Summer schools
We provide week-long opportunities for young people, local to us, to get a flavour of work, study and life in a physics department. These summer schools are longer-term events that are designed to allow students to explore physics-related careers and the next steps for continuing to pursue their passion for physics. The summer schools are run in place of work experience for local students, and students present their work to their peers at the end of the week in a poster presentation.
Typically there are two parallel summer schools:
- Year 12 Physics Summer School: We run a week of summer placements to give local A-level (or equivalent) students a taster of life in a physics department. The placements provide experience of working in research, as well as other professions and support services within the department, including technical, outreach, enterprise and communications. During the week students work on a project and also take part in a central programme of activities such as departmental tours, career talks and sample lectures. Two example physics themes that were explored in 2025 were climate physics and particle physics.
- Year 12 NQCC Quantum Experience Summer School: We run a parallel summer school to give local A-level (or equivalent) students a taster of life as a quantum physicist. The placements include quantum physics tutorials, theoretical and experimental, some coding experience, and visits to local quantum technology companies. Students get first-hand lab experience with researchers in this cutting edge field and meet other like minded students. There is introductory work for the students in advance of the event. The Year 12 Quantum Experience Summer School has been made possible by generous support from the NQCC (The National Quantum Computing Centre).
Summer schools 2026
We are running a reduced programme in 2026 due to the refurbishment of our undergraduate laboratories.
We can accommodate around 13 people this year across quantum and particle physics.
Summer school dates for 2026
The summer school will take place Mon 20 - Fri 24 July 2026, from 9am - 5pm each day. Students are expected to attend every day for the full week, if they accept the offer of a placement.
Eligibility for the summer schools
The summer schools are open to students who are:
- currently in Y12 (for academic year 25-26)
- attending a non-fee-paying school
- living in Oxfordshire, Berkshire or Buckinghamshire.
Priority is given to young people whose enthusiasm aligns with the specific projects and who look to benefit the most from the experience. Information about how we prioritise students can be found here.
Once you have applied, we will let you know whether you have been successful, and will offer you a placement on one of the summer schools.
If you have any questions about the programme, please email us via engage@physics.ox.ac.uk.
Further details
We are unable to provide or organise either transport or accommodation for those accepted on the summer schools. However, we do not want finance to be a barrier to participation for local students, so we have some small bursaries available to cover local transport, e.g. local buses. We will provide details of how to claim this to students who are successful in gaining a place on the programmes.
Applications
Applications are now open. Apply here.
- The application deadline is Wednesday 17 June 2026 at 9pm
- We will inform you about the outcome of your application by Mon 22 June 2026.
- You will then have until the Fri 26 June 2026 to confirm your place.
News stories
Our 2022 Summer School ran 1st - 5th August 2022. You can read about it here.
Our 2024 Summer School ran 29th July - 2nd August 2024. You can read about it here
UNIQ Summer School (Year 12)
UNIQ is an exciting programme for Year 12 students across the UK who are interested in applying to Oxford. Participants get to know Oxford undergraduates and work with our academics. They experience a taster of university life, attending lectures, tackling problem sheets and doing experience in the teaching labs. UNIQ is open to students attending UK state schools and selection considers students’ school grades and their socio economic and educational background. Most UNIQ students decide to apply to Oxford and also get help to prepare for admissions tests and interviews. To find out more, and apply for UNIQ visit the UNIQ webpage here (the deadline for applications to the programme is in January).
Other Work Experience Opportunities
You may be also interested in the work experience opportunities offered by:
The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory