English Literature for High School Students at Cambridge University

Course Description: English Literature for High School Students at Cambridge University

English Literature – Cambridge

Discover how stories shape the world, explore iconic texts, and develop the ability to interpret literature with depth and confidence — all in the academic setting of Cambridge. 📚✨

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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.

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Academics 📘

This programme is designed for 16–17-year-olds who want to deepen their understanding of literature and develop strong analytical, interpretive, and critical reading skills. Students explore a range of texts — from Romantic poetry to contemporary fiction — learning how each work reflects its context and communicates meaning. Lessons adapt to the group’s interests, ensuring that discussions feel relevant, engaging, and thought-provoking.

Teaching follows an Oxford- and Cambridge-style tutorial approach. Students learn through small seminar groups of up to eight and complete two pieces of independent work, usually essays or analytical assignments. These are later discussed in 1:1 or 2:1 tutorials, where tutors guide students’ reasoning, challenge their interpretations, and help them sharpen their writing. The programme also includes seminar debates, a critical-thinking masterclass, Q&A discussions, a goal-setting reflection session, and a visit to a university fair.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Tutors 👩‍🏫

Students are taught by passionate and highly qualified mentors, including:

Dr. Amanda H – A Cambridge-trained scholar with a DPhil in Chaucer’s Poetics. She specialises in Medieval English literature and poetry anthologies, guiding students through rich literary traditions while encouraging original thinking and interpretation.

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Excursions 🗺️

Students take part in cultural and historical excursions that enrich their understanding of literature, history, and storytelling, including visits to:

• Westminster and central London

• British Museum

• Canterbury and its cathedral

• Greenwich and the Royal Observatory

• Warwick Castle

• Tower of London

• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

• The Mary Rose Museum

These trips connect students to the wider cultural contexts that shape many classic literary works.

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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.

Students arriving through other UK airports will need to arrange private transport to Cambridge. Guidance on suitable travel options is available to support families in planning their journey.

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Sessions and Pricing (Summer 2026) 💷

Each programme runs for two weeks, with multiple sessions available.

28 June – 11 July

Non-Residential: £5,495 | Plus (shared bathroom): £6,995

5 July – 18 July

Non-Residential: £5,495 | Plus (shared bathroom): £6,995 | Superior (private room): £7,995 | Premier (private room): £9,995

12 July – 25 July

Non-Residential: £5,495 | Plus (shared bathroom): £6,995 | Superior: £7,995 | Premier: £9,995

19 July – 1 August

Non-Residential: £5,495 | Plus (shared bathroom): £6,995 | Superior: £7,995 | Premier: £9,995

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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.

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. 🌟🏫