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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.

  • 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.

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


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

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+

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

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.

    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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Adventure Programmes Ages 12-16

Eton College

Big Ideas. Different Perspectives. Your Voice.

Explore the ideas that shape Britain and the wider world at a school known for educating generations of leaders. Through immersive challenges, debate, fieldwork and creative projects, students explore big questions, develop their own ideas and build the confidence to make their voice heard.

  • Simulation Challenges
  • London Experiences
  • Practical Hands-on Projects

At a glance

Fees from
£5,995 2-wk residential · Non-residential £3,495
Ages
12–16 Adventure Programmes tier
Start dates
12th & 26th July Two-week sessions, 2027
Class size
15 Max Students per class
English level
B1+ Intermediate and above
Academic hours
20 hrs Academic content per week
Location
Windsor Eton College

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

Bright smiling girls participating in summer boarding courses with creative STEM projects.
Innovative summer boarding courses for kids with engaging activities and educational experiences.
group-of-students-rowing-on-lake
Female-Student-Playing-Foosball-at-SBC-Eton-College-Summer-School
Female-Student-Playing-Badminton-in-a-sportshall-at-SBC-Eton-College-Summer-School

Courses

Global Leaders Simulation

Link

Excursions

Greenwich & the O2

Bright young students sightseeing in London with iconic Big Ben and red double-decker bus.

Westminster & the London Eye

Windsor Castle

Windsor & Eton

Activities

Arts & Crafts

Badminton

Ball Games

Basketball

Bell Boating

Capture the Flag

Cricket

Disco

Escape Room

Football

Rounders

Silly Olympics

Swimming

Taskmaster

Trashion Show

What's included

20 Hours Tuition Per Week

Accommodation

Certificate

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Course Materials

Extracurricular Activities

Leavers' Party

Meals

Progress Report

Social Programme & Excursions

SBC at Eton College Summer School

SBC at Eton College runs exceptional summer programmes for students aged 12-16, taught by passionate and knowledgeable teachers. Our courses give students the chance to explore new academic subjects, build confidence communicating in English, and form lifelong friendships.

Accommodation

Eton College

Eton College

Facilities

All Weather Pitch

Jafar Hall Debating Chamber

Laundry Service

Modern Dining Hall

Playing Fields

Shared Bathrooms

Single Bedrooms

Sports Hall

Student Common Room

Swimming Pool

Tennis Courts

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 interested in the big issues shaping the world

    History, politics, economics and law interest you because they deal with real questions that people still disagree about.

  • You enjoy discussing ideas and hearing other points of view

    You like asking questions, testing your own thinking against other people’s, and working out where you actually stand.

  • You want to become a more confident speaker

    You want to learn through debate, fieldwork and group projects, and to get better at leading, deciding and explaining your ideas to others.

Sound familiar? This programme was built for you

Our Eton College Programme

Discover our range of engaging courses offered at SBC Eton College Summer School.

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

Excursions

 

As part of their enriching two-week experience, students will enjoy several excursions designed to complement their academic journey with cultural exploration and relaxation.

These outings offer a well-balanced opportunity to engage with iconic British destinations, providing both stimulating and restorative experiences outside the classroom.

 

  • Bright young students sightseeing in London with iconic Big Ben and red double-decker bus.

    Westminster & the London Eye

    Explore the heart of British government through fieldwork around Westminster. Students investigate Parliament, law, protest, leadership and the different ways people can influence society before seeing London from a different perspective on the London Eye.

  • Windsor Castle

    Windsor & Eton

    Explore the historic charm of Eton, visit the magnificent Windsor Castle, and enjoy some time spent browsing the shops and cafes along Windsor's bustling high street.

  • Greenwich & the O2

    Explore Greenwich and discover stories of navigation, science, maritime history, trade and Britain's connections with the wider world. Afterwards, students have time for shopping and leisure at the O2.

Accommodation

Eton College features a blend of buildings that date back to 1441, rich in history. The boarding houses serve as the heart of the experience, fostering our student communities. Students are housed in two separate boarding houses, one for boys and one for girls, each offering single rooms with shared bathrooms.

Both houses provide comfortable social areas where students can unwind during House Time. As an international residential summer school, we collaborate with Eton College but operate our courses independently.

Male-Student-Studying-in-his-room-at-SBC-Eton-College-Summer-School

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

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 £5,995

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

Day Programme

From £3,495

per 2-week course · 09:00–21:00 daily · varies by campus

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

2027 dates

Flexible lengths 2 or 4-week options available
Programme start dates 12th July and 26th July

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

Places can start to fill from spring — book early

Eton College Summer School FAQs

Residential ProgrammeDay Programme
AccommodationNot Included
Meals*All mealsLunch + Evening Meal
Tuition
Course materials
Sports, social activities and eventsDaytime and eveningDaytime and evening
Standard excursions, including entry costs
Wi-Fi
Weekly laundryNot Included
Graduation certificate and academic progress report
Student insurance
FlightsNot IncludedNot Included
Airport and Train TransfersNot IncludedNot Included
*We will do our best to meet all dietary needs, for example vegetarian, vegan and Halal.

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

Eton College traditionally retains a boys-only boarding tradition, however at SBC at Eton College Summer School we are proudly a co-educational summer school in which both girls and boys attend classes and the activities programme together.

To submit your reservation for SBC at Eton College Summer School, select the “Enrol” option in the top right corner of our home page and complete the booking form there.

As soon as possible, your dedicated Admissions Manager will get in touch with you via your preferred form of contact to finalise any final details. Before a deposit is paid, this will be the ideal time to ask any queries.

Your booking will be officially confirmed once your data is verified and you receive a booking confirmation email.

Your admissions manager sends a confirmation of your reservation along with an invoice and a flywire payment link.

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.