15 Summer Schools for High School Students in London

Key Takeaways

• These 15 summer schools span STEM, business, performing arts, and creative disciplines across London institutions like Imperial College London, King’s College London, RADA, and the London Film Academy.
• Costs vary considerably, from more affordable options like the London Film Academy’s Young Filmmakers’ Academy at under £1,000 to premium residential programs like the Royal Veterinary College’s Pre-Vet Summer School and King’s College London’s multi-week tracks, which run into the thousands.
• Several performing arts programs, including RADA, LAMDA, and Guildhall’s Acting Summer School, offer a genuine preview of conservatoire-level training, giving you direct exposure to how professional drama schools operate.
• Programs like InvestIn’s Engineer and Investment Banker Summer Experiences award UCAS points alongside industry reference letters, which can meaningfully strengthen a UK university application beyond just the summer experience itself.
• If you want to continue exploring a subject beyond a short summer school, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a mentored path toward a formal academic paper across a wide range of subjects.

A summer school is a structured, short-term academic program that lets you explore a subject beyond your regular high school curriculum. Unlike an internship, where you contribute to a workplace, a summer school is primarily designed around teaching, guided practice, and academic exploration. Depending on the program you choose, you might work through university-level lectures, laboratory sessions, seminars, studio workshops, or practical projects. For example, a STEM-focused summer school may introduce you to experimental methods, data analysis, engineering design, or scientific problem-solving. A humanities course may focus more on textual analysis, academic writing, research methods, or structured debate. Creative programs can involve script analysis, filmmaking, performance, music production, or portfolio development.

Below is a curated list of 15 summer schools for high school students in London. For more STEM-specific options, explore our guide to STEM programs for high school students in London here.

Why should you choose a program in London?

London is particularly useful for summer study because many universities, museums, research institutions, theatres, financial organizations, and creative institutions are concentrated in the city. This gives you access to academic and professional environments across a wide range of subjects. Universities such as Imperial College London, University College London, and King’s College London run pre-university or summer programs that expose high school students to university-style teaching. London also gives subject-specific programs a useful local context. Students interested in finance can study within one of the world’s major financial centres; students interested in the arts can work near major museums, theatres, and creative institutions; and students pursuing science or engineering can learn within a city that hosts major universities and research organizations. That variety is useful when you are still deciding what you want to study at university. Instead of treating a summer school as simply another classroom experience, you can use it to test a particular academic interest through lectures, practical work, research exercises, performance, design, or other subject-specific activities.

1. Imperial Global Summer School

In this program, you will dive deep into advanced pre-university STEM subjects like science, engineering, medicine, and business. You will spend your days attending interactive lectures that introduce highly complex concepts and working in state-of-the-art laboratories on real experimental setups. A major highlight of your experience is the Innovation Challenge, where you will join forces with peers across different disciplines to solve a pressing, real-world issue. This collaborative project will help you understand the power of interdisciplinary teamwork and build your practical problem-solving skills. Additionally, you will participate in workshops designed to guide you through the UK university application process, helping you craft a compelling personal statement. By the end of these two intensive weeks, you will have a much clearer understanding of your potential career paths in STEM.

2. London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF)

During this 14-day scientific forum, you will join an international cohort of 500 peers to explore the absolute cutting edge of science and technology. You will have the opportunity to attend lecture demonstrations delivered by world-renowned scientists, including Nobel Prize winners. Through visits to advanced research laboratories at world-class universities like Oxford and Cambridge, you will witness active scientific investigations firsthand. If you have your own scientific projects, you can share your discoveries at the Science Bazaar, where you will receive invaluable feedback from experts. The program also features specialized workshops designed to hone your critical thinking and problem-solving skills in high-stakes environments. This immersive experience is designed to help you clarify your future career path in STEM while learning to look at global issues through an analytical lens.

