Exceptional Pre-College Physics Program for Teenagers at Cambridge University
Queen_s college cambridge (3)
University of Cambridge Campus, UK

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

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 Physics Program for Teenagers at Cambridge University Campus

⚛️ Pre-College Physics Summer Program (Ages 13–15)

Location: Cambridge University Colleges

***

📌 Key Facts

  • Age Group: 13–15 years old

  • Duration: 2 weeks (13 nights)

  • Academic Hours: 30 hours of physics tutorials

  • Average Class Size: 7 students (max 12)

  • Tutors: Oxford, Cambridge & Harvard academics

  • Accommodation: Single or twin study bedrooms in Cambridge colleges

  • Meals: Breakfast & dinner included daily (lunch provided on excursions)

  • Special Feature: 2 Formal Dinners (👔 bring smart clothes!)

  • Pocket Money Recommendation: £80 per week

  • Transfer Service: London Heathrow, £180 each way

***

📖 Course Description

This fantastic Physics Summer Camp in Cambridge University is the perfect gateway for ambitious 13, 14, and 15-year-olds who want to deepen their passion for science.

The Pre-University Physics Program builds on what students already know from school and pushes them further — helping them:

  • Explore university-level physics concepts.

  • Develop independent thinking and research skills.

  • Understand the wide range of degree pathways and careers related to physics.

By the end, you’ll have gained a strong foundation in physics and the confidence to pursue your academic goals further.

***

🎓 Academic Experience

  • 30 hours of expert-led teaching in small groups (average 7 students).

  • Taught by world-class academics from Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard.

  • Tutors vetted for excellence, enthusiasm, and supportive teaching.

  • Learn in an inspiring Cambridge college setting.

***

🛠 Academic Skills Workshops

Alongside core physics sessions, you’ll take part in workshops designed to:

  • Boost confidence in presentations, debates, and research.

  • Improve study skills for high school & beyond.

  • Prepare for university-style learning.

Past workshop themes:

  • Productivity Tips for Students

  • 21st-Century Technology Skills

  • Critical Thinking & Academic Writing

***

📝 Sample Modules

Module 1: Classical Mechanics

  • Extend high school mechanics into complex kinematics.

  • Explore Newton’s contributions, directly tied to Cambridge history.

Module 2: Wave Phenomena

  • Study energy propagation in different wave types.

  • Understand waves in physics beyond water examples.

Module 3: Electronic Engineering

  • Introduction to circuits, sensors, and communications.

  • Explore digital systems, fibre optics, and mobile tech.

Module 4: Optics

  • Study light, lenses, and optical instruments.

  • Understand how telescopes and microscopes function.

Module 5: Electricity & Magnetism

  • Explore the physics behind the Industrial Revolution.

  • Learn how electricity made the “impossible” possible.

Module 6: Thermodynamics & States of Matter

  • Study solids, liquids, and gases.

  • Explore energy transfer and material properties.

Module 7: Atoms, Nuclei & Elementary Particles

  • Understand the building blocks of matter.

  • Explore nature’s underlying symmetries.

Module 8: Quantum Mechanics

  • Discover wave-particle duality.

  • Learn why Newton’s laws don’t work at the atomic level.

***

🎭 Activities & Excursions

The fun doesn’t stop in the classroom!

  • On-Campus Activities:

  • Punting on the River Cam

  • Zorb football

  • Games night, quiz night & movie night

  • Talent show & murder mystery evening

  • Excursions:

  • Day trip to Oxford and its historic colleges.

  • Optional full-day trip to London (sightseeing & shopping).

  • If not joining London, enjoy traditional afternoon tea in Cambridge.

All activities are led by our friendly mentors, whose job is to make sure you have fun and feel supported.

***

🎩 Formal Hall (Highlight!)

Experience two traditional candlelit formal dinners in Cambridge college dining halls.

  • A unique chance to dine like real Cambridge undergraduates.

  • Dress code applies: 👔 remember to bring some smart clothes!

