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Adventure Programmes Ages 10-14

Camp Headington, Oxford

LEARNING INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Where STEM meets Adventure. Camp Headington is an action-packed summer experience, combining hands-on STEM with outdoor adventure. Students investigate big questions, build and test their ideas, take on team challenges and head outdoors for experiences that turn science and engineering into something they can see, make and do.

Enquire & check availability Enrol Now
  • English Language Development
  • Greater Independence
  • Practical Hands-on Learning

At a glance

Fees from
£4,295 2-wk residential · Day Programme £2,995
Ages
10-14 Adventure Programmes tier
Start dates
28th June & 12th July Two-week sessions, 2027
Class size
15 Max Students per class
English level
A2+ Minimum English level to enrol
Academic hours
15 hrs Lessons per week
Location
Oxford Headington Prep

What’s included: tuition, accommodation (residential option), meals, excursions, social programme, student report, certificate and student insurance. Transfer service available for an additional fee.

Sample Timetable

Trustpilot
Laughing-smiling-SBC-Headington-girls-talking-in-lesson-
SBC-Headington-female-student-doing-time-to-shine-presentation
three-sbc-students-smiling-wearing-headphones
two-SBC-Headington-students-working-together-on-project-

Courses

Wild Science

Link

Excursions

London Science Museum

Oxford Outdoor Adventure Day

Raftbuilding Challenge

Activities

Arts & Crafts

Badminton

Basketball

Camp Quest

Combat Archery

Cricket

Dance

Den Building

Disco

Dodgeball

Drama

Film Night

Football

House Night

Karaoke

Lego

Music

Rounders

Tag

Tennis

Treasure Hunt

Zorbing

What's included

20 Hours Tuition Per Week

Accommodation

All learning materials

Camp Finale

Certificate

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Evening Activities

Excursions and Adventure Activities

Meals

Progress Report

Social Programme & Excursions

Discover Our Oxford Summer Camp

Camp Headington is a welcoming international community where students are encouraged to be curious, try new things and take on challenges together. From their first day, students join an expedition team, make new friends and become part of camp life. Across two action-packed weeks, they build confidence and independence through shared adventures, team challenges and memorable experiences in and beyond Oxford.

Learning at Camp Headington is hands-on, active and built around discovery. Each day starts with a big question before students investigate, experiment, build and test their ideas through practical STEM challenges. They might launch rockets, investigate extreme weather, explore forensic science, design racing machines or discover how nature can inspire new inventions. English is used naturally throughout these experiences as students solve problems, share ideas and work together.

Accommodation

Headington School

Facilities

Art Studio

Dining Hall

Laundry Service

Learning Spaces

Playing Fields

Shared Bathrooms

Sports Hall

Student Common Room

Theatre

Twin Rooms

Wifi

Is this programme for you?

Does this sound like you?

Students arrive with different interests and ambitions, but many recognise themselves in at least one of these.

  • You are curious about how the world works

    You like asking questions and finding answers for yourself, through practical challenges, teamwork and investigation.

  • You are ready for more independence

    You want to try new things and do more on your own, with friendly staff nearby to help when you need them.

  • You want an active summer

    You want science, adventure and new friendships from around the world this summer, rather than a quiet few weeks at home.

Sound familiar? This programme was built for you

Kateryna

A warm and welcoming environment for young learners

The staff are not only highly skilled but also incredibly kind and nurturing, creating a warm and welcoming environment for young learners.

Kateryna

Parent · Ukraine

How you'll learn

A day structured around Explore, Examine, Experiment and Summit

Every day is carefully structured to spark curiosity, build confidence and create lasting memories, opening with ‘Basecamp’ where the whole camp comes together to prepare for the adventure ahead.

  • Stage 1

    Explore

    Every morning begins with a big question linked to the day’s theme. Students investigate topics such as the environment, engineering, or meteorology through engaging lessons, discussion and practical activities that encourage curiosity from the very start.

  • Stage 2

    Examine

    Students dig deeper through enquiry and investigation. Working in groups, they analyse evidence, solve problems and develop ideas together, using English naturally as they discuss, question and collaborate.