3. UCL Pre-University Online Course for High School Students

This online course is designed to prepare you for the intellectual and linguistic rigors of studying at a top-tier UK university. Over two weeks, you will build essential academic skills, with a strong focus on critical thinking, structured academic writing, and independent study. You will learn how to design a research project from scratch by formulating a strong question, searching academic databases, and writing a comprehensive final report. You will also develop your public speaking skills as you prepare and deliver a formal academic presentation to your peers and instructors. Through live lectures from various disciplines in the arts, humanities, and sciences, you will experience UCL’s undergraduate teaching styles. Virtual excursions to cultural landmarks around London will provide you with a richer understanding of British culture. This format offers you the complete flexibility of learning from home while still receiving world-class instruction.

4. InvestIn’s The Engineer Summer Experience

This program is designed to put you directly in the shoes of working professional engineers across multiple specialties. You will engage in career simulations, such as taking apart a real petrol engine to study its mechanical design. Your learning will extend beyond the classroom with site visits, including boarding a Boeing jet alongside aerospace engineers to analyze complex flight systems and touring historical car collections. Industry professionals from world-class firms will coach you, helping you develop engineering logic and hands-on problem-solving skills. By completing the post-program online assessment, you will earn a Level 3 Award in Work Experience & Career Planning worth 8 UCAS points. You will walk away with a personalized certificate and a formal industry reference letter to boost your future applications. You will also learn how to network with industry mentors and prepare yourself for competitive engineering admissions.

5. InvestIn The Investment Banker Summer Experience

In this program, you will dive into the fast-paced world of corporate finance, asset management, and live stock market trading. You will have the unique opportunity to trade the London stock market live and participate in a recruitment-grade simulation used by top global banks. During the course, you will analyze FTSE 100 companies, structure mergers-and-acquisitions transactions, and practice high-stakes negotiation. You will also build and manage your own equities portfolio, which will be formally evaluated by senior professional asset managers. Through active coaching from investment bankers, you will master complex financial vocabulary and quantitative decision-making under tight time constraints. Successfully finishing the program and its online assessment awards you a Level 3 qualification and 8 UCAS points. This program is a good way to build a professional-grade portfolio and secure an industry reference letter before you enter college.

6. Royal Veterinary College Pre-Vet Summer School

This highly competitive residential program gives you an authentic preview of what it is like to study veterinary medicine at the RVC. You will accumulate 25 to 30 hours of formal clinical and animal-handling experience, which you can use directly on your future university applications. Your days will be split between hands-on training in animal management at the Hawkshead campus and scientific study in Camden. You will work with professional veterinary tools and learn essential medical concepts directly from faculty members and clinical practitioners. The program also focuses on developing your critical skills in ethical decision-making, team communication, and professional conduct. Expert advisors will provide you with deep insights into the vet school admissions process, including tips on interviews and personal statements. By studying alongside other dedicated students, you will build a strong network of peers who share your passion for veterinary science.

7. Young Actors: Summer School at RADA

This intensive training program at RADA introduces you to the rigorous standards of conservatoire-level actor education. You will spend two weeks working in professional rehearsal spaces, engaging in daily exercises focused on physical movement, vocal control, and text analysis. Under the guidance of expert RADA tutors, you will explore a variety of scripts and learn how to break down character motivations. The curriculum is designed to challenge your current performing abilities and build your confidence on and off the stage. You will learn how to collaborate closely with other actors in an ensemble setting, preparing you for professional creative environments. The course is suitable for you whether you have years of amateur acting experience or are taking your very first steps in drama. This program offers you a rare opportunity to train inside one of the world’s most legendary drama schools.

8. LAMDA Introduction to Shakespeare (2 Weeks)

This specialized course at LAMDA is designed to help you confidently approach, understand, and perform classical Shakespearean texts. You will spend your time unpacking complex rhythm, imagery, and meter to reveal the underlying motivations of Shakespeare’s characters. Tutors will guide you through practical exercises in voice projection, physical embodiment, and the historical context of Elizabethan drama. You will work directly on selected scenes and speeches, experimenting with different staging and interpretive styles. This physical and intellectual training is modeled directly on LAMDA’s renowned undergraduate acting program, giving you a taste of professional conservatoire life. By the end of the course, you will have refined your classical performance techniques and gained confidence in reading difficult verse. You will also enjoy the vibrant collaborative atmosphere of working alongside fellow classical theater enthusiasts.

