Exceptional Pre-College Creative Writing Program for Teenagers at Cambridge University
Creative Writing Cambridge
University of Cambridge Campus, UK

Exceptional Summer Pre-College Creative Writing Program for Teenagers at Cambridge University Campus

Well-rounded that offers exceptional enrichment programmes led by top tutors, propelling students from 13-18 to academic success through rigorous and stimulating curriculum at prestigious universities worldwide.

age icon 13-15 years old

time icon 2 weeks

book icon Weekly hours: 20

See Dates

Session Dates

Choose your preferred session from the options below and submit your details in order to complete your booking.

June - Day

Start 6/28/2026
End 7/11/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

June - Boarding

Start 6/28/2026
End 7/11/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

July - Day

Start 7/12/2026
End 7/25/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

July - Boarding

Start 7/12/2026
End 7/25/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

July - Day

Start 7/26/2026
End 8/8/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

July - Boarding

Start 7/26/2026
End 8/8/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

Course Description: Exceptional Summer Pre-College Creative Writing Program for Teenagers at Cambridge University Campus

✍️ Pre-College Creative Writing Summer Program

📍 Cambridge & Oxford Colleges | Ages 13–15

The Pre-College Creative Writing Summer Program is an award-winning academic summer school designed to expand your creativity, critical thinking, and writing skills while living in the historic colleges of Cambridge or Oxford. Over two weeks, you’ll study 30 hours of academic sessions, work on a Personal Project, and experience university-style learning in a supportive and inspiring environment.

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📚 Course Description

  • Combines creativity with precision, exploring the fundamentals of writing and literary expression.

  • Builds confidence through independent and group work.

  • Encourages you to develop practical skills in creating, editing, and sharing original writing.

  • Personal Project: write either a portfolio of creative works or a novella, presented on the final day. You’ll receive written and verbal feedback from your tutor, which is included in your final assessment.

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🔑 Sample Modules

  1. The Blank Page 📖
  • Overcome the fear of starting a creative project.

  • Use warm-up exercises, quick assignments, and inspiration from other writers.

  1. Character Creation 👥
  • Build memorable characters that live beyond the page.

  • Create CVs, family trees, and map relationship networks to shape conflict.

  1. Plot Mapping 🗺️
  • Develop tension points, turning points, and plot twists.

  • Connect plot with dialogue and character development.

  1. Written Portfolio ✍️
  • Write and refine your portfolio or novella.

  • Present a short written piece for tutor and peer feedback.

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🏛 Accommodation & Dining

  • 13 nights in a central Cambridge or Oxford college.

  • 🏰 Historic buildings, central locations, unique character (many over 500 years old; no air conditioning).

  • 🛏 Bedrooms:

  • Single occupancy (some twin rooms possible).

  • Shared bathrooms (1 per 4 students), gender-separated corridors.

  • Limited ensuite facilities available for additional needs (ensuite corridors may be mixed-gender).

  • 🍽 Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner included daily in historic dining halls.

  • 📶 Wi-Fi throughout all colleges.

  • 🔒 Secure, lockable rooms; housekeeping access for maintenance.

  • 👫 Requests for siblings/friends to stay near each other considered.

  • Dietary needs (medical or religious) fully accommodated with advance notice.

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🍽 Formal Hall Experience

  • Experience Formal Hall twice during your stay — a traditional candlelit dinner in a Cambridge/Oxford college dining hall.

  • ✨ A highlight of the programme where students dress up and dine in elegant surroundings.

  • 👔 So remember to bring some smart clothes for these occasions!

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🎉 Social & Cultural Activities

  • A diverse social programme led by friendly mentors, including:

  • 🚣 Punting on the River Cam

  • ⚽ Zorb football

  • 🎲 Games night

  • 🎥 Movie night

  • ❓ Quiz night

  • 🎤 Talent show

  • 🕵️ Murder mystery evening

  • 🏏 Croquet on college lawns

  • Activities help students build friendships with peers from around the world.

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🚌 Excursions

  • 🌟 Day trip to Oxford with guided tours.

  • 🏙 Optional day trip to London to see famous landmarks and enjoy shopping.

  • 🍰 Students who opt out of London are invited to afternoon tea in Cambridge.

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✈️ Travel & Arrival Details

  • 🕑 Arrival: Sunday between 2–5 pm (rooms ready by 3 pm). Registration and accommodation showings upon arrival.

  • 🚐 Heathrow Transfers: Shared, chaperoned service (£180 each way):

  • Departures on arrival Sunday: 11:00, 14:00, 17:00.

  • Return transfers on final Saturday: 07:00 & 12:00.

  • Pastoral team available at all Heathrow terminals.

  • 📦 Alternative arrival arrangements supported — details provided in the Welcome Pack.

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✅ What’s Included

  • 🏛 13 nights in a Cambridge or Oxford college.

  • 🍴 Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily.

  • 📚 30 hours of academic sessions.

  • 📖 Carefully designed study & lecture materials.

  • 👩‍🏫 Mentor programme & access to support resources.

  • 🎉 Full social activity programme.

  • 🚌 2 excursions (Oxford + London/afternoon tea).

  • 🍽 2 Formal Dinners (bring smart clothes!).

  • 🧾 Comprehensive summer school insurance.

  • 🎓 Graduation ceremony + certificate.

  • 📝 Detailed tutor evaluation.

  • 📔 Notebook & pen.

  • 📸 Mentor family photograph.

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💰 Pocket Money Advice

We recommend ~£80 per week for souvenirs and personal expenses. Banks and ATMs are available throughout Cambridge, and Visa/Mastercard widely accepted.

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