Today’s students have more ways into leadership than ever before. Whether they’re interested in global issues, business, entrepreneurship, social impact or personal growth, there is now a wide and varied range of courses to help them explore their potential.
Young people can now explore leadership through
This abundance of routes allows students to step into leadership from angles that truly match their interests, strengths, and ambitions.
Is this helpful to you or your child?
This wide range of entry points is a major advantage. Leadership is not one-size-fits-all, and teens thrive when they can approach it in a way that feels relevant and meaningful to them.
Offering students multiple pathways ensures that leadership development is more inclusive, more engaging, and more aligned with the demands of modern life. It means every young person—regardless of background, learning style, or career goals—can find a leadership programme that resonates and helps them flourish.
A number of world-class summer schools now offer this breadth of opportunity, providing students with rigorous academic teaching, experiential learning, and access to global perspectives.
These programmes blend theory with practice, pairing expert instruction with hands-on projects and placing students in environments where leadership is lived rather than simply studied. They help young people grow through:
Together, these experiences nurture confident, informed and future-ready young leaders—each in their own authentic way.
Finding the right leadership course starts with knowing what’s right for you or your child’s age. These tables break everything down clearly so you can see, at a glance, which programmes truly fit their stage and ambitions.
The first table starts for kids (under 13)
| Category | Programmes |
|---|---|
| Leadership & Global Affairs | Future Global Leader (11–16) Future Global Leaders (12–16) Discover Business Academy (8–12) Sustainability & The Environment (12–15) |
| Business, Entrepreneurship & Finance | Discover Business Academy (8–12) Enterprise Explorers (9–10) Enterprise Explorers (11–12) Business Pioneers (12–14) Explore Business (12–15) Future Entrepreneur (11–16) English Plus Business (11–15) |
The table below includes those 13 +
| Category | Programmes |
|---|---|
| Leadership & Global Affairs | Global Leadership (PPE) Psychology, Marketing & Leadership International Relations, Politics & Leadership Skills for Success (Leadership Minor) Young Leaders Programme Leadership (13–15) English Language & Leadership Global Leadership (13–15) Youth Leadership Outdoor Leadership Sustainability & The Environment (12–15) |
| Business, Entrepreneurship & Finance | Business Pioneers (12–14) Business & Entrepreneurship (13–15) Business & Entrepreneurship – Cambridge (13–15) Business Management in Oxford (13–15) Business Management in Cambridge (13–15) Business & Finance (13–15) Business & Enterprise Academy (13–15) Business Management & Economics (13–15) Explore Business (12–15) English Plus Business (11–15) Enterprise Explorers (13–14) Future Entrepreneur (11–16) Global Entrepreneurship (13–18) Golf & Academic Study (13–18) |
This table shows the courses to include older teens
| Category | Programmes |
|---|---|
| Leadership & Global Affairs | Global Leadership (PPE) Psychology, Marketing & Leadership International Relations, Politics & Leadership (16–18) Faculty of Global Leadership (15–17) English Language & Leadership (16–18) Global Leadership (16–18) Leadership (Oxford Summer Seminar) Sustainability & The Environment (16–18) Youth Leadership (13–18) Outdoor Leadership (13–18) |
| Business, Entrepreneurship & Finance | Mini-MBA (15–17) Business, Innovation & Start-Ups Business & Entrepreneurship (16–17) Business & Entrepreneurship – Cambridge (16–17) Pre-University Business Management (15–17) Faculty of Business – Oxford College (15–17) Faculty of Business – Cambridge (14–17) Business Management in Oxford (16–18) Business Management in Cambridge (16–18) Business Management & Economics (16–18) Business & Enterprise Academy (16–18) Young Professionals Business & Marketing Young Professionals Global Finance Business Management – London Banking & Finance – London Business Management – Toronto Business Management – New York Business & Finance – New York Sports Business – New York Business Management – Boston International Business – Barcelona Entrepreneurship – San Francisco Business Management – Singapore Business Management – Tokyo Business Management – Sydney (16–18) Business (Oxford Summer Seminar) Business & Finance in the 21st Century Global Business (Oxford Tradition) Business Management (Cambridge Tradition) Entrepreneurialism (Oxford Tradition) |
This table is for Adults
| Category | Programmes |
|---|---|
| Leadership & Global Affairs | Leadership (18–24) Leadership – Older Cohorts PPE: Leadership in Business, Politics & Beyond (19+) |
| Business, Entrepreneurship & Finance | Business & Entrepreneurship – Oxford (18–24) Business & Entrepreneurship – Cambridge (18–24) PPE: Leadership in Business, Politics & Beyond (19+) St Andrews Undergraduate Summer Study (18–21) |
With so many leadership and business programmes available, it helps to highlight a few exceptional options that stand out for their educational value, strong providers, and the unique experiences they offer. Below are four carefully chosen summer schools—one from each age category—that offer something genuinely distinctive and enriching.
Future Global Leader at Canford — Provider: Summer Boarding Courses (SBC)
Ages 11–16 | Canford School | Enrolling Now | Fees from £4,250 (2 weeks)
At a Glance
A dynamic two-week programme introducing young learners to the world of business and innovation. Students explore entrepreneurship, marketing, finance and strategy through hands-on workshops, real-world case studies and business simulations. Team projects and pitching sessions help build confidence, creativity and leadership skills in a supportive residential setting at the prestigious Canford School.
