Students aged 12 - 16
Headington Oxford Summer School
Future Doctors
Future Doctors is a two-week programme for students who want to take their first steps into medicine. You’ll study how the human body works, look at what happens when things go wrong, and learn about the principles of patient care. Alongside this, you’ll be introduced to the ethical questions and professional skills that define modern medicine. The course gives you both the knowledge and the experience to start thinking seriously about a future in healthcare.
Preparing Tomorrow's Doctors
Future Doctors is designed for young people who are curious about medicine and what it means to work in healthcare. Over two weeks you’ll be introduced to core areas of medical study, from anatomy and physiology to pathology and diagnostics. You’ll start to see how different systems of the body connect, and how doctors use their knowledge to recognise and treat illness.
Learning is practical as well as theoretical. You’ll work through case studies, practise clinical skills in simulated settings, and explore how doctors gather patient histories and make decisions under pressure. These activities bring the subject to life and give you a sense of what medical training involves.
The programme also looks at the wider responsibilities of medicine. You’ll discuss ethical dilemmas, learn how research drives progress in healthcare, and reflect on the values that guide patient care. Through debate and group work, you’ll build the ability to think critically about questions that don’t always have a simple answer.
By the end of the course you’ll have strengthened your understanding of medical science and gained a clearer picture of what it takes to become a doctor. Just as importantly, you’ll develop confidence, teamwork and communication skills that will serve you well in any academic or professional path you choose to follow.
Future Doctors
At a Glance
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Price
£4,595
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Ages
12-16
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English Level
B1+ (Intermediate and above)
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Duration
2 weeks
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Maximum Class Size
15
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Academic Content
15 Hours of Lessons per Week
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Starting Dates
6th July & 20th July 2026
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Language Support
Included
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Location
Headington School, Oxford
Download The Academic Overview
Get a detailed insight into our Future Doctors programme, designed to inspire and challenge students in a dynamic learning environment.
Download now to explore how Future Doctors equips students with the knowledge and experience to excel.
Future Doctors
What's Included?
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15 Hours of Academic Content Per Week
15 hours of subject-specific academic content per week with an experienced subject tutor, delivered through interactive and hands-on lessons
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Time To Shine Projects
Opportunities to apply and share this knowledge through dynamic ‘Time To Shine’ group projects, culminating in an end-of-the-week ceremony in which you can present your innovative ideas to your peers.
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Excursions
Embark on excursions designed to ignite adventure and curiosity. Showcasing the best of UK culture that will broaden their horizons and create lasting memories including; Thorpe Park, London and Oxford.
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Social programme
Students will immerse themselves in exciting multi-activities, including football, basketball, tennis, arts and crafts, and specialist activities like off-site bowling, talent shows, capture the flag and secret cinema, exploring their passions and building lasting friendships.
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Develop English Language Skills
Numerous opportunities throughout your academic programme to develop your English language skills, whether that’s building vocabulary to talk about your subject, or developing your speaking skills to present your Time To Shine project.
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End of Course Report and Certificate
At the end of every SBC programme, each student receives a personalised end-of-course report alongside a certificate of achievement. These documents mark more than attendance — they reflect the progress you’ve made, the skills you’ve developed, and the contributions you’ve brought to your classes and projects. The report provides thoughtful feedback from your tutors, highlighting both your strengths and areas to keep building on, while the certificate stands as a formal recognition of your commitment and success. Together, they serve as lasting evidence of your growth and as valuable additions to future academic applications.
Course Objectives
Welcome to Future Doctors, a comprehensive programme designed for aspiring medical professionals aged 13-16. At Headington School, we are committed to nurturing your passion for medicine by providing a deep dive into the world of healthcare. This course offers an exciting introduction to the fundamentals of medicine, covering topics from human anatomy and physiology to medical ethics and patient care. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a doctor, nurse, or medical researcher, Future Doctors will give you the foundation you need to pursue your ambitions.
Course Modules
Module 1: The Human Body in Focus
In this module you’ll explore the structure and function of the body, looking closely at systems such as the heart, lungs and brain. Through guided study and practical demonstrations, you’ll learn how these systems work together to keep us alive and what happens when things go wrong. This introduction to anatomy and physiology builds the foundation for all later medical learning.