9. Guildhall Acting Summer School for Ages 16-17

This two-week course offers you an introduction to both contemporary and classical actor training methods. You will join a supportive cohort of peers to explore physical theater, vocal expression, and improvisation through daily workshops. Guildhall’s faculty will teach you how to analyze scripts, develop believable characters, and hold the stage. You will work on an array of modern and classical texts, discovering how performance styles change across different historical eras. The course emphasizes the importance of ensemble work, teaching you how to communicate, listen, and adapt within a collaborative rehearsal environment. By experiencing this structured routine, you will gain a realistic understanding of what full-time drama school training demands of an actor. It is an excellent opportunity for you to stretch your creative limits and build lasting relationships with fellow young creatives.

10. London Film Academy Young Filmmakers’ Academy

At the London Film Academy, you will dive directly into the technical and creative aspects of producing professional films. Depending on whether you choose the one- or two-week option, you will rotate through crucial roles like screenwriting, directing, and editing. You will work in small cohorts of up to 12 students, using industry-standard camera, lighting, and sound equipment during active shoot days. You will learn the principles of storyboarding, camera placement, and post-production software to bring your creative vision to life. This collaborative environment ensures you gain hands-on experience in every major department of a film crew and earn actual screen credits. Expert filmmakers will guide you through the technical terminology and the practical safety rules required on a real set. By the end of the course, you will have completed actual short films and developed a solid understanding of visual storytelling.

11. University of the Arts London (UAL) Short Courses (for 16–18 year olds)

This summer program is specifically tailored to help you build a professional creative portfolio for future university applications. You will work inside UAL’s world-renowned studios, exploring disciplines such as drawing, fashion design, graphic art, or photography. Under the guidance of experienced arts tutors, you will learn how to use professional materials and advanced software tools. The curriculum focuses on teaching you how to document and present your creative process in a structured, compelling way. You will also participate in studio critiques, learning how to give and receive constructive feedback on artistic choices. This rigorous environment will give you firsthand exposure to the daily routine of undergraduate art students. By the end of the course, you will have created a body of work that demonstrates your unique style and technical growth.

12. Royal Academy of Music Short Courses

In this program, you will participate in intensive instrumental or vocal masterclasses, refining your technical skills under the guidance of globally celebrated artists. Your training will cover critical aspects of performance practice, including interpretation, physical posture, and stage presence. You will also join ensemble rehearsals, learning how to collaborate closely with other high-level musicians and adapt to different conducting styles. The curriculum includes specialized workshops that prepare you for future competitive conservatoire auditions and music examinations. You will gain a realistic understanding of what is required to manage a professional music career, from rehearsal schedules to networking. Ultimately, the personalized feedback you receive will help you identify areas for growth and build confidence in your artistic expression.

13. King’s College London Pre-University Summer School

This program is designed to give you a genuine head start on your journey to undergraduate-level study in the UK. You can select specialized academic tracks in high-demand fields like Law, Business, Life Sciences, Psychology, or the Humanities. Each track is taught through a combination of traditional university lectures, interactive seminars, and practical laboratory workshops. You will learn how to approach complex topics analytically, locate reliable sources, and defend your ideas in group debates. The program also integrates London’s rich history directly into your learning, organizing academic excursions to relevant museums, landmarks, and parks. You will also collaborate with ambitious international peers, expanding your global perspective and academic network.

