Creative Writing for High School Students at Cambridge University

Course Description: Creative Writing for High School Students at Cambridge University

Unleash Your Child's Imagination: Creative Writing Course for Aspiring Young Authors ✍️

Embark on a transformative journey into the world of storytelling with our Creative Writing course, tailored for passionate 16-17-year-olds eager to hone their writing skills. This immersive program not only nurtures creativity but also fosters personal growth, offering students the opportunity to craft compelling narratives while exploring the depths of their imagination. With expert mentorship and a focus on individual expression, your child will emerge with a refined writing style and newfound confidence. 🌟

🌈 Course Highlights

• Engaging Curriculum: Explore the art of writing through fiction, prose, and poetry. Students will learn how to build strong characters, captivating plotlines, and distinctive voices.

• Tailored Instruction: Our dynamic tutors adapt the course based on student interests, ensuring a fresh and relevant experience every session.

• Masterclass in Critical Thinking: Students will participate in a masterclass that enhances their analytical skills, preparing them for future academic challenges.

• Personal Reflection: Each participant will have the opportunity to track their progress and set new goals, promoting continuous improvement.

🧑‍🏫 Meet Our Inspiring Tutors

Your child's learning experience will be guided by a team of accomplished educators, each passionate about fostering a love for writing:

• David L: An MPhil graduate from the University of Oxford, David specializes in creative writing and philosophy. With a rich background in public policy and a transition to full-time writing, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom.

• Dr. Jane D: A PhD holder from the University of Leicester, Jane is an expert in twentieth-century literature and contemporary poetry. Her experience as an academic and mentor enriches the learning environment.

• Dr. Kieron W: With a DPhil in English Literature, Kieron is a published poet and teacher who has shared his work at notable literary venues. His passion for creative writing inspires students to explore their own poetic voices.

• Thomas H: A versatile author with a DPhil in History, Thomas has a multifaceted background in journalism and creative writing instruction, providing students with a diverse perspective on storytelling.

🏛️ Accommodation

Students will be accommodated at Sidney Sussex College, providing a comfortable and inspiring environment during their creative journey.

Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom �*

Students live and study in the historic city of Cambridge, home to more than 800 years of academic tradition. Known for its poets, scholars, and pioneering thinkers, Cambridge offers an inspiring environment where creativity and scholarship come together. Its libraries, colleges, and literary heritage make it the perfect setting for students who want to explore how literature reflects and shapes society.

Life in Cambridge 🏛️

Students stay in comfortable single or twin bedrooms depending on their tier selection. Cambridge accommodations offer shared social spaces, historic courtyards, and calm environments ideal for study and relaxation. Rooms are safe, welcoming, and staffed by on-course support teams who ensure the wellbeing of all students throughout their stay.

Meals and Catering 🍽️

Meals are provided on a half-board basis, including daily breakfast and dinner served either at the accommodation or at carefully selected local restaurants. Students purchase their own lunch. Dietary requirements and preferences are fully accommodated.

Certificates and Tutor Feedback �*

Every student receives a certificate of achievement, detailed written tutor feedback, and a personalised Letter of Recommendation to support future academic, school, or programme applications.

Airport Transfers ✈️

Transfers operate from London Heathrow Airport on official arrival and departure days and are included in the programme price. Staff are stationed at Heathrow between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to welcome students, coordinate transfers, and ensure a smooth arrival. Families are encouraged to book flights arriving before 3:00 PM so students can join the last transfer of the day.

What’s Included – Tier Overview ⭐

Plus A complete academic and residential experience with half-board meals, small seminars, workshops, and single or twin rooms with shared bathrooms. Includes scheduled Heathrow transfers.

Superior Includes all Plus features, with private ensuite accommodation, enhanced insurance, and greater flexibility for families.

Premier The premium option with concierge-selected rooms, platinum-level insurance, flexible arrival transfers, and a future coaching session for academic or university guidance.

🌍 Excursions to Enrich the Experience

Students will embark on unforgettable outings that blend history, culture, and inspiration:

• Westminster, London: Explore iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

• British Museum: Discover a diverse collection of historical artifacts spanning over 2 million years.

• Canterbury: Step back in time in this medieval city, home to the famous Canterbury Cathedral.

• Greenwich: Learn about navigation and exploration at the Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum.

