Oxford is an inspiring city for any budding entrepreneur. Home to world-renowned ventures and the University’s Saïd Business School, Oxford offers an ideal setting for young people to develop their business acumen and practise their leadership skills.
An Oxford business summer school is a valuable opportunity to experience life in the business world. There are a wide range of summer courses available, from business management to economics, so it’s important to understand what each programme offers so you can choose the programme that’s right for you.
This article features the top business summer courses in Oxford for students aged 12-18. The data is based on in-depth research, including interviews with students, analysis of online reviews and evaluation of key factors such as teaching quality, extracurricular opportunities and value for money.
Why Study Business at Oxford in the Summer?
Attending a business summer school is an excellent way to gain experience in the field and trial out the subject before university. Business is rarely explored in the typical school curriculum, so a summer course can provide you with a clearer understanding of what a career in business entails.
I. Develop a global business mindset and international network
Students who study in Oxford during the summer benefit from an intellectually stimulating environment, a community of like-minded peers and the chance to develop a global business mindset. Many of the programmes below encourage strategic and global thinking, and include case studies, simulations and projects which focus on international markets, startups and global economic trends.
An Oxford business course also offers the opportunity to engage with an international community of ambitious students who share your passion for business. These early connections can evolve into a global professional network offering invaluable support as you enter the industry.
II. Learn from experts in business, economics and finance
An Oxford business summer course offers a rare opportunity for students to learn from experienced instructors, tutors and guest speakers from the business and finance industries. All of the featured courses below are academically rigorous, covering a range of in-depth topics, such as marketing, financial analysis, entrepreneurship and leadership.
Many Oxford summer schools employ tutors who teach or complete research at world-leading universities, meaning students have access to high-quality teaching from passionate and expert academics. Courses are intentionally structured to replicate the university environment, with tutorial teaching, independent study and follow-up discussions to prepare students for higher education.
III. Prepare for university and career success
Attending a business summer school is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment and passion for the subject to university admissions officers. Throughout your course, you’ll gain lots of different experiences, providing you with practical material for your personal statement. Citing specific projects you worked on, workshops you attended or topics you researched can help you stand out from other applicants.
Some courses also offer certificates, reports or recommendation letters after you’ve completed the course, providing tangible evidence you can include in your applications.
Additionally, the transferable skills you develop during a business summer course will be invaluable as you progress in your academic and professional career. You’ll hone your critical-thinking skills, leadership style, presentation abilities and collaborative techniques – all of which are highly valued by universities and employers.
The Top 5 Oxford Business Summer Courses
To help you decide on the most appropriate summer school, browse the list below of the top Oxford business summer courses for teenagers.
Whether you have a strong interest in learning more about business and entrepreneurship or you’re starting to make concrete decisions about university, these programmes are designed to help you gain clarity for your future. The courses below offer in-depth academic content and practical experiences that simulate university-level learning to help you prepare for your next step.
#1 The Top-Rated Business Programme in Oxford
Experience Business & Enterprise Academy by Oxford Scholastica – 4.7 / Outstanding
Rated highest for tutor quality (4.7) and pre-arrival support (4.7), with students calling it ‘the greatest summer of my life’ (based on interviews with 76 students). Ideal for students who want outstanding teaching and real immersion in a close-knit setting.
Age Range: 15-18
Duration: 2 weeks
Fees: £6,995
Oxford Scholastica’s Experience Business & Enterprise Academy for 15-18 year olds offers the opportunity for students to discover different types of business, examine economic schools of thought and develop their own entrepreneurial ideas. Students learn key business and economic principles, develop their leadership style and pitch their own startup idea.
Beyond daily classes, the course features a four-hour Startup Challenge, where students develop a viable business plan for a new website, collaborating with Computer Science students to see their idea come to life. Upon programme completion, students receive a Certificate of Achievement and a personalised Letter of Recommendation from their tutor to include in future university applications.
For younger students, Oxford Scholastica’s Discover Business Academy for 12-14 year olds offers the chance to explore the world of business and entrepreneurship while experiencing university life. Students learn how businesses work, create their own brand and develop an idea for a startup.
