Exceptional Pre-College Biology Program for High Schoolers at Cambridge University
Biology tutor & students
University of Cambridge Campus, UK

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

🧬 Cambridge Biology Summer Program (Ages 16–18)

Location: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

***

📌 Key Facts

  • Age Group: 16–18 years

  • Duration: 2 weeks (13 nights)

  • Academic Hours: 30 hours of Biology tutorials & workshops

  • Average Class Size: 7 students (max 12)

  • Tutors: Oxford, Cambridge & Harvard academics

  • Personal Project: Presentation or essay on biological research impact

  • 1:1 Tutorials: Tailored academic support and feedback

  • Academic Skills Workshops: University prep + future skills

  • Accommodation: Single bedrooms with shared bathrooms (1 per 4). Limited ensuite.

  • Meals: Breakfast & dinner daily, plus 2 Formal Hall dinners (👔 bring smart clothes!)

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

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

  • Transfer Service: Heathrow Airport, £180 each way

  • English Requirement: Upper-intermediate (B2)

***

📖 Course Description

If you are fascinated by laboratory work, biological discoveries, and the elements of life in every creature—or if you’re considering a career in biology—this program is for you.

In small classes taught by Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard academics, you’ll:

  • Explore biology at an advanced, university-style level.

  • Gain hands-on experience applying theory in practical contexts.

  • Dive deeper into cell theory, bioinformatics, and macromolecules of life.

  • Debate challenges such as the RNA world hypothesis and the origins of life.

  • Complete a personal research project to refine your academic writing and presentation skills.

Put on your lab coat 🥼 and get ready to dissect your future as the scientists of tomorrow!

***

🎓 Academic Skills Workshops

Alongside subject study, you’ll take part in Future & Academic Skills Workshops designed to:

  • Strengthen study techniques 📝

  • Build university-level research & writing skills 📚

  • Improve personal branding & interview confidence 💼

  • Explore productivity hacks & presentation delivery 🎤

  • Equip you with 21st-century academic and career tools 🎯

***

📝 Sample Modules

Module 1: Macromolecules of Life

  • Study proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

  • Understand biological membranes, transport, and cell signaling.

  • Discover how polymeric structures are built from simpler units.

Module 2: Cell Theory & Cell Structure

  • Learn about pioneers of microscopy (Hooke & Leeuwenhoek).

  • Review prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells.

  • Explore cell organelles and their functions.

Module 3: Principles of Bioinformatics

  • Discover the role of bioinformatics in life sciences.

  • Learn how genome mapping transformed molecular medicine.

  • Explore biology’s intersection with math, computer science, and statistics.

Module 4: Advances in Biological Research & Society

  • Improve scientific writing through essays/presentations.

  • Investigate how biology impacts health, medicine, and the future.

***

🏛 Accommodation & Meals

  • Stay in historic Cambridge colleges, many over 500 years old.

  • Rooms: Single occupancy bedrooms with shared bathrooms (1 per 4).

  • Limited ensuite available for participants with additional needs.

  • Separate male/female corridors (except ensuite).

  • Wi-Fi available throughout.

  • Meals: Breakfast & dinner daily in college halls.

  • Formal Hall Dinners: 2 traditional candlelit meals in different colleges (👔 smart clothes required).

  • All dietary, medical, and religious requirements are catered for.

***

🎭 Social Activities & Excursions

Enjoy a diverse social calendar led by mentors (Oxbridge undergraduates), including:

  • Punting on the River Cam 🚣

  • Zorb football ⚽

  • Murder mystery night 🕵️

  • Games night 🎲

  • Movie night 🎬

  • Quiz night ❓

  • Talent show 🎤

Excursions:

  • Day trip to Oxford University & colleges.

  • Optional London visit (landmarks & shopping).

  • Or, traditional afternoon tea in Cambridge 🍵.

***

✈️ Arrival & Transfers

  • Arrival Day: Sunday, 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 the final Saturday.

  • Cost: £180 each way.

  • Alternative Arrivals: Full details in Welcome Pack.

***

💷 Fees & Pocket Money

  • Transfer Fee: £180 each way.

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

  • ATMs available; Visa & Mastercard accepted.

***

✅ What’s Included

  • 13 nights in a Cambridge college.

  • Breakfast & dinner daily.

  • 30 hours of Biology tutorials with expert academics.

  • Carefully designed study materials.

  • Mentor support program.

  • 1:1 academic tutorials + written evaluation.

  • Academic & Future Skills Workshops.

  • 2 Formal Hall dinners (👔 smart clothes required).

  • Full mentor-led social program.

  • Excursions: Oxford day trip + London (or Cambridge tea).

  • Comprehensive summer school insurance.

  • Graduation ceremony & certificate.

  • Notebook & pen.

  • Mentor family photograph.

***

✨ The Cambridge Biology Summer Program (Ages 16–18) gives you the chance to dissect your passion for life sciences, experience world-class teaching, and live like a Cambridge student—all while preparing for your academic future.

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: Macromolecules Of Life

  • Examine key biological macromolecules and their roles in living systems
  • Learn about biological membranes, membrane transport, cell signaling, cell-cell recognition
  • Introduction to proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids

Module 2: Cell Theory And Cell Structure

  • Explore early microscopy pioneers and the development of Cell Theory
  • Review differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
  • Examine roles and functions of cell organelles in eukaryotic cells

Module 3: Principles Of Bioinformatics

  • Understand the significance of bioinformatics in life sciences
  • Interdisciplinary approach of biology, mathematics, computer science, statistics
  • Insights into human genome mapping and implications for molecular medicine

Module 4: How Will Advances In Biological Research Impact Upon Society?

  • Improve scientific writing skills through presentations or essays
  • Discuss the impact of biological research on society

Sample timetable Academic insights 2024

Sample Tutors

Dr. Saroj Velamakanni:

  • Dr. Saroj Velamakanni is a Cambridge educated scientist, researcher and entrepreneur.

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

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