  • Stage 3

    Experiment

    Learning moves beyond the classroom as students apply their knowledge through practical challenges, outdoor investigations and fieldwork. Whether collecting data, designing solutions or exploring Oxford, students experience science in action.

  • Stage 4

    Summit

    Every day ends by bringing learning together. Teams share discoveries, take part in challenges, demonstrate solutions and reflect on what they’ve achieved, celebrating the learning they’ve done that day.

Programme Overview

Sample Two-week Timetable

Discover what a typical two-week course looks like for our students, from morning sessions through to evening activities — plus a full overview of the programme. Please note our sample timetable is given as an example and can be subject to change.

  • How the academic programme is structured
  • Sample two-week timetable
  • Trips, activities and evening life
Download Sample Timetable

Immersive Learning Experience

Learning at Camp Headington starts with a challenge. Each themed day introduces a big question before students investigate ideas, experiment and put what they discover into action. From extreme weather and renewable energy to rockets, forensic science and engineering, hands-on STEM activities encourage students to be curious, solve problems and learn by doing.

English is used naturally throughout the experience as students investigate, build, test, discuss and work together. Rather than studying English as a separate subject, students develop their communication through practical challenges and shared adventures with an international group of students.

  • Adventure Programmes

    Wild Science

    Two weeks building English through science, adventure and the natural world at Camp Headington in Oxford.

    • Location:Camp Headington
    • Ages:10 – 14
    • Duration:2 Weeks
    • English Level:A2+
    View CourseWild Science

More than just fun

Beyond the Classroom

Learning continues long after lessons finish. From sport and creative activities to outdoor adventures and evening events, every activity gives students new opportunities to work as a team, try something different and build lasting friendships. It’s all part of the Outdoor Adventurer experience.

  • A New Challenge Every Day!

    No two days at Camp Headington are the same. Students might investigate a zombie outbreak, discover how nature inspires inventions, launch rockets, solve a forensic mystery or build and race their own machine. Each theme combines investigation, experimentation and practical challenges to make STEM active, creative and fun.

  • Students_Adventure_Sports_English-Plus-at-Headington-Summer-School

    Adventure Beyond the Classroom

    Camp Headington takes learning outdoors. Students take on experiences including raft building, bushcraft, climbing and high ropes, alongside excursions in Oxford and London. From working together on the water to exploring science beyond campus, adventure is part of the programme rather than an optional extra.

Camp Headington Excursions

 

Every Outdoor Adventurer day begins with a question — and the excursions are where students go looking for the answers. What they investigate in the classroom, they test in the real world: in London’s great museums, and out at an outdoor activity centre near Oxford where the challenge is physical as well as scientific. Ages 10–14, in supervised groups, with staff alongside them throughout.

 

 

  • London Science Museum

    A day inside one of London's most famous museums. Students explore space, engineering and medicine through hands-on galleries and real objects, connecting what they learn at SBC to the discoveries that shaped the modern world.

  • SBC-at-Oxford-College-summer-school

    Oxford Outdoor Adventure Day

    A day outdoors taking on high ropes and climbing. Students go at their own pace, supported by their group – designed to develop confidence that only comes from doing something new.

  • Bright happy girl enjoying summer water sports during a summer boarding course on a boat, wearing a helmet and life jacket.

    Raftbuilding Challenge

    Students work in teams to design and build a raft from the materials they're given. Planning, problem-solving and plenty of laughing — with a real result at the end.

Optional Extras

Level up your summer with our optional extras, available at an additional cost with limited spaces, so add them to your package when you book.

  • Outdoor Laser Adventure

    Step into a real-life outdoor game. Set in a large woodland site filled with vehicles, buildings and movie-style props, students work in teams to take on missions and outdoor laser gaming challenges. They’ll need to move quickly, plan with their team and adapt as each game unfolds. With no paint and no previous experience needed, it’s an action-packed half-day that brings the excitement of gaming into the outdoors.

    • Ages:10-14
    • Price:£195

Accommodation

At Camp Headington, students live in purpose-built accommodation with single, twin and dorm rooms and shared bathroom facilities. Everyone has their own space to store their belongings.

