In-person Programme
    Upcoming

    Creative Writing Explorers

    by Atlas Summer Courses

    A small-group storytelling course where young writers build characters, plots and confidence through interactive lessons, projects and feedback.

    Last verified: 30 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Creative Writing Explorers
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    Creative Writing Explorers at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Interest in writing; working English

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 9-12

    Location / Region

    Harrow School, Harrow

    Cost

    £1,995; £2,595

    Duration

    1 week

    Format

    In-person summer course

    Next session

    4 July 2027 - 10 July 2027

    Save program
    Creative WritingLiterature

    Class size: Up to 15 students

    Accommodation: Residential or non-residential

    Meals: Full board for residents

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate, feedback and recommendation

    Latest verified cycle: 2027

    Teaching time: 12 hours

    Creative Writing Explorers summary

    Creative Writing Explorers introduces storytelling through characters, plots, settings, description and different forms of writing.

    Interactive lessons combine writing activities, discussion, group work, project time, daily reflection and constructive feedback.

    It particularly suits children who enjoy reading, inventing characters or experimenting with words but have not previously studied creative writing.

    What is Creative Writing Explorers?

    Creative Writing Explorers is an Atlas Summer Courses introduction to storytelling and the craft of writing. Students explore characters, plots, settings, description, language and narrative while developing confidence in expressing original ideas.

    Teaching is interactive and task-based, with small-group classes, project work, discussion, games and multimedia activities. Tutors adapt the content to each group's ages, abilities and interests, so the listed topics are examples rather than a fixed syllabus.

    Why Succeed highlights Creative Writing Explorers

    • The course provides a genuinely age-specific introduction, with separate groups for ages 9-10 and 11-12.

    • Twelve hours of small-group teaching give students structured time to write, discuss ideas and apply new techniques.

    • Project time, daily reflection and feedback make the experience more substantial than a sequence of isolated creative exercises.

    • Residential and non-residential packages let families choose the level of campus experience they need.

    • The certificate, tutor feedback and personalized recommendation give students concrete recognition of their progress.

    Who is Creative Writing Explorers for?

    Best for

    Young storytellers who enjoy reading, inventing characters and experimenting with language in a supportive group.

    Not ideal if

    Your child needs a fixed syllabus, formal academic credit or an advanced literary-analysis course.

    Is Creative Writing Explorers worth it?

    The course offers a thoughtful balance of guided writing, practical experimentation and confidence-building. Small classes, project time and feedback should make it valuable for a child who already enjoys stories and wants a focused creative experience.

    The main limitation is that the syllabus changes with the tutor and group, so families cannot rely on every example topic being covered. It is also a significant expense for one week, especially if the residential experience is not a priority.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    £1,995; £2,595; includes All interactive classes for 15 students or fewer, Lunch and dinner with the non-residential option, Shared accommodation and full board for residents, All-day trips and activities, Certificate awarded on completion, Detailed tutor feedback and personalized recommendation.

    Accommodation

    Residential or non-residential

    Meals

    Full board for residents

    Supervision or safety information

    Ages 9-12 receive close supervision from house parents, welfare managers and residential staff. Activities are accompanied, and safeguarding-trained staff provide around-the-clock support.

    Provider details

    Review the Atlas Summer Courses provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    1 week; Harrow School, Harrow.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programs

    How much preparation does Creative Writing Explorers need?

    Effort level

    Moderate and highly interactive.

    Best started

    Begin four to eight weeks before the chosen July or August session.

    Main challenge

    Sharing original work and responding constructively to feedback.

    Typical preparation

    • Read regularly and discuss what makes favorite characters or openings engaging.

    • Keep a small notebook of character, setting and story ideas before arrival.

    • Prepare the personal statement and any travel or medical information early.

    • Read the Welcome Pack and complete all onboarding tasks before the session.

    Useful if

    Your child enjoys stories but wants more structure and confidence.

    What do students do on Creative Writing Explorers?

    Students learn through interactive morning lessons, guided writing, discussion and supervised projects, with reflection and social activities completing each day.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore how characters, settings, language and plot shape a story.

    2. 2

      Experiment with formats that may include prose, comics, photos or podcasts.

    3. 3

      Develop ideas through individual writing, group work and storytelling challenges.

    4. 4

      Share work and respond to respectful feedback from tutors and classmates.

    5. 5

      Review and refine writing, potentially completing an independent creative piece.

    6. 6

      Take part in supervised activities, excursions and evening socials.

    Creative Writing Explorers dates and deadlines

    Session 1

    4 July 2027 - 10 July 2027

    Available for both age tracks

    Upcoming

    Session 2

    11 July 2027 - 17 July 2027

    Available for both age tracks

    Upcoming

    Session 3

    18 July 2027 - 24 July 2027

    Available for both age tracks

    Upcoming

    Session 4

    25 July 2027 - 31 July 2027

    Available for both age tracks

    Upcoming

    Session 5

    1 August 2027 - 7 August 2027

    Available for both age tracks

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Ages 9-12 at the start of the course

    • Choose the ages 9-10 or 11-12 group

    • Genuine interest in creative writing

    • Good working spoken and written English

    • No previous creative writing experience required

    • Parent or guardian details required for application

    How much does Creative Writing Explorers cost?