14. Georgetown Summer College with Online Options

Georgetown Summer College Online gives high school students the opportunity to earn official college credit while exploring engaging subjects within a university framework. Over an intensive eight-week term, you will complete college-level readings, research papers, case study analyses, and collaborative projects guided by Georgetown instructors. Although the online format provides flexibility, the academic rigor and expectations directly reflect a real university course. In addition to subject-specific classes, Georgetown offers specialized pre-college modules to help you navigate college admissions, sharpen your academic writing, and prepare for standardized testing. Ultimately, this program gives you a clear, realistic preview of how university coursework is structured, delivered, and evaluated.

15. Yale Summer Online

Yale Summer Online offers high school students the opportunity to earn actual Yale College credit by taking rigorous, five-week undergraduate courses entirely from home. Through a mix of mandatory live Zoom sessions, recorded lectures, active discussions, and faculty interactions, you will experience a structured, synchronous learning environment that is not self-paced. Taught by distinguished Yale faculty, these courses maintain the exact academic standards and workloads expected of full-time undergraduates. You can expect a demanding schedule filled with extensive readings, written assignments, assessments, and active class participation. Upon successful completion, each course awards one Yale College credit (equivalent to four credit hours). Ultimately, this intensive program delivers an authentic, accessible preview of the academic rigor required at an Ivy League university.

One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program

If you want to continue exploring a subject beyond a short summer school, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of summer schools are available to high school students in London?

You’ll find a mix of formats, including STEM-focused programs like the Imperial Global Summer School and LIYSF, business and finance programs like InvestIn’s Investment Banker Summer Experience, and performing arts and creative programs like RADA’s Young Actors Summer School, LAMDA’s Introduction to Shakespeare, and the London Film Academy’s Young Filmmakers’ Academy. King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School offers a broader academic option with tracks in law, business, life sciences, and psychology if you want to sample university-style teaching across multiple subjects.

Do you need prior experience in a subject to apply?

It depends on the program. RADA’s Young Actors Summer School explicitly welcomes students with any level of acting experience, from amateur to complete beginner, while the Royal Academy of Music’s Short Courses generally expect existing instrumental or vocal proficiency given their masterclass format. Academic programs like the Imperial Global Summer School and King’s College London’s Summer School don’t require subject-specific prior coursework, though they do expect strong general academic performance.

Are there virtual or online options if you can’t travel to London?

Yes. The UCL Pre-University Online Course, Georgetown Summer College’s online option, and Yale Summer Online all let you study from home while still receiving instruction from university faculty. These are worth considering if travel logistics or cost make an in-person London program difficult.

Which programs award UCAS points or formal qualifications?

InvestIn’s Engineer Summer Experience and Investment Banker Summer Experience both award a Level 3 Award in Work Experience & Career Planning worth 8 UCAS points upon completing the post-program assessment. Most other programs on this list, including the performing arts and creative courses, provide a certificate of completion rather than a formal qualification with UCAS value.

Which programs focus specifically on performing arts or drama training?

If drama or performance is your focus, RADA’s Young Actors Summer School, LAMDA’s Introduction to Shakespeare, and Guildhall’s Acting Summer School all offer conservatoire-style training in voice, movement, and text analysis. The Royal Academy of Music’s Short Courses cover a different creative discipline, focusing on instrumental and vocal performance rather than acting.

Is there a way to continue exploring a subject beyond a short summer school?

Yes. If you want to continue exploring a subject beyond a short summer school, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a mentored path toward a formal academic paper across a wide range of subjects, pairing you with a professor or PhD scholar to develop a 20-page research paper you can submit for academic publication. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback, and covers over 600 research specializations. You can find the application here.

When should you apply?

Deadlines for these programs are spread throughout the spring, so it helps to plan ahead. The Royal Veterinary College’s Pre-Vet Summer School closes April 24, followed closely by King’s College London’s Summer School (April 27) and the UCL Pre-University Online Course (June 15). LIYSF has a later deadline of May 30, while several programs, including InvestIn’s Engineer and Investment Banker Experiences and the London Film Academy’s courses, use rolling admissions instead of a fixed date.

Image Source: Imperial College London