What parents say: The SBC Summer Boarding School delivers a unique and memorable experience… our daughters enjoy the quality of the courses, the variety of extra-curricular activities, and the excursions. (SBC)
What This Course Offers
15 hours of teaching per week, interactive workshops, business challenges, industry insight, team-based projects, supervised residential accommodation, excursions, meals, insurance, course materials, progress reports and a certificate of completion—all delivered by one of the UK’s leading junior summer providers.
What Students Gain
By the end of the programme, students leave with a solid introduction to core business principles and the confidence to apply them independently. They gain practical skills in teamwork, creative problem-solving, presenting, market analysis and strategic thinking—skills that support school success and early leadership development. Students also receive a certificate and personalised progress report to recognise their achievements. Living and learning in a respected UK boarding environment helps them build independence, resilience and self-belief, giving them a strong foundation for future academic and personal growth.
Global Leadership — Provider: Reach Cambridge
Ages 13–18 | Cambridge | Enrolling Now | Fees £6,295–£18,495 (2–6 weeks)
At a Glance
A challenging and inspiring programme for teens who want to understand how leaders think, communicate and drive positive change. Students explore global issues, develop practical skills such as public speaking, persuasive writing and interview technique, and work on their own leadership ideas in the historic surroundings of Cambridge University colleges.
What students say: Reach Cambridge was by far the most wonderful, interesting and inspiring experience I have ever done… it gave me a taste of what studying at Cambridge University looks like and allowed me to get to know incredible people from all over the world. (Reach Cambridge)
What This Course Offers
Accommodation in Cambridge University colleges, 20 hours of academic tuition per week, practical leadership workshops, guest lectures from leading academics, two meals a day, full afternoon and evening activities, two UK cultural excursions, 24-hour supervision, course materials and a completion certificate.
What Students Gain
By the end of the course, students gain a strong foundation in communication, critical thinking, project planning and persuasive presentation. They develop independence, confidence and cultural awareness through living in a Cambridge college and collaborating with peers from around the world. The experience helps teens clarify their ambitions, articulate their ideas and take meaningful steps toward becoming thoughtful, proactive global citizens.
Female Future Leaders in Cambridge – Immerse Education
Ages 16–18 | Cambridge | Enrolling Now | Fees from £7,495 (2 weeks)
At a Glance
An empowering and academically rich programme designed to help young women develop the confidence, strategic mindset and communication skills needed to lead in university and beyond. Students explore modern leadership through workshops, case studies, public-speaking training and scenario-based challenges, all set within the inspiring surroundings of Cambridge University.
What students say: The best part of my experience at Immerse was the people. Everyone I met—mentors, professors, other students—were all so supportive, kind and helpful. I was initially worried to be in a completely new environment alone but these people made this experience an amazing one I will never forget! (Immerse Education)
40 hours of academic tuition, 1:1 tutor sessions, leadership modules including public speaking and decision-making, guest speaker events, a personal capstone project, small class sizes (around seven students), 13 nights in a Cambridge University college, breakfast and dinner, tailored cultural activities, two full-day excursions, and full pastoral support from the Immerse Education team.
What Students Gain
By the end of the course, participants develop stronger communication skills, strategic thinking, negotiation ability and confidence in their leadership style. They complete a personal project that showcases their growth, gain insight from expert mentors, and build resilience through working collaboratively in an academically rigorous environment. This experience provides an outstanding foundation for university applications, interviews and future leadership roles.
PPE: Leadership in Business and Society — Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford
Ages 19+ | Oxford | Enrolling Soon | Fees from £4,384 (3 weeks)
At a Glance
A rigorous and intellectually stimulating programme designed for adults who want to deepen their understanding of leadership across business, politics and society. Taught within the distinguished setting of Lady Margaret Hall, the course introduces participants to classical and modern leadership theory, explores case studies drawn from global contexts, and incorporates Oxford’s signature approach of lectures, seminars and small-group tutorials. Learners develop the analytical frameworks, communication skills and strategic insight needed to lead thoughtfully and effectively in an increasingly complex world.
What students say about LMH summer schools :Attending the LMH Summer Program was an amazing mix of learning and surprises. … The learning experience was made even better by the supportive and friendly environment created by both the residential advisors and the other students, who were always cheerful and welcoming.
Weekly lectures and seminars taught by experienced Oxford academics, small-group tutorials, three assessed written assignments with personalised feedback, access to the Lady Margaret Hall library, a co-curricular programme of skills workshops and guest speakers, single ensuite accommodation, breakfast daily plus weekday lunches and dinners in the college dining hall, two cultural excursions, a formal graduation banquet, full pastoral support, and an official transcript and certificate upon completion.
What Students Gain
By the end of the programme, participants develop a sophisticated understanding of leadership theory and its applications across business, policy and society. They build stronger critical thinking, analytical writing and presentation skills through immersive Oxford-style teaching, gain confidence in discussing complex ideas, and broaden their global perspective by studying alongside an international cohort. This academically rich experience supports both professional development and future academic pathways, offering a strong foundation for impactful leadership.
For all leadership courses look here
