The Oxford Creative Writing Summer Schools offer a unique opportunity for young writers aged 13 to 18 to develop their skills in a prestigious academic environment. Participants will engage in intensive workshops, exploring various genres and techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors. These programs are designed to foster creativity, enhance writing proficiency, and provide valuable insights into the world of literature, all set against the inspiring backdrop of Oxford.
Oxford offers a focused set of Creative Writing summer programmes for 13-15, providing early exposure to structured study and subject-specific development.
Creative writing in Oxford offers a distinctive pedagogical approach that prioritizes individual expression and imaginative exploration. In contrast to conventional school curricula, which often emphasize rigid structures and standardized assessments, these summer schools cultivate a more flexible and nurturing environment. Students engage with a variety of literary forms, from poetry to short stories, fostering both technical skills and personal voice. The emphasis on feedback and peer collaboration further enriches the learning experience, allowing young writers to refine their craft in a supportive community.
The structure of these summer schools typically includes a mix of guided instruction and independent writing time, creating a dynamic rhythm that keeps students engaged. Mornings often begin with workshops focused on specific techniques, while afternoons may be dedicated to personal writing projects. The classroom atmosphere is collaborative and interactive, encouraging discussions that inspire creativity. Students are given opportunities to share their work, receiving constructive critiques that enhance their learning. This combination of structured learning and personal exploration fosters a rich, immersive experience for all participants.
The programmes cater specifically to teens aged 13 to 15, creating an age-appropriate environment that resonates with the interests and developmental stages of young writers. This focus allows for tailored teaching methods that engage students at crucial points in their creative development, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and stimulating.
Oxford’s creative writing summer schools stand out due to their rich historical context and vibrant literary tradition, which deeply influence the curriculum. Unlike many other programmes, the city’s literary heritage provides a unique backdrop that inspires students. The opportunity to learn in such an iconic setting, combined with a focus on personal storytelling and exploration of diverse literary forms, distinguishes these summer schools from more generic offerings elsewhere.
Fees vary by provider and course.
When you’re ready, you can browse providers or compare courses that match your interests.
Last updated: 27/01/2026
| Course | Provider | Subject | Location | Duration | Fees | Short Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Film Academy for ages 12-15 (Oxford) | Oxford Royale | Media, Arts, Creative Writing | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Create, edit, and screen your own short film at the Oxford Summer School Film Academy for ages 12-15. Using professional equipment and Final Cut Pro, you’ll learn screenwriting, storyboarding, filming, and editing on location in Oxford. | View |
| Creative Writing (16-17 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | Creative Writing, Arts, Humanities | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The Creative Writing summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 16-17 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £6,995. | View |
| Film Academy for ages 16-18 (Oxford) | Oxford Royale | Arts, Media, Creative Writing | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Create, edit, and screen your own short film at the Oxford Summer School Film Academy for ages 16-18. Use professional HD cameras and editing tools like Final Cut Pro, and learn screenwriting, storyboarding, and location scouting in historic Oxford. | View |
| Photography MINOR ONLY (The Oxford Experience) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Arts, Media, Creative Writing, Design | Oxford | 4 weeks | $12,495 | Photographers of all levels of expertise spend much of their time in the field, pursuing assignments designed to improve their landscape, portraiture, art, and fashion photography skills. Students exhibit their best work at the end of the program. | View |
| Creative Writing (Adults) | Oxford Royale | Creative Writing, Arts, Literature, Drama, Media, Business, Marketing | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Immerse yourself in creative writing at an historic Oxford college, exploring novels, speculative fiction, drama, and poetry. Learn from expert faculty and professional writers, studying genres from modern dystopian fiction to Shakespeare and the Romantics. | View |
| Creative Writing (The Oxford Experience) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Arts, Creative Writing, Literature | Oxford | 4 weeks | $12,495 | Students compose fiction and poetry under the guidance of a published author, with Oxford's rich literary history as their inspiration. They experiment with new forms and styles of writing. | View |
| English Literature and Creative Writing (13-15 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | English, Literature, Creative Writing, Humanities, Arts | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The English Literature and Creative Writing summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 13-15 years old students, provides seminars and small group learning and is priced from £6,995. | View |
| The Secret Lives of Books: Parchment, Printing-Presses, and Paperbacks | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Humanities, Literature, History, Arts, Creative Writing | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | How have various technologies, from the printing press to the coding, impacted how people have read, used, and understood books? How have people’s reading practices changed over time? | View |
| Creative Writing (18-24 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | Creative Writing, Arts, Literature, Humanities | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The Creative Writing summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 18-24 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £5,495 for Non Residential option. | View |
| Creative Writing in Oxford for Ages 16-18 | Immerse Education | Creative Writing, Arts, Literature | Oxford | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Craft compelling narratives in Oxford, following in the footsteps of renowned authors and poets. | View |
| Experience Creative Writing Academy | Oxford Scholastica Academy | Creative Writing, Arts, Literature | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Where better than Oxford to hone your skills in creative writing? Get inspired by the city that was home to Tolkien, Lewis Carroll and Philip Pullman. | View |
| Creative Writing (The Oxford Summer Seminar) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Creative Writing, Arts, Literature, Humanities | Oxford | 1 or 2 weeks | $3,995 for one session; $7,395 for the combined session | Taking inspiration from the city's quirky history, students seek to master different genres. They experiment with comedy, drama, horror, realism, satire, and tragedy, as well as memoir and poetry. | View |
| Creative Writing in Oxford for Ages 13-15 | Immerse Education | Creative Writing, Literature, Arts | Oxford | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Unleash your storytelling potential in Oxford, a city that has inspired countless literary greats. | View |
| Advanced English and Creative Writing | ISSFT | English, Creative Writing, Humanities, Exam Preparation, University Preparation, Arts | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | This course offers international teenagers the chance to strengthen their academic English while exploring the power of imagination and self-expression. The programme blends language development — including grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, essay writing and critical analysis — with creative techniques such as character creation, dialogue, descriptive writing and poetry. | View |