Staff are available in the accommodation throughout the day and night to provide pastoral support. Each house hosts a communal area where students can play and relax together.

Headington Prep School

Camp Headington takes place at Headington Prep School in Headington, Oxford. The campus provides a welcoming base for camp life, with teaching spaces, sports and activity facilities and outdoor areas for students to learn, play and spend time together. Its Oxford location also gives students opportunities to explore the city and take part in experiences beyond the campus.

Dates and Fees

Two Options. One transformative fortnight.

Whether your child boards with us or returns home each evening, your fee covers everything in their programme. See what’s included with each option below.

Residential

From £4,295

  • per 2-week course · Boarding — full days plus evenings and weekends
  • Full board — all meals & accommodation included
  • Multi-activity programme
  • Evening activities & excursions
  • 24/7 pastoral care
Book now

Day Programme

From £2,995

per 2-week course · 09:00–20:30 daily · varies by campus

  • Same academic programme as residential
  • Lunch & evening meals included
  • Full activity programme and excursions
  • Return home in the evening
Enquire

2027 dates

Flexible lengths 2 or 4-week options available
Programme start dates 28th June and 12th July

Places are limited and allocated on a first-come basis. Check availability before you plan.

Check availability

Places can start to fill from spring — book early

Camp Headington FAQs

Students are supported by our pastoral team throughout their stay. Houseparents provide day-to-day care and are a familiar point of contact for students, supported by the wider Camp Headington management team. Staff receive safeguarding training appropriate to their roles, and trained first aiders are available on site. Families also have a dedicated point of contact before and during the programme if they have any questions or concerns.

We understand that families will want to stay in touch during the programme. Before the summer, we will share information about the best times and ways to contact your child, together with contact details for the Camp Headington team if you need further support.

Yes. Our transfer service varies across our different campus locations. Information on our transfer service can be found here.

Camp Headington is based at Headington Rye Prep School in Headington, Oxford. The campus provides a welcoming base for students, with learning, activity and outdoor spaces for camp life. Its location also gives students opportunities to explore Oxford and take part in experiences beyond the campus.

We know that sometimes parents/guardians will want to visit their child while they are at Camp Headington, so we ask that you arrange this via your dedicated Admissions Manager with at least 24 hours’ notice. Where possible we want to make sure that students don’t miss too much of their exciting Summer School day so your Admissions Manager will be able to advise you on the best time to visit.

Still can't find what you're looking for?

Browse our most popular courses and ignite a spark at the UK’s number one multi-campus summer school (ranked by EL Gazette 2018-2026).

We offer courses at a range of other campuses, including Headington, Eton and Earlscliffe, so book today for a location that suits you. We also offer a range of summer day programmes for you to choose from.

Discover More

Why Choose SBC Student Experience Our Academic Approach Student Welfare Our Summer Staff

Arrange a Free Consultation with Our Student Experience Team

We’re here to help you choose the ideal summer experience. Schedule a no-obligation call with a member of our friendly team to explore your options, ask questions, and receive expert guidance tailored to your child’s interests and goals.

Explorer Programmes Ages 8-12

Camp Dragon

AN ADVENTURE THEY’LL NEVER FORGET

A supportive, adventure-filled summer at the Dragon School in Oxford — where children aged 8 to 12 build confidence, and discover new interests through a pedagogy of learning through play. All while making friends from around the world and supported by staff in a safe and caring environment.

Enquire & check availability Enrol Now
  • First Boarding Experience
  • Safe, Secure Environment
  • Oxford Location

At a glance

Fees from
£4,095 2-wk residential · Day Programme £2,995
Ages
8–12 Explorer Programmes tier
Start dates
19th Jul & 2nd Aug Two-week sessions, 2027
Class size
15 Max Students per class
English level
A2+ Minimum English level to enrol
Academic hours
15 hrs Lessons per week
Location
Oxford Camp Dragon

What’s included: tuition, accommodation (residential option), meals, excursions, social programme, student report, certificate and student insurance. Transfer service available for an additional fee.

