adaptability is key: they will be entering a workplace undergoing seismic changes caused by technological advances, as well as an increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Our programmes will help your child gain transferable early professional and life skills, which they will develop by:

– Growing communication skills and confidence through opportunities like group projects and our public speaking and debate society

– Learning about how to apply the six ‘Engineering Habits of Mind’ (as determined by the Royal Society of Engineers) conducive to well-rounded career development

– Meeting a new network of ambitious, like-minded peers from around the world

– Exploring the incredible cultural destination of Oxford, guided by our supportive team on campus

Engineering is a career at the forefront of modernisation, designing path-breaking technologies across the broadest array of sectors imaginable. Our Engineering Summer School for ages 13 to 15 is an incredible opportunity for students at the start of their academic journey to learn about the breadth of potential careers that lie open to them, providing essential early insight to support formative career choices:

– Learning a wide variety of engineering disciplines in lessons, from mechanical and structural engineering, to aeronautical and electrical

– Taking part in challenges to solve both everyday problems and future challenges such as global sustainability

– Understanding what skills are needed to pursue a degree or career in different fields of engineering

– Experiencing life as an engineer in practical workshops and simulations

We never forget that this is also part of your child’s holiday, and are committed to providing a harmonious life-work balance for attendees. In between sessions of world-class education, our students will take part in:

– Exciting social activities with their new friends, from karaoke to arts and crafts

– A broad range of sports including football, tennis, running club, and the Oxford Royale Olympics

– A weekend excursion on either Saturday or Sunday to the historical city of Bath

– Friday Night Party where students can enjoy a night of music and excitement with their new friends

– Formal Graduation ceremony and dinner, followed by a final party

Our Oxford Engineering Summer School for ages 13 to 15 offers a whole host of academic and social opportunities, providing two unforgettable weeks of learning and discovery.

Applying knowledge, understanding and skills from all topics in the engineering course, the task is to design an exploration rover vehicle for a mission to Mars, from materials selected through modelling and testing. This is an incredibly exciting project where our students can apply their knowledge to a real world challenge.

This is a full day challenge on the final Thursday of the programme. Our engineering students will work in teams with others from different fields of engineering to research, design and evaluate imaginative ways for us to live in a sustainable future city.

Each engineering student will develop their individual passion over the course of the two weeks. Exhibition Day is a unique opportunity for our attendees to glean inspiration for the future as they demonstrate their work in a professional environment, learning from their peers, sharing their findings, and taking pride in any projects they have produced.

To help our students discover everything that Oxford has to offer, we will be offering the “Immersive Quest”, a two week long virtual scavenger hunt. In teams, our students will answer questions and explore their city – and winners will receive a prize at graduation!

Our students spend two weeks filled with learning and new friends, and we make sure to send them off in style at their graduation event! The Oxford Royale graduation ceremony is held at a beautiful venue on campus, followed by an unforgettable party.

All students receive a personal graduation certificate, and, where possible, parents are welcome to attend!

Full timetable

Click here to download a full sample of our Oxford Engineering Summer School timetable.

Typical Day

A typical weekday on our Engineering Summer School for ages 13-15 looks like this:

  • 8AM: Students wake up for breakfast on campus before heading to lessons
  • 9AM: Morning lessons, with two short breaks
  • 1PM: Lunch break for students to eat on campus, and some free time to relax
  • 2PM: Afternoon lessons
  • 3:30PM: Engineering academic workshop to develop key skills, cultural activities such as walking tours, and study support
  • 6PM: Dinner on campus
  • 7PM: Public Speaking and Debate Society
  • 8PM: Social activities such as quiz nights, movie nights or karaoke
  • 10PM: Curfew

Week 1

The first week begins with a chance to get to know your peers and your location, through inductions and tours of the campus and its surroundings. Lessons in week one will introduce your child to the fundamentals of engineering, materials, machines and forces. After lessons, students will take part in hands-on workshops, before having the opportunity to attend study support and public speaking society. Throughout the week there will be social, sporting and cultural activities, culminating in a mid-session party and coach excursion to the beautiful nearby city of Bath at the weekend.

Week 2

Over the second week, students will learn about more advanced fields of engineering, such as aeronautics, electronics and programming, as well as the many career paths an engineer can take. In the evenings, your child will take part in exciting extracurriculars like the talent show, karaoke, or debate competition. The prgramme culminates in a challenge and exhibition day, allowing students to demonstrate all that they have learned, before celebrating their achievements at the graduation ceremony and party.

An Oxford Royale Graduation Certificate

What's Included

  • Residential in the prestigious colleges of the University of Oxford

  • Inspiring programmes taught by experts

  • A truly international environment - over 170 nationalities

  • Accommodation, meals, tuition and cultural programmes included

  • Graduation, report cards and certificate

  • 20+ hours tuition / week

  • Talks and debates with world-class guest speakers

  • Inspirational cultural programme, including excursions to historic UK locations

Watch our video Graduation 2023

Learn from world-leading experts

Whatever your motivation, our exceptional, inspiring, world-leading teachers can help you achieve more this summer. Our amazing array of talented tutors includes Oxbridge academics, Ivy League lecturers, groundbreaking medical researchers, glittering industry leaders, acclaimed authors, and more!

Meet Our Faculty

Dr Rehan Shah

Engineering

Dr. Rehan Shah is a Lecturer in Mathematics and Engineering Education at Queen Mary University of London. He has completed a BEng in Mechanical Engineering with Business Finance at UCL with LSE, an MSc in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing at the University of Oxford, and a PhD in Applied Mathematics at UCL.

Dr Claire Keene

Medicine

Dr Claire Keene is a public health clinician with a masters in International Health and Tropical Medicine from the University of Oxford. She is an experienced clinical trial manager, recently managing a Médecins Sans Frontières project on HIV and tuberculosis.

Dr Anisa Butt

Business & Entrepreneurship

A member of the Oxford Royale team for 3 years, Dr Anisa Butt is a lecturer in economics at King’s College London. Currently completing a PhD in Economics from the University of Reading, her focus is on gender and ethnic income inequality.

Dr Abdulazeez Imam

Medicine

Dr Imam, lecturer in Medicine, has over 14 years of clinical experience and a strong commitment to medical education. He completed a 6 year Paediatric programme in Nigeria and is currently studying for a PhD at the University of Oxford. He also holds an MSc in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Leeds.

Bruce Windwood

Film Academy

Bruce Windwood is one of Oxford Royale’s most senior tutors, having helped design and develop our filmmaking classes. He is a multi-award winning filmmaker, a commissioned writer for TV and audio, and also composes soundtracks for film, audio, and TV content.

Dr Endrit Shabani

Law & Politics

A trained lawyer, Dr Endrit Shabani has a Doctorate in Politics from the University of Oxford where he studied with a full Clarendon scholarship. He has consulted for multiple international organisations including UNICEF, UN Women, and the EU, and taught Politics internationally.

Dr Amy Booth

Dr Amy Booth

Medicine

Dr Amy Booth is a celebrated physician who graduated summa cum laude from the University of Cape Town. Now working towards a PhD at the University of Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship, she formerly worked with the World Health Organisation.

How You'll Learn

Escape ordinary classroom teaching and learn through interactive and immersive lessons.

Workshops

Hands-on classes designed to help students learn through practical application.

Masterclasses

An interactive forum with an expert in the field, giving students valuable insights into related and new topics.

Guest Speakers

Successful and famous guest speakers offer students the chance to pose their most important questions.

Debates

Essential for honing students' reasoning abilities and public speaking skills.

Interactive Lectures

Dynamic lectures given by passionate teachers packed with facts and viewpoints to engage the audience.

Group Projects

An opportunity to work closely with, and learn from, different perspectives.

Seminars

Working in pairs and small groups, students have plenty of opportunity for discussion and debate.

