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College Pathways Ages 14-17

Dukes Cambridge

YOUR FIRST STEP TOWARDS UNIVERSITY.

A pre-university experience in the heart of Cambridge — where students aged 14 to 17 explore academic subjects in depth, prepare for the next stage of their education, and develop the independence, critical thinking and communication skills that support future academic success.

At a glance

Fees from
£4,495 2-wk residential · Day Programme £3,495
Ages
14–17 College Pathways tier
Start dates
29 June, 13 & 26 July Two-week sessions, 2027
Class size
15 max Students per class
English level
B1+ Intermediate and above
Academic hours
20 hrs Academic content per week
Location
Cambridge Sancton Wood School

What’s included: tuition, accommodation (residential option), meals, excursions, social programme, student report, certificate and student insurance. Transfer service available for an additional fee.

Science
Summer boarding courses presentation with a young girl explaining on a digital screen.

Courses

English Pathways

Link

Faculty of Art & Design

Link

Faculty of Business

Link

Faculty of Global Leadership

Link

Faculty of Medicine

Link

Faculty of Science & Technology (STEM)

Link

Excursions

Cambridge_College_Summer_School

Cambridge

London

Activities

Arts & Crafts

Badminton

Ball Games

Basketball

Creative Writing

Cricket

Fashion Show

Fitness Class

Football

Karaoke

Photo Challenge

Quiz Night

Rounders

Secret Cinema

Tennis

Trashion Show

Yoga

What's included

20 Hours Tuition Per Week

Accommodation

Certificate

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Course Materials

Excursion Programme

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular Multi-Activity Programme

Graduation Party

Letter of Reference

Meals

Progress Report

Dukes Cambridge gives students the opportunity to explore academic subjects in greater depth before making decisions about their future studies, and through university-style seminars, projects and discussion — before university applications and subject choices become more important.

Students leave with greater confidence using English in an academic context and a clearer sense of their direction. They also leave with a detailed tutor reference letter that supports future university applications — written by a tutor who has worked closely with them throughout the programme.

Accommodation

Tripos Court

Facilities

Auditorium

Laundry Service

Modern Dining Hall

Seminar Rooms

Student Common Room

Twin En Suite Rooms

Wifi

London Summer School

Is this programme for you?

Does this sound like you?

Students arrive with different interests and ambitions, but many recognise themselves in at least one of these.

  • You are starting to think seriously about university

    You want a head start — a clearer sense of how university study works before you reach that stage. Developing academic skills and study habits that support a successful transition to higher education.

  • You want to explore subjects in more depth

    You are curious about different subjects and want to go deeper into the ones that interest you, before you make choices about future study.

  • You want more independence, with support around you

    You are ready to manage more of your own time and learning in a structured, supportive environment that still looks after you.

Sound familiar? This programme was built for you

Our Cambridge Courses

Studying in Cambridge provides students with an unparalleled student experience. Learn through a series of lectures, seminars, tutorials and hands-on practical workshops, and benefit from lessons led by experienced and passionate tutors, plus the opportunity to focus on your future studies and career.

Programme Overview

Sample Two-week Timetable

Discover what a typical two-week course looks like for our students, from morning sessions through to evening activities — plus a full overview of the programme. Please note our sample timetable is given as an example and can be subject to change.

  • How the academic programme is structured
  • Sample two-week timetable
  • Trips, activities and evening life

Beyond the classroom

Our Academic Approach To Your Future

At our summer school, you build skills that will help you at university and in future careers. You learn your subject, and you also practise how to use it. You explain your ideas to a group. You question what you read and form your own opinion. You work with other students to solve problems. Classes are active: you listen, ask questions, discuss, and try things out for yourself.

  • Academic experience

    Industry Experience & Fieldwork

    On fieldwork days, tutors take students beyond the classroom — connecting theory to real-world settings through guided visits, practical experiments and exploration across Cambridge. On Industry Experience days, students step into professional scenarios: business simulations, medical workshops or creative briefs that show them how their subject connects to future careers.

  • Oxford University

    Inside the classroom

    Academic Programme

    Students work in small seminar groups of no more than 15 — analysing case studies, debating ideas and presenting their thinking. The pace is challenging. The support is constant. By the end of the first week, students have regular opportunities to contribute, discuss ideas and present their thinking with growing confidence.

  • Summer boarding courses presentation with a young girl explaining on a digital screen.

    Public Speaking & Presentations

    Time to Shine

    In small teams, students research, develop and build a project linked to their chosen faculty. It’s collaborative, creative and designed to stretch — requiring them to negotiate ideas, divide responsibilities and present their work to an audience at the end of the week. The skills it builds — communication, teamwork, critical thinking — support success in higher education and future careers.

Letter of Reference and Certificate

At the end of their experience, college students will receive a certificate of completion and a reference letter from their tutor that details their academic achievements during the two-week programme, character attributes and future aspirations, supporting their admission to the university of their choice or to their chosen career.

Letter-of-reference-for-SBC-colleges-Mock-Up

Excursions

 

As part of their enriching two-week experience, students will enjoy two full-day excursions designed to complement their academic journey with cultural exploration and relaxation. These outings offer a well-balanced opportunity to engage with iconic British destinations, providing both stimulating and restorative experiences outside the classroom.

 

  • London

    See famous landmarks, visit world-class museums and cultural attractions, take epic photos, shop some big-name stores, and soak up London's unforgettable energy.

  • Cambridge_College_Summer_School

    Cambridge

    Students will be able to take the day to explore the iconic city of Cambridge in detail, with a range of activities designed around discovery and recovery from an intense academic week.

Optional Extras

Level up your summer with our optional extras, available at an additional cost with limited spaces, so add them to your package when you book.

  • Rowing Team Cambridge

    Rowing Academy

    Give your summer an unforgettable Cambridge highlight. Our Rowing Experience invites students aged 14–17 to step into one of the city’s most iconic traditions and learn to row with expert coaches at a real Cambridge boathouse. No experience is required, just curiosity, teamwork and a willingness to try something new.

    Your session begins with a full safety briefing and hands-on training using indoor rowing machines, followed by a guided tour of the boathouse and a chance to handle real rowing equipment. Students then practise the rowing technique on land before taking to the water in a stable training boat designed for beginners. Under the guidance of qualified instructors, you’ll work together as a crew, build confidence stroke by stroke, and experience the thrill of rowing along the River Cam.

    The experience concludes with a group debrief and photo opportunity, and every participant receives an exclusive Cambridge Rowing Experience hoodie, a perfect reminder of their time on the river.

    Limited Space Popular
    • Ages:14-17
    • Price:£295
  • Private Oxbridge Applications Consultation

    A one-to-one consultation with a specialist from Oxbridge Applications, part of the Dukes Education family. The session is tailored to the individual student and their university plans, with guidance on relevant areas of the application process. Depending on the student’s needs, this may include course choice, application strategy, admissions tests or interview preparation. Designed for students considering Oxford, Cambridge or other highly competitive UK universities.

    Limited Space Popular
    • Ages:14-17
    • Price:£395

Graduation Party

We’re proud to celebrate our students’ achievements in style with a graduation party. At the end of each two-week summer course the graduation ceremony offers moments of reflection and an opportunity to celebrate achievements, both personal and academic, and say goodbye for now to new friends. A certificate of completion will be presented to students during the event. We’ll also provide a report outlining all accomplishments while studying with us, along with helpful tips to guide learners in the right direction towards future success. This party offers the chance to dress up, have fun and celebrate the amazing friendships that have been formed during their stay.

Cambridge College student at summer school

Accommodation

At Dukes Cambridge, students will be allocated to one of our six accommodation blocks, which are all purpose-built with modern facilities. They are located a short walk from the school, with bedrooms being either single or twin rooms. The majority of the rooms have ensuite bathrooms, with a small number of shared facilities in the smaller accommodation blocks. During free-time, students have the option of socialising in the on-site common rooms or spending time in Cambridge city centre.

 

Find your perfect summer programme

155 +

Nationalities represented from around the world since 2008

21,000 +

Ambitious student alumni welcomed to SBC since 2008

No.1

EL Gazette ranked us the UK’s number 1 multi-campus summer school

Dates and Fees

Two Options. One transformative fortnight.

Whether your child boards with us or returns home each evening, your fee covers everything in their programme. See what’s included with each option below.

Residential

From £4,495

per 2-week English course · £4,995 per 2-week subject course

  • Full board — all meals & accommodation included
  • Multi-activity programme
  • Evening activities & excursions
  • 24/7 pastoral care

Day Programme

From £3,495

per 2-week English course · £3,995 per 2-week subject course

  • Same academic programme as residential
  • Lunch & evening meals included
  • Full activity programme and excursions
  • 09:00–21:30 daily · Return home in the evening · Time varies by campus

2027 dates

Flexible lengths 2 or 4-week options available
Programme dates 28th June and 9th August 2027

Places are limited and allocated on a first-come basis. Check availability before you plan.

Places can start to fill from spring — book early

Dukes Cambridge FAQs

Residential ProgrammeDay Programme
AccommodationNot Included
Meals*All mealsLunch + Evening Meal
Tuition
Course materials
Sports, social activities and eventsDaytime and eveningDaytime and evening
Standard excursions, including entry costs
Wi-Fi
Weekly laundryNot Included
Graduation certificate and academic progress report
Student insurance
FlightsNot IncludedNot Included
Airport and Train TransfersNot IncludedNot Included
*We will do our best to meet all dietary needs, for example vegetarian, vegan and Halal.

Our transfer service varies across our different campus locations. Information on our transfer service can be found here.

 

No, Summer Boarding Courses is not affiliated with the University of Cambridge.

Our programmes take place in the city of Cambridge at independent school campuses nearby, but they are delivered solely by Summer Boarding Courses. Any references to Cambridge relate to the location and learning environment, rather than a formal partnership or endorsement from the University of Cambridge.

During their time at Dukes Cambridge students will be staying at one of six purpose-built student accommodation blocks, where students will be able to unwind in their cosy rooms, whilst enjoying all of the modern comforts of everyday student living. Tripos Court comes with communal social and study areas, on site laundry, communal kitchenettes, and is under a mile away on foot from Sancton Wood School, and within walking distance from the local shops and town centre.

 

The academic programme takes place at nearby Sancton Wood School, ranked as one of the UK’s Top 10 Independent Schools (Sunday Times, 2022). The recently developed school boasts an impressive campus which offers students the space for a stimulating learning environment with specialist facilities for science, art and drama. This family-orientated environment creates a homely feel which offers a calm and engaging place to learn. Students may also visit and learn at other Dukes Education facilities such as Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge and St. Andrews College Cambridge.

 

Arrange a Free Consultation with Our Student Experience Team

We’re here to help you choose the ideal summer experience. Schedule a no-obligation call with a member of our friendly team to explore your options, ask questions, and receive expert guidance tailored to your child’s interests and goals.