***

🏛 Accommodation & Meals

  • Stay in historic Cambridge colleges (many over 500 years old!).

  • Rooms:

  • Single bedrooms (some twin).

  • Shared bathrooms (1 per 4 students).

  • Limited ensuite options (priority for medical needs).

  • Meals:

  • Breakfast & dinner daily in College Hall.

  • Lunch provided during excursions.

  • All dietary & religious requirements catered for with advance notice.

  • Wi-Fi available throughout.

***

✈️ Transport & Arrival

  • Arrival Day: Sunday, between 2–5 pm (rooms ready by 3 pm).

  • London Heathrow Transfer:

  • Escorted transfer from Terminal 3.

  • Departure times: 11:00, 14:00, 17:00.

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

  • Cost: £180 each way.

  • Details for alternative arrivals provided in your Welcome Pack.

***

💷 Fees & Pocket Money

  • Transfer Fee: £180 each way.

  • Recommended Pocket Money: £80 per week (for shopping & extras).

  • ATMs widely available, Visa & Mastercard accepted.

***

✅ What’s Included

  • 13 nights’ accommodation in a Cambridge University college.

  • Breakfast & dinner daily.

  • 30 hours of academic sessions with world-class tutors.

  • Carefully designed study materials.

  • Mentor program & wellbeing support.

  • 2 formal candlelit dinners.

  • All excursions (Oxford, punting, croquet, etc.).

  • Optional London day trip.

  • Comprehensive summer school insurance.

  • Graduation ceremony & certificate.

  • Detailed tutor evaluation.

  • Notebook & pen.

  • Mentor family photograph.

***

✨ This program combines serious academic enrichment with unforgettable cultural experiences — the perfect launchpad into future physics studies!

Activities

  • Outside of lessons, enjoy a busy and diverse social program including punting on the River Cam, zorb football, games night, movie night, quiz night, talent show and a murder mystery night at the college.
  • All activities and excursions are led by our team of friendly mentors, dedicated to maximizing your enjoyment.

Accommodations

  • College allocation based on dates and subject choice, assigned a few weeks before arrival.

  • All colleges are central, historical, with unique culture and character.

  • Accommodations designed for study, not luxury; many buildings over 500 years old, no air conditioning.

  • Accommodation requests for friends/siblings considered where possible.

  • Separate male and female accommodations in each college; wi-fi available throughout.

  • Single or twin occupancy rooms with shared bathrooms (one per four participants); some ensuite facilities available, prioritized for additional needs.

  • Mixed-gender corridors for ensuite facilities; gender-separated corridors for shared bathrooms.

  • Welcome Pack includes possible college details for program dates.

  • Rooms secured with locks, housekeeping access for maintenance.

  • Breakfast and dinner included on campus

  • Host venues accommodate all dietary requirements, special attention to religious observances and medical needs (Please let us know if you need to follow any particular religious observances or have any medical requirements that we need to know about.)

  • As a student, you will experience formal dinner three times during your stay: once per week in Cambridge and at an Oxford University college on the excursion day, making formal hall a memorable occasion, so remember to bring some smart clothes!

Excursions

  • Two excursions offered: a day trip to visit Oxford and its colleges, and an optional day out in London to see famous landmarks and enjoy shopping.
  • If you opt out of the London trip, you're invited to afternoon tea in Cambridge.

Transportation

  • Arrival Time: Participants should arrive between 2 pm and 5 pm on the first Sunday of the program, with registration and accommodation showings upon arrival (accommodation ready by 3 pm).

  • London Heathrow Airport Transfers: Shared airport transfer service available from Heathrow Terminal 3 directly to Cambridge/Oxford colleges. Pastoral team to meet participants at any Heathrow terminal and escort to Terminal 3.

  • Transfer departures at 11:00, 14:00, and 17:00 on arrival Sunday; return transfers to London Heathrow Airport depart at 07:00 and 12:00 on the final Saturday.