Challenge Days

Apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout your two-week programme in an immersive full day simulation event.

Exciting Activities and Trips

Natural History Museum

Immerse yourself in British history through visits to incredible venues like the Oxford Museum of Natural History. Affiliated with the University of Oxford, this magical museum is home to centuries of Natural History, including the Oxford Dodo, the only surviving remains of dodo tissue to exist anywhere in the world!

See our exclusive events Night at the Musuem
Summer school students graduating

Oxford Royale Graduation

Experience an Oxford Royale graduation, on campus at your residential college in Oxford. Dress up with your new friends, dine in a magnificent venue, and celebrate everything you have achieved on your programme. 

See our exclusive events Oxford Royale Graduation

Punting in Oxford

Feel like a real student in Oxford and try your hand at punting, a type of rowing that uses a metal pole to push the boat forward! Relax in the sun and view Oxford’s stunning natural landscape as you punt along the Cherwell river.

Ashmolean Musuem

The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology is one of the largest museums and art galleries in the UK. Home to fascinating examples of historic artefacts from across the globe, join Oxford Royale to discover examples of art and archaeology from across the globe.

See our exclusive events Ashmolean Musuem
“The classes are really engaging, especially in the way that you can communicate directly with the teacher and ask them any questions you might have! It is a nice way to learn something new, and it is also a great environment to connect with your classmates. ”

Omaira, India

“I chose to come to Oxford Royale because I wanted to explore university life, and learn more about engineering. I love the lessons here because the teachers make the lessons fun while teaching, we do lots of practical work which keeps us engaged, all linked to the course. Having practical classes makes the subject easier to learn, and this is something I don’t do at my normal school.”

Femi, Nigeria

Oxford Summer School - EFL student testimonial
“ It is a brand new experience, especially if you don’t travel a lot. You learn to make new friendships and the really important thing is that you can maintain these friendships for a long time.”

Philibert, France

Reviews

We have a 4.8 rating based on 867 reviews on Reviews.io.
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Hannah

I had an absolutely incredible time doing Summer school with Oxford Royale Academy! I learnt new things about myself and the world around me, and would definitely recommend to others!

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Clara

I loved the Oxford Royal program, I met many people with bright personalities and unique minds, and I also learned a lot from the teachers, campus staff etc. You will enjoy it!

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Francesca

Oxford Royals Academy made my summer amazing! I learned many new things and I met people from all over the world that I know I can call true friends. I definitely recommend ORA to anyone who wants to make unforgettable memories!

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Minquan

The twelve days I spent in Oxford Summer School were very happy, the teachers were very kind and professional, and the curriculum was very reasonable, which expanded my knowledge. All the courses mean a lot to me and I hope I can come back next summer.

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Jade

The oxford royale academy was definitely the highlight of my summer. I have not only learnt more about the course I have chosen, but I've also met a lot of new friends, friendly staff and helpful teachers from different cultures all in the same campus and had a lot of unforgettable memories.

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Katherine

Oxford Royale was a great expreince. It was amazing to get to know people all over the globe and form life long relationships.

Frequently Asked Question

Once you have decided which programme you would like to attend, and where you would like to study, you can book online using our secure booking system. You will need the details of the student and of the person paying the bill, the name of the programme or programmes you would like to study, and a credit or debit card to pay the relevant enrolment fee.

We are happy to accept enrolment fee payments via a number of other, non-card payment methods (including domestic and international bank transfer), thanks to our partnership with education payment specialists, Flywire. If you would prefer to pay your enrolment fee payment by bank transfer or another method, please contact our Admissions team who will be able to assist you.

Once your application has been submitted, your enrolment fee has been received by us and your booking processed by our system or our team, you will be sent an email confirming your place. You will also receive a login to the Oxford Royale Portal, which you will use to provide us with important additional information about you as your time with us approaches.

A Welcome Pack is available to download from the Oxford Royale Portal.

