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Creative Writing Course in Oxford

(2025 Summer School | Ages 15-18)

Passionate about creative writing? The Experience Creative Writing Academy offers the perfect chance to refine your skills and experience university life.

Discover storytelling, elevate your craft and bring your ideas to life in Oxford – a city that inspired legends like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Immerse yourself in its rich history and timeless charm as you hone your writing.

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Key Facts

Course Location:
Oxford University campus

Student Ages:
15-18 year olds

Class Size:
Max 15 students

2025 Dates:
6th July – 19th July
20th July – 2nd August
3rd August – 16th August

Tutor:
Typically Oxford and
Cambridge academics

Tuition Fees:
£6,995

Course Length:
Two weeks

Graduation & Certification:
Letter of Recommendation &
Certificate of Achievement

Awards & Accreditations:
British Accreditation Council and
King’s Award

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The Creative Writing Syllabus

You’ll learn to craft dialogue, build fictional worlds and even create a book series.
You’ll be guided by expert tutors from leading universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.

The Nature of Creative Writing
Explore the key characteristics of creative writing, discuss your favourite authors and what makes their writing so effective, and try out some writing exercises of your own.

View Syllabus

Storytelling
What are the ingredients that make a story work? Test out these techniques with a piece of your own writing.
Explore Stories & Novels
Find out more about Christopher Booker’s thesis of seven basic plots in literature.
Character Development
How do you develop a character your readers will believe in? We’ll examine different texts and you can test it out with a character of your own creation.
Discover Different Genres

Explore different types of writing genre and consider what makes each type of writing unique.

World Building

How do you build a fictional world? Explore the techniques used by writers to ‘build a world’ in their work and in their readers’ minds.

Constructing Dialogue

Review classic examples of dialogue from famous novels, plays and films to identify common themes.

That’s a Wrap
Learn how to ensure writing becomes part of your daily routine, and discover techniques to help you start and finish a story. Review your peers’ work and receive feedback on your own.
Tutor’s Choice

Your final class is based on your tutor’s personal expertise in the field, focusing on the literature that they’re passionate about.

Meet Your Tutor

Sarah Marshall

BA Hons, MSt (Oxon), DPhil (Oxon) (Candidate)

Sarah was awarded a Master of Studies with Distinction in Classical Languages and Literature by the University of Oxford in 2021.

She subsequently taught English and Classics at Wycombe Abbey School and returned to Oxford in 2023 to pursue a DPhil in Literature. She won the Avril Gilchrist Bruten Award for Creative Writing in 2024 in recognition of her work.

Please note that tutors are subject to change.

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Nurture Your Creative Writing Skills

Experiment with new writing techniques under an expert tutor, meet a successful professional writer and develop strong academic skills in masterclasses.

Master Key Writing Concepts
Master key concepts such as crafting vivid settings, developing authentic dialogue and structuring compelling narratives – all under the guidance of one of our expert tutors from leading universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
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Meet an Established Writer
Gain insights from our Creative Writing Hero, a successful young writer. Discover their journey, ask all your questions about a career in writing and publishing, and be inspired to take the first steps toward your own creative future.
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Level Up With Masterclasses
Build essential practical life skills such as public speaking, critical thinking and teamwork through our Masterclasses, developing tools that will benefit you long after the programme ends – no matter which academic path you take.
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The Book Series Challenge

Immerse yourself in the art of the creative writing experience. Our Book Series Challenge encourages you to imagine a captivating outline for an original book series.

Develop unique characters, craft compelling storylines and weave them into a cohesive narrative arc. This challenge is a great way to gain exposure to the creative process and bring your literary ideas to life.

Still Curious?
We’d Love to Talk.

Stephanie, our Head of Admissions, would be happy to answer all your questions. Let us know a time that works for you.

Arrange a Call

Experience Life in Oxford

You'll stay and study on the Oxford University campus, see all the sights and get to call this beautiful city home for the summer.

See the Dreaming Spires of Oxford

Wander through Oxford's historic streets, visiting iconic sites like Christ Church (featured in Harry Potter), the Bodleian Library (home to every book ever published in English) and the famous Oxford Union (where leaders, celebrities and activists debate). The City of Dreaming Spires never disappoints.