  • Transfer Fee: Available for booking post-enrollment at £180 each way.

  • Detailed information is provided closer to the program date, including contact numbers.

  • Alternative Arrivals: For those arriving at different airports or by other means, details are in the Welcome Pack sent after enrolment confirmation.

Lesson Plan

  • 40 hours of academic sessions from Oxford University and Cambridge University tutors
  • Carefully designed study and lecture materials
  • Mentor program and access to support material

Academic Skills Workshops:

  • Unlock participants’ potential, giving them the tools to prepare for the next steps of their education and future goals.
  • Focus on enhancing study skills
  • Support for university-level learning
  • Diverse and enriching range of topics – past examples have ranged from ‘Productivity tips’ to ’21st Century Technology Skills’.
  • Unique learning experience outside traditional schools

Sample Modules:

Module 1: Classical Mechanics

  • Study movement of objects, extending high school mechanics to complex kinematics
  • Explore the contribution of Sir Isaac Newton and the University of Cambridge

Module 2: Wave Phenomena

  • Understand energy or matter propagation through wave evolution
  • Study physical processes involving waves, beyond the common water wave example

Module 3: Electronic Engineering

  • Learn the basics of electronic engineering, covering digital circuits, sensors, telecommunications
  • Introduction to electronic components and systems

Module 4: Optics

  • Explore the study of light as a wave and its applications
  • Understand how light travels through mirrors, lenses, and optical apparatus

Module 5: Electricity and Magnetism

  • Study the impact of electricity and magnetism post-Industrial Revolution
  • Explore the era of technological advancements with electricity

Module 6: Thermodynamics and States of Matter

  • Learn about different states of matter: gas, liquid, and solid
  • Study the properties and behaviors of various matter states

Module 7: Atoms-Nuclei and Elementary Particles

  • Examine the fundamental components of matter
  • Explore the concept of symmetry in nature and its role in physics

Module 8: Quantum Mechanics

  • Delve into quantum mechanics and wave-particle duality
  • Study the behavior of small objects like electrons and the properties of light

Sample timetable Academic insights 2024

Sample Tutors

Saul J:

  • Post Doctoral Research Associate between the departments of Physics and Engineering at the University of Cambridge.

  • Teaching Physics to undergraduates at Cambridge University since 2015, and bases his teaching work on a core philosophy of training logic, intuition and true physical understanding of material systems.

Guest Speakers from Previous Summers:

  • Abi Oyepitan - Former Olympian: A two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Gold and Silver winning track and field athlete.

  • Dr Lynda Shaw - Neuroscientist & entrepreneur: A journey in personal development - how to create your own set of tools to fast track success

  • Dr Nigel Warburton - Philosopher, author & journalist: How do great people find answers to deep and meaningful questions?​​

Extras

  • Transfer Fee: £180 each way.

  • Pocket Money Advice: Money we recommend that participants bring £80 per week to cover any souvenirs that they may wish to purchase. Various banks and ATMs are available throughout Cambridge, and Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

Security

  • This program is accredited by British Accreditation Council (BAC)

  • Meets global standards for academic provision and student welfare

  • Top priority for participant safety

  • Staff undergo enhanced background checks and safeguarding training

  • Participants assigned to a “Mentor Family” of 10 students

  • Mentors offer support, advice, and share their experiences

  • School management and supervision is managed by senior, experienced College Managers in Cambridge, Oxford, London, and Sydney

  • College Managers trained to Level 3 Safeguarding standards

  • Resident summer team and college personnel supervise sites 24/7

  • Encourage student independence within safe boundaries

  • Team supervision ensures safe and rewarding experience

Requirements

  • This program is designed for students with at least an upper-intermediate level of English (B2). If you are unsure if you meet this requirement, please contact with our advisor.

Video

Watch the video to have a sneak peek for your child’s adventures!

Do you need help?

Can't find what you're looking for? That's okay. Our advisors are here to help 😊 You can schedule a Zoom call or message our advisors for free guidance!