If at any time you would like to discuss your booking with a member of our award-winning Customer Service team, please feel free to contact us.

All enrolments require an enrolment fee to secure the booking. For Summer 2023, enrolment fees are structured as follows:

  • Summer Schools for ages 13-15 and 16-18 (Oxford, Cambridge, London, Berkeley and Yale) – £1295 GBP for each 2-week session

You may either pay the full programme fee when you book your place, or pay the enrolment fee and then settle the balance at a later date.

The balance clearance is required no later than 90 days before the start date of the programme. Where the student is booking less than 90 days before the start date, the programme fees must be covered in full. We appreciate that, with the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, people may require additional flexibility to these terms, and we are doing our best to accommodate that – please contact us if you have concerns regarding making the balance payment in line with the 90-day deadline.

Enrolments received via our online application form will require a debit or credit card payment of at least the enrolment fee. If you would like to pay your enrolment fee via Bank Transfer or another method, we are happy to facilitate this. Please contact our Admissions team to arrange this.

Balance payments for existing enrolments can be made via a number of methods, including domestic and international bank transfer, credit or debit card, as well as local payment options; please log in to the Oxford Royale Portal and click on the ‘Pay Now’ button on your booking details.

All programme fees include the following:

  • Classes and tuition
  • Study files/materials
  • Guest lectures by academic speakers
  • Personalised academic reports and graduation certificate
  • Accommodation at a top university
  • Meals in the dining hall of your college, every day of your programme (Meals provided are typically as follows: breakfast, lunch and dinner for ages 13-15; breakfast and dinner for ages 16-18)
  • Free WiFi (subject to availability)
  • A wide selection of afternoon and evening activities
  • Coach excursions (kindly note that excursions can be to local attractions or to sites further afield)
  • Welcome and graduation events
  • A multitude of extras, including an Oxford Royale notebook and branded clothing

If you wish to change your programme or study options (including dates), please do not hesitate to contact us. However, changes to programmes are always subject to availability. For this reason, it may be more difficult for us to accommodate any changes requested less than 60 days before the programme start date.

Oxford Royale’s terms and conditions for refunds are as follows:

Any cancellation must be received in writing and can only be made on the following terms:

  • No refund of enrolment fee will be made under any circumstances once the two-week cooling-off period has concluded;
  • For cancellations before your programme start date, the remainder of the programme fees excluding the enrolment fee amount will be proportionally refunded as per the table below:
Period Before Start Date Total Refunded
120+ days 100%
90-119 days 50%
45-89 days 10%
0-44 days 0%

Cancellations made after the commencement date of the programme will not receive any refund.

Our English language requirements are as follows:

  • B1 for EFL courses
  • B2 or IELTS level 5.5 – 6.5 for IELTS Preparation
  • C1 or IELTS level 6.5 or higher for all academic courses

Students who have studied at an English speaking school for two or more years are exempt from English requirements.

Yes, all students will be awarded an Oxford Royale Graduation Certificate upon satisfactory completion of the programme. This will be presented in a graduation ceremony on the final evening of the programme. In general, the graduation ceremony is for students only, but in certain cases, it might be possible for parents to attend on request. Due to limited seating and viewing facilities in the colleges, it is essential that parents contact the campus office well in advance to ascertain whether space is available.

All students will be well looked after, and security is carefully monitored on campus.

In order to leave campus students are required to sign out and sign themselves back in with a counsellor, and curfews are enforced on campus. Any issues that arise can be taken up with staff.

Students will also always be accompanied during lessons, trips, and excursions.

It is certainly possible to take more than one programme and combine a variety of study programmes. This can be done by enrolling on two different programmes. For example, you may wish to have two weeks on the Film Academy and then two more weeks on Architecture.

Students staying for two consecutive sessions will be provided with accommodation for the Saturday night, and their campus will provide supervised activities between their first session ending and second session starting. Should you have any queries about how to take more than one programme please do not hesitate to contact us.

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