    Program fee

    £1,995; £2,595 — Non-residential and residential options

    Funding or discounts

    • Deposit: £695 — Secures an accepted place
    • Payment plans: Available — Remaining balance can be paid in installments
    • Scholarships: None currently offered

    What's included

    All interactive classes for 15 students or fewer, Lunch and dinner with the non-residential option, Shared accommodation and full board for residents, All-day trips and activities, Certificate awarded on completion, Detailed tutor feedback and personalized recommendation

    How to apply to Creative Writing Explorers

    1. 1

      Enter the student's date of birth and select Creative Writing Explorers.

    2. 2

      Choose the preferred course date and residential or non-residential package.

    3. 3

      Provide student and parent or guardian contact details.

    4. 4

      Add the student's school information and a short personal statement in English.

    5. 5

      Review the course, dates, package and fee information before submitting.

    6. 6

      Wait for the admissions team to review the application.

    7. 7

      If offered a place, accept the offer and pay the deposit.

    What does Creative Writing Explorers cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Character and voice

    Create memorable characters and experiment with a distinctive writing voice.

    Plot and structure

    Build compelling plots, beginnings and endings that keep readers engaged.

    Setting and description

    Use language and detail to bring imagined settings to life.

    Forms and genres

    Experiment with different genres and formats such as comics or podcasts.

    Editing and feedback

    Review drafts, respond to feedback and strengthen a creative piece.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Creative Writing Explorers?

    A typical day during the program.

    Weekdays

    Two extended interactive lessons focus on writing, sharing and developing stories.

    Weekdays

    Supervised project time, group activities and excursions develop ideas beyond class.

    Daily

    Reflection, outdoor activities and structured social events complete the day.

    Who teaches on Creative Writing Explorers?

    Junior courses are led by experienced educators and subject specialists who adapt their approach to younger learners. Previous tutors include an experienced writing teacher and published author and a secondary-school Head of English, although individual teaching assignments are confirmed closer to summer.

    Published tutor profiles are examples of educators who have previously taught with Atlas Summer Courses.

    Where do students stay on Creative Writing Explorers?

    Residential plan

    • Harrow School rooms: Students stay in standard shared rooms within the boarding-school campus.
    • Full-board catering: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided in school or local facilities.
    • Pastoral support: House parents and on-course staff provide close, continuous supervision.
    • Campus experience: Students join sports, activities, social events and supervised excursions.

    Non-residential plan

    • Day option: Teaching, lunch, dinner, trips and activities are included without accommodation.

    Residential rooms are shared; exact room allocation is confirmed later.

    What happens after Creative Writing Explorers?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Receive a certificate recording course participation.

    Use detailed tutor feedback to guide future writing.

    Add a personalized recommendation to the student's academic record.

    Continue developing an independent creative piece after the course.

    Apply storytelling and communication skills across English and humanities.

    Most Atlas Summer Courses are not credit-bearing.

    Where does Creative Writing Explorers take place?

    The course is hosted at Harrow School, a historic independent boarding school in Harrow, Greater London. Atlas Summer Courses hires the school's accommodation, dining and teaching facilities for its junior summer courses.

    Atlas Summer Courses is independent and is not affiliated with Harrow School.

    Creative Writing Explorers FAQs

    No. The course is an age-appropriate introduction, and tutors adapt lessons to students' interests, abilities and experience.

    Possible areas include characters, plots, settings, description, narrative and different forms or genres. The exact content varies because tutors tailor the syllabus to each group.

    Students complete 12 hours of structured small-group lessons during the one-week course, alongside supervised project time and other activities.

    Junior classes have no more than 15 students and are divided by age where appropriate.

    Yes. Published options include a non-residential package as well as residential accommodation in shared rooms at Harrow School.

    Residential students receive breakfast, lunch and dinner. The non-residential package includes lunch and dinner.

    Students receive a certificate of completion, detailed tutor feedback and a personalized letter of recommendation.

    Ages 9-12 receive close supervision from house parents, welfare managers and residential staff. Activities are accompanied, and safeguarding-trained staff provide around-the-clock support.

    Alternatives to Creative Writing Explorers

    Compare these Succeed-listed options if you need a broader junior course, an older residential writing program or online individual mentorship.

    Alternatives to Creative Writing Explorers

    Two-week multi-subject exploration in Oxford

    Art
    Deadline: Not announced
    From £3995
    8-12
    Oxford
    In-person

    Best for

    Ages 8-12 wanting several subjects

    View details

    Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Visa Process Guide | Atlas Summer Courses
    • Safeguarding and Welfare | Atlas Summer Courses
    • Atlas Summer Courses | Airport Transfers and Travel Guide
    • Harrow Summer School 2027 | Atlas Summer Courses
    • Atlas Summer Courses Dates and Prices – Flexible Payment Plans
    • Creative Writing Explorers Summer School Ages 11-12 | Atlas Summer Courses
    • Creative Writing Explorers Summer School Ages 9-10 | Atlas Summer Courses
    • Search Results | Atlas Summer Courses
    • Articles | Atlas Summer Courses
    • Atlas Summer Courses Alumni Network
    • How to Apply for Atlas Summer Courses – Step-by-Step Guide
    • Atlas Summer Courses FAQs | Fees, Dates, Applications & Safety
    • Apply for Atlas Summer Courses
    • Creative Writing Explorers | Atlas Summer Courses

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 30 Aug 2026)

    • Program details checked

    • 2027 sessions verified

    • Package prices compared

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Application process checked

    • Safeguarding guidance reviewed

    • Visa support checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.