Sample Timetable(opens in a new window)
Trustpilot
Children enjoying bubbles at summer boarding camp in outdoor setting.
Bright young girl engaging in a fun science experiment with a teacher at a summer boarding course on a lush green field.
Bright blue fencing mask and red protective gear worn by children during fencing class at summer boarding course
Creative children engaging in arts and crafts at a summer boarding school.
Archery activity at summer boarding courses for kids and teens on lush green outdoor field.

Courses

Young Explorers

Link

Excursions


Legoland

Optional: Harry Potter

A view of Oxford Radcliffe building with bright blue skies and other buildings surroning it

Oxford

Warwick Castle

Activities

Arts & Crafts

Basketball

Benchball

Board Games & Puzzles

Combat Archery

Dance

Den Building

Disco

Dodgeball

Dragon Quest

Drama

Fencing

Film Night

Football

House Night

Karaoke

Lego

Marble Run Rollercoaster Challenge

Music

Planetarium

Rainbow Tag

Robotics Workshop

Rounders

Silly Olympics

Superstar Sendoff

Swimming

Tag

Tag Rugby

Talent Show

Trashion Show

Zorbing

What's included

15 Hours Tuition Per Week

Accommodation

Certificate

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Course Materials

Excursion Programme

Extracurricular Multi-Activity Programme

Meals

Progress Report

For children discovering what they’re capable of

FIRST STEPS IN THE WIDER WORLD

Our summer camp offers a unique and engaging experience for children aged 8–12 from around the world. At Camp Dragon, we provide an immersive environment where students are encouraged to be Safe, Brave, and Curious, ensuring they make the most of their time with us.

We have built a vibrant community that celebrates the joy of learning English through fun topics, and where students are supported in using new language skills with confidence. At Camp Dragon, we don’t teach traditional English lessons and we don’t use coursebooks. Instead, every moment at Camp Dragon is seen as an opportunity to learn, fostering a spirit of exploration and helping students find the language they need in real-life situations.

From the classroom to the playground to the cafeteria, our goal is to create a nurturing environment where students feel empowered and supported to try new things, make mistakes, and grow in their language journey.

Meet children around the world on our action-packed Oxford Summer Camp.

Accommodation

Camp Dragon

Facilities

Adventure Playground

Art Studio

Boys & Girls Housed Seperately

Classrooms

Dorm Rooms

House Common Rooms

Laundry Service

Modern Dining Hall

Playing Fields

Shared Bathrooms

Sports Hall

Swimming Pool

Theatre

Wifi

Speak To Lucy

Camp Dragon Admissions Manager

Call Lucy

Is this programme for them?

Does this sound like your child?

Students arrive with different interests and ambitions, but many recognise themselves in at least one of these.

  • Your child is ready for their first time away from home

    They are excited to try it, and you want them somewhere safe and caring while they develop their confidence.

  • Your child loves making and discovering things

    They enjoy practical activities, being creative, and finding out how things work.

  • Your child is looking for a summer of adventure and new friends

    They will do best somewhere warm and welcoming, surrounded by children from around the world.

Sound familiar? This programme was built for you

Kateryna

A warm and welcoming environment for young learners

The staff are not only highly skilled but also incredibly kind and nurturing, creating a warm and welcoming environment for young learners.

Kateryna

Parent · Ukraine

Immersive Learning Experience

The Young Explorers programme is designed to enhance language skills through exciting topics and play-based learning. At Camp Dragon, we don’t rely on traditional English lessons in the classroom. Instead, we focus on teaching the functional language students need to fully engage with the programme each day in fun and creative ways. Our learning programme is rooted in primary school subjects, and we spark imagination through our dynamic Discover, Develop, and Dare sessions.

We are guided by our core Camp Dragon values: Safe, Brave, and Curious. Students learn to look out for one another, promote kindness, and create a community where making mistakes in English is embraced as a key part of the learning process. We nurture a supportive environment where students feel empowered to be brave and try new things. We also encourage curiosity—whether it’s about each other’s cultures, the topics we explore, or the language they need in the moment.

