Exceptional Pre-College Chemistry Program for High Schoolers at Cambridge University
Chemistryactivity
University of Cambridge Campus, UK

Exceptional Summer Pre-College Chemistry Program for High Schoolers at Cambridge University Campus

age icon 16-18 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 Chemistry Program for High Schoolers at Cambridge University Campus

🧪 Pre-College Chemistry Summer Program (Ages 16–18)

Location: Cambridge University Colleges

***

📌 Key Facts

  • Age Group: 16–18 years

  • Duration: 2 weeks (13 nights)

  • Academic Hours: 30 hours of Chemistry tutorials

  • Average Class Size: 7 students (max 12)

  • Tutors: Oxford, Cambridge & Harvard academics

  • Personal Project: Research, presentation & class discussion

  • Workshops: Future & Academic Skills (e.g., personal branding, interview skills, academic writing)

  • Accommodation: Single study bedrooms in Cambridge colleges (shared bathrooms, limited ensuite)

  • Meals: Breakfast & dinner included daily

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

  • Excursions: Oxford day trip + optional London visit (or Cambridge afternoon tea)

  • Pocket Money Recommendation: £80 per week (for lunch + souvenirs)

  • Transfer Service: London Heathrow, £180 each way

  • English Requirement: Upper-intermediate (B2)

***

📖 Course Description

Explore the bonding patterns of atoms and molecules, thermodynamics of reactions, and modern frontiers such as nanotechnology and sustainable chemistry — all in the historic setting of Cambridge University.

This program allows students to move beyond theoretical learning, with hands-on experiences, personal projects, and interactive workshops.

Cambridge has produced over 20 Nobel Prize winners in Chemistry — and you could be inspired to become the 21st. You’ll even step into history by studying near the Cavendish Laboratory, where discoveries like splitting the atom and unravelling DNA changed science forever.

***

🎓 Academic Experience

  • Small-group tutorials with leading academics.

  • Develop critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills.

  • Collaborate with peers from around the world.

  • Gain university-style learning experience with direct feedback.

***

🛠 Academic Skills Workshops

Alongside Chemistry tutorials, you’ll join Future & Academic Skills Workshops designed to prepare you for higher education and career paths. Topics include:

  • Academic writing & research methods ✍️

  • Personal branding & interview skills 🎤

  • Study productivity & time management ⏳

  • 21st Century Technology Skills 💻

***

📝 Sample Modules

Module 1: Atomic Structure & Periodicity

  • Trace models of the atom: Thompson, Rutherford & Bohr.

  • Understand the mole concept for chemical calculations.

  • Analyze trends in the modern periodic table.

Module 2: Thermodynamics

  • Explore the 1st & 2nd Laws of Thermodynamics.

  • Study enthalpy, entropy, Hess’s Law & reaction spontaneity.

  • Apply energy concepts to chemical reactions.

Module 3: Compounds, Hybridisation & VSEPR Theory

  • Predict covalent bonding with Lewis structures.

  • Understand molecular orbital theory & hybridisation.

  • Use VSEPR to model 3D molecular structures.

Module 4: Personal Project

  • Research a chosen Chemistry topic.

  • Present findings to peers in a mini-symposium.

  • Develop academic presentation & research skills.

***

🏛 Accommodation & Meals

  • Stay in historic Cambridge University colleges (buildings over 500 years old).

  • Rooms: Single bedrooms, shared bathrooms (1 per 4 students). Limited ensuite available (priority for additional needs).

  • Meals: Breakfast & dinner daily in college halls.

  • Formal Hall Dinners: 2 candlelit banquets in Cambridge dining halls (👔 bring smart clothes).

  • Wi-Fi access throughout.

  • All dietary, medical & religious needs accommodated.

***

🎭 Social Activities & Excursions

Outside of class, enjoy a full social calendar led by Cambridge mentors:

  • Punting on the River Cam 🚣

  • Zorb football ⚽

  • Quiz night ❓, games night 🎲, movie night 🎬

  • Talent show 🎤 & murder mystery night 🕵️

Excursions:

  • Day trip to Oxford University.

  • Optional day in London (sightseeing + shopping).

  • Alternative: Afternoon tea in Cambridge.

***

✈️ Arrival & Transfers

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

  • Heathrow Transfers:

  • Chaperoned service from Terminal 3.

  • Departures at 11:00, 14:00, and 17:00.

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

  • Cost: £180 each way.

  • Alternative Travel: Details provided in Welcome Pack after enrolment.

***

💷 Fees & Pocket Money

  • Transfer Fee: £180 each way.

  • Pocket Money: £80 per week (for lunch + souvenirs).

  • ATMs available; Visa & Mastercard widely accepted.

***

✅ What’s Included

  • 13 nights’ accommodation in Cambridge colleges.

  • Breakfast & dinner daily.

  • 30 hours of Chemistry tutorials with Oxford/Cambridge tutors.

  • Study materials.

  • Personal research project & presentation.

  • Future & Academic Skills workshops.

  • 2 formal candlelit dinners.

  • Full social program & excursions.

  • Graduation ceremony & certificate.

  • Tutor’s detailed written evaluation.

  • Comprehensive summer school insurance.

  • Notebook & pen.

  • Mentor family photograph.

***

✨ The Cambridge Chemistry Summer Program combines academic excellence, historic tradition, and hands-on science exploration. From thermodynamics to nanotech, and from Nobel Prize heritage to modern labs — this is where future scientists begin to bond.

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 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: Atomic Structure and Periodicity

  • Discuss earlier atomic structure models: Thompson, Rutherford, Bohr
  • Learn about the mole concept for chemical calculations
  • Analyze the modern periodic table and its trends

Module 2: Thermodynamics

  • Introduce 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics
  • Discuss enthalpies, entropies of chemical reactions, and Hess’s law
  • Explore concepts of spontaneous and nonspontaneous reactions

Module 3: Compounds, Hybridisation, and VSEPR Theory

  • Learn Lewis structures for covalent bonding predictions
  • Study molecular orbital theory and hybridisation
  • Use VSEPR theory for determining molecular structures

Module 4: Personal Project

  • Work on a personal research project throughout the fortnight
  • Prepare and present a topic related to the learned theory
  • Engage in class discussion and respond to audience questions

Sample timetable Academic insights 2024

Sample Tutors

Kimberly B:

  • PhD researcher in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge, having previously been a lecturer at the University of Calgary.

  • Research involves autonomous robotics, biomechanics and the self-assembly and structure of carbonaceous nanoparticles.

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 lunch each day, plus 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!