Module 2: Clinical Skills and Diagnostics
Here you’ll step into the role of a doctor, practising essential skills that form the basis of patient care. You’ll learn how to take a medical history, carry out simple examinations, and use diagnostic reasoning to work through case studies. Simulation exercises give you the chance to apply knowledge to real scenarios, showing how science is used in everyday practice.
Module 3: Ethics, Research and the Future of Medicine
Medicine isn’t only about science, it’s about people. In this module you’ll debate ethical questions around patient choice, public health and medical research. You’ll also explore how new discoveries and technologies are changing the way we treat disease. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of both the challenges and opportunities that shape the future of healthcare.
Key Learning Outcomes
Medical Knowledge
Build a strong foundation in the medical sciences by studying anatomy, physiology and the mechanisms of disease. You’ll explore how the body functions in health and illness, preparing you to make connections between theory and clinical practice in later studies.
Practical Skills
Take part in carefully designed clinical simulations that mirror real medical environments. From basic patient assessment and history-taking to first aid and diagnostic reasoning, you’ll begin to develop the skills that underpin professional medical practice.
Ethical Awareness
Engage with the moral and ethical challenges that doctors face every day. You’ll consider questions around consent, confidentiality, resource allocation and patient care, gaining insight into the responsibilities that come with working in medicine.
Collaboration and Communication
Experience the teamwork and communication that define healthcare. Through case studies, group projects and peer-to-peer discussions, you’ll learn how to work with others effectively, explain complex ideas with confidence, and begin to think like part of a medical team.
Master Public Speaking & Presenting Time to Shine
Time to Shine is your platform each week to step forward and show what you can do. It’s where ideas turn into performances, experiments or displays, and where you learn to speak with clarity and confidence. Every showcase is a chance to practise presenting like a scientist, entrepreneur, or artist of the future, while celebrating how far you’ve come in just a few days.
Through Time to Shine, you’ll practise speaking clearly and confidently in front of an audience. Presenting your project helps you structure ideas, explain them in your own words and build the confidence to share them with others. These are the first steps in mastering public speaking, a skill that will support you far beyond the classroom.
Take on the world’s toughest problems. Health, climate, peace, technology. Work with your team to imagine bold answers, then present them in a showcase of campaigns, inventions and performances.
The Health Campaign
Step into the role of a public health leader. Design and deliver a campaign that tackles a global medical issue: clean water, vaccines, nutrition. Create your message, prepare your materials, and present the campaign live as if addressing the world.
Future Oxford Expo:
Enter the Expo. Stands are built, pitches are prepared, the stage is set. Become the innovator who presents their work to an international crowd.
The Medical Expo Stand
Design and host your own stand at the Expo, showcasing a new health technology. Display the model, explain the science, and engage visitors as they walk through your space.
In Person Benefits
Benefits
Mastering Public Speaking
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Building Confidence
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Creative Expression
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Celebrating Progress
Our Approach to Your Learning
At Headington, our approach to the Future Doctors programme combines medical science with practical experience. You’ll study core topics through case-based learning, working through real scenarios that encourage you to think like a doctor. Clinical simulations and skills workshops let you apply knowledge in practice, while small class sizes ensure individual guidance from tutors. This mix of theory and hands-on learning helps you build confidence and gives you a genuine sense of what studying medicine is like.
Brought inspiration for the future
The Future Doctors course was the first of its kind and we can say really inspiring course for our daughter. The content of the course, the commitment of lecturers and SBC team was something which will remain in her mind forever. This course certainly has strengthened her self-confidence and brought inspiration for the future.
Julia, Headington Oxford, Spain - Parent
Future Doctors
Dates & Prices
Future Doctors FAQs
Do I need previous knowledge of medicine to join the programme?
No prior knowledge is required. The course is designed for curious students aged 13–16 who want to explore medicine for the first time. A general interest in science will help you get the most out of it.
What resources or equipment will I need?
All essential materials will be provided. You should bring a notebook, pens, and a tablet or laptop if you prefer to take digital notes. Comfortable shoes are also recommended for practical sessions.
Will I get to practise real medical skills?
Yes. You’ll take part in simulated clinical activities such as basic patient assessment, role-play exercises and diagnostic problem-solving. These are safe, supervised sessions designed to give you a taste of real medical practice.
How does this course prepare me for a future in medicine?
The programme introduces you to anatomy, clinical practice and medical ethics, while also developing transferable skills like communication, teamwork and critical thinking. These are valuable foundations for anyone considering medical studies in the future.
Arrange a Free Consultation with Our Admissions 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.