  • Explorer Programmes

    Young Explorers

    A supportive, adventure-filled summer at the Dragon School in Oxford, where younger children learn through play, make friends and grow in…

    • Location:Camp Dragon
    • Ages:8 – 12
    • Duration:2 or 4 weeks
    • English Level:A2+
    View CourseYoung Explorers

Programme Overview

Sample Two-week Timetable

Discover what a typical two-week course looks like for our students, from morning sessions through to evening activities — plus a full overview of the programme. Please note our sample timetable is given as an example and can be subject to change.

  • How the academic programme is structured
  • Sample two-week timetable
  • Trips, activities and evening life
Download Sample Timetable(opens in a new window)

How you'll learn

A day structured around Discover, Develop, Dare and Showtime

Every day is carefully structured to spark curiosity, build confidence and create lasting memories, opening with ‘Rise and Shine’ before moving through hands-on learning and themed activities.

  • Stage 1

    Discover

    The day’s theme is introduced through creativity and play. Children might design a coat of arms while practising how to describe themselves in English on History Day, or investigate different biomes around the world on Geography Day. Every session is designed to spark curiosity — not test it.

  • Stage 2

    Develop

    Students take the morning’s theme further — working together to build mini catapults, design rollercoasters, or experiment with different artistic techniques. English develops naturally because children are too busy collaborating, problem-solving and laughing with their teammates to notice they’re learning.

  • Stage 3

    Dare

    Afternoons are where children step outside their comfort zone. Fencing, combat archery, dragon den building — activities chosen because they quietly build communication, resilience and the confidence that comes from trying something new and finding out you can do it.

  • Stage 4

    Showtime!

    Teams present, perform and celebrate the day’s learning together. It might be a castle siege, a dramatic performance or a group presentation — but the result is always the same: children proving to themselves, their peers and their teachers that they are more capable than they thought.

More Than Just Fun

Awesome Activities

Learning doesn’t stop when the lessons end. From art and sport to outdoor adventures and evening performances, every activity is chosen to build teamwork, confidence and friendships — proof that some of the biggest lessons happen outside the classroom.

The evening brings a fresh choice — football, badminton, dance, den building, arts and crafts, or quieter options like board games and drawing. Every child finds something that suits them.

Camp Dragon Excursions

 

Adventure awaits our young explorers! Our excursions are more than just trips; they’re a gateway to new experiences, learning, and fun. Our adventures are integrated into the Learning Programme, allowing campers to explore topics in the classroom and then experience them firsthand on the adventure.

From award-winning museums, theme parks, and castles to the bustling streets of the historic city of Oxford, each journey is designed to ignite curiosity and create unforgettable memories. Join us as we embark on these extraordinary adventures, tailor-made for our vibrant and inquisitive campers. Get ready for a summer filled with discovery, excitement, and the joy of exploration!

 

  • Oxford Radcliffe surronded by bikes

    Oxford

    All aboard! Explore the historic city of Oxford on an exciting open-top bus tour. Oxford is home to the world-renowned university, stunning architecture, and centuries of academic tradition, and at Camp Dragon, we see it all in style.

  • Warwick Castle

    Warwick Castle

    Step back in time with a visit to Warwick Castle, a spectacular medieval fortress offering history, scenic grounds, dungeons and epic shows that bring tales to life.

  • LegoLand-UK

    Legoland

    An exciting day of adventure awaits at LEGOLAND Windsor, filled with themed rides, creative fun, and interactive LEGO experiences.

Optional Extras

Enhance your experience by choosing an optional adventure of visiting Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios. Campers will experience the magic of film-making, see spellbinding sets, and uncover the secrets behind beloved characters.

  • Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios

    Enter the enchanting world of Harry Potter Studios! A must-visit for every young wizard and witch. The magic of filmmaking with a behind-the-scenes look at spellbinding sets and beloved characters.

    Due to popular demand, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

    Enquire NowWarner Bros Harry Potter Studios
    Limited Space Popular
    • Price:£250

Accommodation

At Camp Dragon, all students live in purpose-built accommodation with shared dormitories and shared bathroom facilities. Dormitories have from four to nine beds which gives students lots of opportunities to practise speaking English all day. Everyone has their own area for storing their belongings.

