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Enrol in Your Future

Powered by the latest academic research, we cultivate extraordinary learning experiences that combine a vibrant university-style environment with real-world career challenges.

Our immersive programmes give young people with big dreams the clarity and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.

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The #1 Rated Summer School in Europe

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The Oxford Scholastica Story

Since 2013, our award winning programmes have empowered young people to seize the future.

We have welcomed bright students from around the globe for more than a decade, giving them the edge to help them succeed, find their purpose and make a difference in the world.

We’re proud to be accredited by the British Accreditation Council for our high education and pastoral standards, to have received the first King’s Award from King Charles III at Buckingham Palace and to be rated the number one academic summer school in Europe.

Our Purpose

Every Great Journey Starts with Optimism

The world has never been so alive with possibility. Opportunities we once thought inconceivable are now right in front of us. We see this every day in medicine, technology, science, law, engineering and other rapidly emerging fields.

Our students are excited for the future - yet face uncertainty in a world of exam pressures, social media comparison, climate change, misinformation and political upheaval. We help students see the path ahead with resolve and optimism, giving them the tools to thrive in this ever-changing environment.

We teach young people how to think actively, critically and for the long-term. Here, they’ll develop a strong sense of independence and learn how to write their own story, while also learning the value of collaboration and community. All while pushing the boundaries of their academic potential.

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Our Teaching Philosophy

We've welcomed thousands of students to our academic programmes. Over the years, we've honed our unique teaching philosophy:

LEARN: Deepen Your Subject Knowledge
Learning at Oxford Scholastica is not like school - we'll deepen your subject knowledge through engaging classes and Masterclasses. Your expert tutors will help you to build a solid foundation of knowledge, while encouraging critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.
SEE: Be Inspired by Industry Experts
Meet inspirational tutors, mentors and Heroes who will give you practical insights into what a career in your chosen field is truly like, offering valuable advice based on their real-world experience.
DO: Tackle Real-World Challenges
Apply theory to practice through hands-on activities, problem-solving and academic challenges, gaining experience and developing essential skills for future success.

Our Leadership Team

The leadership team, headed up by husband and wife Jamie and Sophie Dear, have many years’ experience of running education programmes and are passionate about the care Oxford Scholastica gives to every student.

Jamie Dear

Co-Director

Jamie, our Co-Director, has founded and led education ventures for the past 20 years, with fifteen years’ experience running summer schools. After studying at Oxford University, he founded OxFizz, a social enterprise helping students with university preparation, with profits going to charities (over £1m raised). He’s the former chair of Jacari, an Oxford University charity that provides free tutoring to children who don’t speak English as their first language.

Sophie Dear

Co-Director

Sophie is a consultant doctor who completed her medical training at Oxford University. She’s the founder of Psyched Up for Medical School, a programme that inspires and supports students interested in psychiatry with structured work experience opportunities. Sophie is part of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Leadership and Management Fellowship scheme and has run Oxford Scholastica with her husband Jamie for the past twelve years.

Lavinia Abell

Co-Director

Lavinia is our Co-Director, and she oversees the smooth running of the Oxford Scholastica residential and online programmes. Lavinia studied Classics at Jesus College, Cambridge University, and has been on the Oxford Scholastica team since 2016. She’s a former Trustee of  the charity Oxfordshire Youth and currently sits on the board of governors of a family of independent schools located in her home city of Cambridge.

Joanna Cruse

Strategy Consultant

Jo is our Strategy Consultant and a former teacher at one of the UK’s leading schools, where she was also a university admissions advisor. With senior leadership experience in a variety of education organisations, Jo is passionate about enabling young people to thrive. She’s a member of the Founders4Schools Educational Impact Council and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. She has been part of Oxford Scholastica since 2015.

Stephanie Lester

Head of Admissions

Stephanie is our Head of Admissions and is responsible for looking after our students and parents before, during and after their programmes with us, making sure they have the most memorable and impactful educational experience of their lives. She studied Communications in South Africa and has experience in higher education institutions. She is passionate about going above and beyond to ensure every student is well taken care of.

Michael Irvine

Head of Marketing

Michael is our Head of Marketing, based in Toronto, Canada. He studied Economics and Management at St Peter’s College, Oxford University, graduating in 2010. Throughout his 10+ year career in marketing, Michael has helped mission-oriented organisations to grow through smart branding, messaging, advertising and automation. He hopes to inspire the next generation of leaders by helping people learn to think critically.

Connie Begg

Operations & Project Management

Connie oversees the operations and project management of Oxford Scholastica. Connie finished her law degree at the University of Cambridge in 2022 and has been on the Oxford Scholastica Academy team ever since. Connie is an avid eventer and was the captain of the Cambridge University Equestrian Team.

Charlotte Rice

Student Experience & Marketing

Charlotte studied Media, Journalism and Publishing at Oxford Brookes University and has been on the Oxford Scholastica Academy team since 2023, making sure all our students and parents are well looked after. She loves writing, travelling and going for long walks while listening to podcasts.