The Oxford Literature Summer Schools for children aged 8 to 12 offer a unique opportunity for young minds to engage deeply with literature in an inspiring academic environment. Designed to foster creativity and critical thinking, these programs emphasize the exploration of diverse literary genres and themes, encouraging participants to develop their analytical skills and personal expression. Through guided discussions, interactive activities, and collaborative projects, students will gain a profound appreciation for literature while enhancing their communication abilities.
Oxford offers a focused set of Literature summer programmes for Mon Dec 08 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0100 (Central European Standard Time), providing early exposure to structured study and subject-specific development.
The teaching approach in literature-focused summer schools in Oxford for children aged 8 to 12 emphasizes a rich exploration of texts, fostering critical thinking and creativity. Instructors often employ diverse literary genres, encouraging students to engage analytically and imaginatively with the material. Unlike typical school curricula, which may prioritize standardized learning, these programs provide a more dynamic environment where discussions, debates, and collaborative projects flourish. This nurturing atmosphere not only enhances students’ comprehension but also cultivates a lifelong appreciation for literature.
Classes are structured to maintain a balance between guided instruction and independent exploration. Students can expect a blend of interactive lessons, group activities, and personal reflection time that allows for meaningful engagement with literature. The classroom environment is often vibrant and supportive, encouraging participants to express their thoughts freely. By integrating both cooperative and solo tasks, the program aims to develop not only literary skills but also confidence and collaboration among peers. This multifaceted experience enriches their understanding of literature while fostering a sense of community.
This program is specifically designed for children aged 8 to 12. Participants can expect to engage with age-appropriate materials that challenge their reading and writing abilities while remaining accessible and enjoyable. The curriculum typically aligns with their developmental stage, allowing for personal growth alongside academic enrichment.
Oxford’s literature summer schools stand out due to their historical and cultural context. The city’s rich literary heritage offers an unparalleled backdrop for young learners, providing them with a sense of connection to renowned authors and literary movements. This immersive setting not only enhances the educational experience but also inspires creativity and curiosity. Compared to similar programs elsewhere, the combination of expert faculty and a stimulating environment tailored to younger students makes these summer schools particularly distinctive.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Jane Austen: Literature and Legacy | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Literature, Arts, Humanities | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | A moderately successful author in her own lifetime, Jane Austen has since become a global phenomenon: her writings are now read the world over and successive generations of readers have been captivated by her innovative fusion of romance and reality. Why do Austen’s novels continue to resonate so deeply across the centuries? | View |
| English Literature (18-24 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | English, Literature, Humanities | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The English Literature 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 (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 (The Oxford Tradition) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | English, Literature, Humanities | Oxford | 2 or 4 weeks | $7,395 for one session; $12,595 for combined session | This course examines some of the great works of English literature from Chaucer to Zadie Smith amidst the evocative surroundings of Oxford. Students engage with a wealth of writers in the literary pantheon to improve their skills in close reading, textual criticism, and clear, informed writing. | View |
| English Literature (16-17 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | English, Literature, Humanities, Exam Preparation, University Preparation | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The English Literature summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 16-17 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £6,995. | 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 |
| History, Philosophy & Literature (Oxford) | Oxford Royale | Humanities, History, Philosophy, Literature | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Oxford Royale’s History, Philosophy & Literature Summer School offers an immersive exploration of key thinkers and ideas from Aristotle to Nietzsche, examining how philosophy, history, and literature intersect. Students engage in critical discussion, creative thinking, and experience authentic Oxford life—staying in a historic college, enjoying a graduation dinner in a medieval hall, and punting on the River Cherwell—while expert teaching deepens their understanding of how past thought shapes our world. | 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 |
| Oxford and the Rise of Fantasy Literature | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Literature, Arts, Humanities | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | What inspired the emergence and flowering of the fantasy genre in the 20th and 21st century? Oxford – historic, beautiful, and timeless seat of learning – is closely associated with the genre. | 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 |
| Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies: Shakespeare's Plays and the Book that Saved Them | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Literature, Humanities, Arts, Drama | Oxford | 3 weeks | 4384 | Taking its cue from the First Folio (1623), the book that preserved many of Shakespeare’s plays for posterity, the course spends one week on each of the main genres in which the author wrote and introduces students to key questions raised by plays such as The Tempest, Twelfth Night, Richard III, Hamlet, and Othello, among others. Join this course for a deep dive into the world and words of William Shakespeare with some of the world's most prominent researchers in the field. | View |
| Radical Modernism: British Art and Literature from the Pre-Raphaelites to the Bloomsbury Group | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Arts, Art, Literature, Humanities | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | In this very special course, students benefit from access to and engagement with the extraordinary collection in the Ashmolean and other local sites, learning from direct encounters with treasures of modern British art. With lectures will be delivered by Oxford academics and field-leading experts, you will examine the art and literature of the period and take part in unique site visits. | View |
| Film Studies in Oxford for Ages 16-18 | Immerse Education | Arts, Art, Media, Humanities, Literature | Oxford | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Explore cinematic artistry in Oxford, where literary heritage informs contemporary film culture. | 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 |