#2 The Second-Highest Rated Business Programme in Oxford
Business & Entrepreneurship Summer School by Oxford Summer Courses – 4.3 / Very Good
Rated 4.4 for ‘feeling safe on campus’ and 4.3 for tutor quality (based on interviews with 84 students). Great for students looking for a reputable academic experience in a prestigious setting.
Age Range: 13-15, 16-17
Duration: 2 weeks
Fees: £5,995
Oxford Summer Courses’ Business and Entrepreneurship Summer School for 13-17 year olds provides an in-depth exploration of the ever-evolving world of business. Students cover essential topics such as competition, globalisation, macroeconomics and the marketing mix.
The summer school doesn’t follow a fixed curriculum, with tutors adapting the course to each individual group’s interests. Upon programme completion, students receive a certificate and written feedback from their tutor.
For older students, Oxford Summer Courses’ Business & Entrepreneurship Summer School for 18-24 year olds covers topics like business modelling, pitching, validating assumptions and developing a minimum viable product. Students gain hands-on experience in business strategy, learning to analyse and critique ideas to find the most successful approach.
#3 The Third-Ranked Business Programme in Oxford
Curing the Future: Medicine and Disease by Oxford Royale Academy – 4.3 / Very Good
Rated 4.6 for making great friendships and 4.1 for tutor quality (based on interviews with 81 students). A good choice for students wanting a large-scale, sociable summer experience.
Age Range: 12-15, 16-18
Duration: 2 weeks
Fees: £6,995
Oxford Royale’s Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Programme for 12-18 year olds covers the core principles of business management, the practical process of innovation and the entrepreneurial mindset that combine to form a successful business. Students learn different leadership styles, examine real-world case studies and analyse the role of cultural differences in international business.
Beyond theory, the course offers an Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Workshop, featuring a live trading activity and dynamic negotiation exercises. At the end of the programme, students receive a Certificate of Completion to commemorate their accomplishments.
#4 The Fourth-Ranked Business Programme in Oxford
Business Management Programme by Immerse Education – 4.3 / Very Good
Rated 4.5 for extracurricular enjoyment and 4.4 for personal growth (based on interviews with 14 students). Ideal for students seeking an immersive academic and cultural experience.
Age Range: 13-18
Duration: 2 weeks
Fees: £5,995
Immerse Education’s Business Management Programme for 13-18 year olds introduces core business strategies and management principles, while helping students develop practical skills in the field of business. Students learn how to evaluate a business idea, build a brand and beat your competition.
The programme also offers students the chance to work on a personal project, researching and preparing a presentation for their peers. Upon programme completion, students receive a Certificate of Achievement as recognition of their accomplishments.
#5 The Fifth-Ranked Business Programme in Oxford
Future Business Leaders Programme by Summer Boarding Courses – 4.3 / Very Good
Rated 4.7 for gaining independence and 4.3 for ‘feeling safe on campus’ (based on interviews with 3 students). A good choice for younger students seeking a well-rounded experience.
Age Range: 13-16
Duration: 2 weeks
Fees: £4,495
Summer Boarding Courses’ Future Business Leaders Programme for 13-16 year olds offers a comprehensive insight into the key concepts of international business. Students learn key aspects in management, marketing and finance to prepare them for a successful career in business.
Beyond theory, the course includes the Time to Shine event where participants collaborate in a group to pitch a startup idea. At the end of the course, students receive a Certificate of Completion to commemorate their hard work and achievements.
For older students, Summer Boarding Courses’ Faculty of Business Course for 15-17 year olds provides students with an understanding of core business concepts relating to setting up a company, budgeting and finance, marketing, sustainability and growth. Students learn what it takes to launch and run a successful business, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s business world.
Is an Oxford Business Summer Course Right for You?
Attending an Oxford business summer course can be an incredibly valuable experience. Students gain an academic head start, practical business skills and a certificate or report to include in future applications. It’s also an investment, so you may want to ask yourself the following before applying:
- Am I interested in subjects like business, economics, marketing and management?
- Do I enjoy solving real-world problems and collaborating with others to come up with creative ideas?
- Am I considering studying business or economics at university?
- Would I enjoy meeting other students from around the world who share similar goals?
- Am I ready for an academically challenging summer?
If you’re passionate about business and ready to take your learning to the next level, an Oxford business summer school could be the perfect next step. Explore different Oxford summer course providers and compare your options with our Summer School Chooser.