• Warwick Castle: Experience the grandeur of this medieval fortress and witness live historical displays.

• Tower of London: Uncover the stories of this historic fortress, including its famed Crown Jewels.

• Portsmouth: Dive into maritime history at the historic dockyard and explore the Mary Rose Museum.

📅 Session Availability & Pricing

• 28 Jun - 11 Jul 2026: Non-residential – £5,495 | Plus (shared bathroom) – £6,995

• 5 Jul - 18 Jul 2026: Non-residential – £5,495 | Plus (shared bathroom) – £6,995 | Superior (private room and bathroom) – £7,995 | Premier (private room and bathroom) – £9,995

• 12 Jul - 25 Jul 2026: Non-residential – £5,495 | Plus (shared bathroom) – £6,995 | Superior (private room and bathroom) – £7,995 | Premier (private room and bathroom) – £9,995

• 19 Jul - 1 Aug 2026: Non-residential – £5,495 | Plus (shared bathroom) – £6,995 | Superior (private room and bathroom) – £7,995 | Premier (private room and bathroom) – £9,995

✨ A Transformative Experience Awaits

Enrolling your child in our Creative Writing course means investing in their future as a storyteller. With a focus on safety, support, and personal growth, your child will flourish in a nurturing environment surrounded by inspiring peers and expert mentors. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to ignite their passion for writing! Let them discover the power of their voice and the magic of storytelling. 🌟

Day Students / Non-Residential Schedule Overview 🌞

High school day students follow a structured and engaging daytime schedule, giving them the full academic and enrichment experience while returning home each evening. Each morning begins with drop-off between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM, followed by academic seminars, tutorial preparation, or study blocks. Sessions usually run until 12:30 PM, with short breaks built in so students can recharge and socialise. 📘☕

Afternoons offer a variety of activities designed to build confidence, broaden understanding, and inspire curiosity. Depending on the day, students may take part in goal-setting workshops, tutorial Q&A sessions, supervised study, city tours, enrichment activities, or reflection periods. These run from early afternoon until about 4:30–5:00 PM, giving students a balanced mix of academics and exploration. 🌿✨

In the early evening, students have dinner included, allowing them to enjoy meals with their peers in a relaxed, social environment. After dinner, students participate in optional or included evening activities such as welcome talks, group events, or socials, depending on the day. Pick-up usually takes place between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM, unless there is a special event like a celebratory dinner or end-of-week social, which may run slightly later. 🌙🎉

Arrival and Departure for Day Students 🚗

Parents or guardians are responsible for morning drop-off and evening pick-up within the designated windows shown on the weekly timetable.

Typical times are:

• Drop-off: 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

• Pick-up: 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM

On certain days (such as celebratory dinners or Friday socials), pick-up may be later, and families will be notified in advance. Staff are always present at the meeting points to welcome students, take attendance, and ensure safe handover at the end of the day. 📅🤝

What High School Day Students Receive 🎒

High school day students enjoy nearly all the same elements as residential students, including:

• Daily academic seminars in small groups

• Tutorial work and scheduled tutorial slots (Thursday or Friday depending on group)

• Guided study and supervised reflection time

• Masterclasses, Q&A sessions, 21st-century skills workshops (Week 2)

• City tours, enrichment sessions, and curriculum-building activities

• Participation in daytime excursions and college visits

• Dinner included each evening

• Access to tutors, study support, learning spaces, and programme staff

The only elements not included for day students are:

🛏️ Accommodation

🍳 Breakfast

✈️ Airport transfers

🛡️ Insurance

Weekly Structure at a Glance 📘

Week 1

Students begin with orientation, academic seminars, goal-setting activities, and hands-on tutorials. The week includes a city tour, afternoon study blocks, enrichment time, and evening events such as the welcome talk and a celebratory dinner.

Wednesday is an optional (“opt-out”) day, where students may choose not to attend the independent study and curriculum enrichment running from 9 AM–7 PM.

Week 2

Students take part in advanced study sessions, 21st-century skills masterclasses, tutorials, enrichment activities, and (in Oxford) a university fair. The week builds toward graduation on Friday afternoon, followed by optional events such as a formal dinner or campus social (“bop”). 🎓✨

Across both weeks, the schedule balances academic challenge, exploration, and social connection — designed specifically for high school learners developing independence and preparing for future study. 🌟🏫