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Stay in Oxford University Accommodation
Make yourself at home in an Oxford University college room. Experience a taste of what university life could be like, with modern amenities, easy access to the city's cafes, shops and cultural attractions, and comfortable common areas to socialise with your new friends.
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Learn in Inspirational Lecture Halls
Attend classes and Masterclasses held in beautiful lecture halls. Surrounded by inspiring architecture and cutting-edge resources, you'll join the ranks of individuals who aspire to make a global impact.
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Grow Your Global Network

Study and experience Oxford alongside passionate, curious and motivated young people like you from all over the globe. Our students are eager to elevate their academic ambitions and seize their future.

Juanita Sele-Matthew
Juanita Sele-Matthew

15, Experience Business & Enterprise Academy

CURRENT SCHOOL:
Meadowhall School

FUN FACT:
I don't eat red apples.

DREAM CAREER:
Dietician or Food Scientist

FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE:
Sainsbury's runs with Lampl House are the one thing I can never forget!

Eliah Cibambo
Eliah Cibambo

Age 17, Experience Business & Enterprise Academy

CURRENT SCHOOL:
Lycée Prince de Liège

FUN FACT:
I’m a big fan of languages and I often try to understand how dialects and languages influence each other throughout the world.

DREAM CAREER:
Anything that helps better people’s lives.

FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE:
Definitely the ball on boat!

Adela Jung Foncillas
Adela Jung Foncillas

Age 17, Experience Psychology & Neuroscience Academy

CURRENT SCHOOL:
FES Lörrach

FUN FACT:
I love Spain with all my heart.

DREAM CAREER:
Doctor

FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE:
Singing with all of St Thomas's House at the Talent Show!

Pippa Manning
Pippa Manning

Age 17, Experience Medicine Academy

CURRENT SCHOOL:
Nottingham Girls' High School

FUN FACT:
My favourite movie is 10 Things I Hate About You.

DREAM CAREER:
Dermatologist

FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE:
Ceilidh, and the Boat Ball.

Make Memories to Last a Lifetime

Embark on an unforgettable journey. Dive into extraordinary cultural, social and sporting adventures designed to push you beyond your comfort zone and inspire personal growth.

Cultural

Social

Sporting

Graduation

Cultural Activities

Discover the timeless allure of Oxford as you wander its historic, picturesque streets, soaking in the city’s rich heritage and charm. Experience inspiring day trips to iconic destinations that offer a deeper connection to culture and history.

Day Trips: Windsor Castle (residence of the Royal Family) and Blenheim Palace (Winston Churchill)
Oxford Experiences: Walking tour of Oxford, famous museum visits and a quintessential College brunch
Unique Experiences: Scottish Ceilidh dancing evening and punting on the River Thames

Social Activities

Beyond the classroom, engage in vibrant social activities designed to create lasting memories and friendships, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.

International Boat Ball: You’ll dress up, watch the sunset over the water and dance the night away with friends.
Oxford’s Got Talent: Students express their creativity through performances, music, dance and more!
Movie & Quiz Nights: Test your knowledge, challenge new friends and enjoy a bit of friendly competition.

Sporting Activities

Stay active during your time in Oxford with a variety of sports and outdoor pursuits, offering the perfect balance of leisure, wellness and adventure.

River Punting: This Oxford tradition has you pushing a flat-bottomed boat along the river using a long pole.
Oxford Olympics: With competitions ranging from five-legged races to egg catching to hill rolling.
Other Sports: Play in our football tournament or enjoy an informal game with friends. You can also shoot hoops on nearby basketball courts or brush up on your tennis skills.

Graduation Ceremony

Celebrate your achievements with a graduation ceremony that’s sure to be unforgettable, honouring your journey and success in a meaningful way.

Graduation Ceremony: You’ll hear inspiring speeches from our leadership team, as well as student representatives.
Barbecue Celebration: Attend a barbecue in the gardens of Said Business School, with lots of photo opportunities.
Ceilidh Dancing: Learn how to dance in the traditional Scottish Dancing “ceilidh” fashion — we’ll be dancing the night away with Swinging Molly.

Hear From a Graduate

Juanita Sele-Matthews

Experience Business & Enterprise Academy (2024)

“Oxford Scholastica has taught me to always reach for the stars, no matter how far away they seem. I was able to try so many new things, and it gave me new opportunities and opened up doors that I didn’t even know existed.”