Staff are available in the accommodation throughout the day and night to provide pastoral support. Boys and girls live in separate houses. Each house hosts a large communal area and garden where students can play and unwind together during MeTime.

Dragon School

Camp Dragon is located at The Dragon School in North Oxford. Established in 1877, it began as a small school for Oxford University lecturers’ children. It is now a preparatory school for day and boarding students aged 4-13.

The Dragon School boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, art studios, a theatre, and extensive sports fields. With its combination of rich history, modern facilities, and an ideal location close to Oxford’s city centre, Camp Dragon offers an inspiring environment for students and staff alike. With the aim to “inspire, encourage and develop free-thinking, confident young people who reach for the sun”, the Dragon School’s ethos is central to Camp Dragon.

Find your perfect summer programme

155 +

Nationalities represented from around the world since 2008

21,000 +

Ambitious student alumni welcomed to SBC since 2008

No.1

EL Gazette ranked us the UK’s number 1 multi-campus summer school

Book a call with our team
Trustpilot

Dates and Fees

Two Options. One transformative fortnight.

Whether your child boards with us or returns home each evening, your fee covers everything in their programme. See what’s included with each option below.

Residential

From £4,095

per 2-week course · Boarding — full days plus evenings and weekends

  • Full board — all meals & accommodation included
  • Multi-activity programme
  • Evening activities & excursions
  • 24/7 pastoral care
Book now

Day Programme

From £2,995

per 2-week course · 09:00–20:00 daily · varies by campus

  • Same academic programme as residential
  • Lunch & evening meals included
  • Full activity programme and excursions
  • Return home in the evening
Enquire

2027 dates

Flexible lengths 2 or 4-week options available
Programme start dates 19th July and 2nd August

Places are limited and allocated on a first-come basis. Check availability before you plan.

Check availability

Places can start to fill from spring — book early

Camp Dragon FAQs

At Camp Dragon staff are available 24/7 to support students with anything they might need because student safety is our highest priority. We have a high ratio of staff to students throughout the summer. At Camp Dragon our Houseparents are responsible for the day-to-day care of students and are a first point of contact if any student feels upset in anyway. They are always a familiar and friendly face whose priority is to make sure students feel settled and safe during their time at Camp. They are supported by an experienced team of managers and Camp Dragon will have a dedicated Admissions Manager who will be the main point of contact for families with any issues or concerns.

All SBC staff are trained in Safeguarding and many are trained in giving First Aid. We pride ourselves on offering the best possible care to students and achieved British Council area of strength in ‘care of students’ and ‘safeguarding under 18s’.

We recognise that it’s important for students to be able to contact home during their time at Camp. Before summer, your dedicated Admissions Manager will share our Parent Welcome Pack. This includes a document called ‘Keeping in Contact,’ which will let you know the best time of day to contact your child and provide a contact number for the Camp Dragon team if further support is required.

Yes. Our transfer service varies across our different campus locations. Information on our transfer service can be found here.

Camp Dragon is located at The Dragon School in leafy North Oxford. The Dragon School enjoys the best of both worlds – there are expansive playing fields alongside the banks of the River Cherwell but you are also a short walk into the inspiring City Centre of Oxford.

We know that sometimes parents/guardians will want to visit their child while they are at Camp Dragon, so we ask that you arrange this via your dedicated Admissions Manager with at least 24 hours’ notice. Where possible we want to make sure that students don’t miss too much of their exciting Summer School day so your Admissions Manager will be able to advise you on the best time to visit.

Still can't find what you're looking for?

Browse our most popular courses and ignite a spark at the UK’s number one multi-campus summer school (ranked by EL Gazette 2018-2026).

We offer courses at a range of other campuses, including Headington, Eton and Earlscliffe, so book today for a location that suits you. We also offer a range of summer day programmes for you to choose from.

Discover More

Why Choose SBC Student Experience Our Academic Approach Student Welfare Our Summer Staff

Arrange a Free Consultation with Our Student Experience Team

We’re here to help you choose the ideal summer experience. Schedule a no-obligation call with a member of our friendly team to explore your options, ask questions, and receive expert guidance tailored to your child’s interests and goals.