Apply Today

Strengthen Your University Application

You’ll leave with a Certificate of Achievement, a Letter of Recommendation and the opportunity to join our Ambassador Programme – all designed to help your application stand out to top-tier universities.

Earn a Certificate of Achievement

All students who successfully complete the Experience Creative Writing Academy course will receive an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement upon programme completion.

Get a Letter of Recommendation

Students who meet our criteria will be awarded a personalised Letter of Recommendation from their tutor, highlighting their strengths, participation, personality and more.

Join Our Ambassador Programme

Want to continue learning? Apply for our one-year Ambassador Programme to gain valuable skills in marketing, networking, entrepreneurship and more. With monthly virtual meetings, you’ll develop practical skills to shape your future.

Course Availability (Summer 2025)

You can find availability for our upcoming creative writing courses in Oxford for 2025 below.

Creative Writing Cohorts

6th July – 19th July

20th July – 2nd August

3rd August – 16th August

Enrol Today
What’s Included in Your Tuition Fee

ACADEMICS

  • 10 days of classroom learning
  • 12 hours of Masterclass sessions
  • Industry Q&A Hero session
  • Practical academic Challenge Afternoon

SOCIALS

  • International Boat Ball
  • Oxford’s Got Talent show
  • Movie, games and quiz nights
  • Football, running, volleyball etc.

LIFESTYLE

  • University accommodation
  • Breakfast and dinner every day
  • Safety protocols and supervision
  • Support from Activities Coordinators

GRADUATION

  • Ceremony at Said Business School
  • Personalised Letter of Recommendation
  • Certificate of Achievement
  • Invitation to the Ambassador Programme

CULTURE

  • Oxford walking tour and museum trips
  • Trips to Blenheim Palace and Windsor Castle
  • Punting on the River Thames
  • Ceilidh dancing evening
  • Quintessential College brunch
£6,995

Your Questions,
Answered.

Still need help? Book a call
What are the entry requirements for the course?

We have three entry requirements:

i) You must be aged between 11-18 years old at the start of your chosen course.

ii) You must be motivated to learn more about the subject you wish to study (there’s space for you to write a personal statement on our registration form). We find that when students are self-motivated and eager to make the most of the opportunity, the summer school can be a truly transformative experience.

iii) You must be able to speak, read and understand English well. Though we require no formal testing, our minimum English level is Common European Framework Level C1, which equates to IELTS 6.5. If you’d like to arrange a call to check whether you have the right level of English, please feel free to contact us.

What should I write in my Oxford Scholastica personal statement?
Our admissions panel reads through each student’s personal statement to determine if they’d be a good fit for our programme. We welcome bright and intellectually curious students from around the world – those who are passionate about their subject and eager to challenge themselves.

We don’t have any academic prerequisites, as many of our students have never been exposed to their chosen subject before, so instead we’re looking for motivation and mindset.

I'm 11 years old. Can I join a course for 12-14 year olds?

We do accept bright, mature eleven year olds onto our Discover Academy courses (designed for ages 12-14), so please do submit an application here. If you’d like to discuss your specific situation, please contact us and we’ll be happy to advise you.

I'm 14 years old. Can I join a course for 15-18 year olds?

We do sometimes allow bright, mature 14 year olds to join our Experience Academy courses (designed for ages 15-18), so please do submit an application here. If you’d like to discuss your specific situation, please contact us and we’ll be happy to advise you.

Do you accept students who are at university?
We can only accept students who are not at university. If you’ve just finished school and have yet to start higher education, you’re welcome to join us. Unfortunately, if you’ve already started at university, then we’re unable to offer you a place at our summer school.
How do I secure my place?

Please click here to apply for your place and pay your deposit (£995). Our admissions panel will assess your application and will be in touch to confirm whether you have been accepted onto the programme. If for any reason you’re not accepted, your deposit will be refunded in full.

Who will my tutor be?

We carefully select and train the best qualified tutors for each course. Our tutors are subject experts from world-class institutions, including the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Learn more about our tutors here.

Will I get a certificate or accreditation at the end of the course?

All students who successfully complete one of our courses will receive an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement upon programme completion.

Students who meet our criteria will also be awarded a personalised Letter of Recommendation from their tutor, highlighting their strengths, participation, personality and more.

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We Help Students Seize the Future

Our immersive programmes give young people with big dreams the opportunity to get a true understanding of their career path.

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