Succeed
    Business Summer Course
    In-person Program

    Business Summer Course

    by Oxford Scholastica Academy

    Oxford Scholastica’s business summer school combines startup projects, branding and finance with team challenges and entrepreneur Q&A sessions.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Business Summer Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    Motivated students; confident English

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 12-14

    Location / Region

    Oxford, United Kingdom

    Cost

    £7,495; £6,995

    Duration

    Two weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

    Rolling

    Save program
    Business & EconomicsEntrepreneurshipFinance
    Class size: Maximum 15 students
    Accommodation: Oxford college bedrooms
    Meals: Breakfast and dinner daily
    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate; conditional tutor recommendation
    Campus experience: University rooms and lecture halls
    Tutors / faculty: Academics from leading universities
    Accreditation: British Accreditation Council

    Business Summer Course summary

    Oxford Scholastica’s Discover Business Academy introduces entrepreneurship through creating a brand, developing a business plan and delivering a pitch.

    Students combine discussion-based learning with an entrepreneur Q&A, practical masterclasses and an interdisciplinary investment challenge.

    It suits curious beginners who enjoy teamwork and want to test whether building and running a business interests them.

    What is Business Summer Course?

    The Business Summer Course is Oxford Scholastica’s Discover Business Academy, an introduction to how companies operate and how entrepreneurs develop ideas. Students study finance, marketing, economics, management and leadership while building a group business project.

    Discussion-based classes lead toward a business-plan pitch, complemented by an entrepreneur Q&A and practical masterclasses. A four-hour skyscraper investment challenge asks students to apply financial and strategic reasoning alongside technology students. The Oxford college setting adds residential independence and cultural activities through a provider that is separate from the University of Oxford.

    Why Succeed highlights Business Summer Course

    • The startup project connects customer research, finance and branding to a concrete business pitch.

    • The four-hour skyscraper investment challenge makes students explain costs, revenue and financial viability.

    • Classes capped at 15 create room for discussion and participation.

    • An entrepreneur Q&A gives students a direct opportunity to ask about building a business.

    • Published residential supervision arrangements give families concrete details to assess.

    Who is Business Summer Course for?

    Best for

    Curious beginners who want to build a business idea, collaborate with peers and practice explaining their decisions.

    Not ideal if

    You want advanced specialist finance training or a lightly scheduled vacation, because this is an introductory course with academic work and organized activities.

    Is Business Summer Course worth it?

    This course offers a useful way to test an interest in entrepreneurship through practical work rather than relying on classroom definitions alone. Its strongest value is the connection between a business idea, a financial case and a presentation, supported by small classes and an entrepreneur Q&A.

    The residential package also carries a substantial financial commitment, so families should value the college experience and cultural program alongside the teaching. The certificate recognizes successful completion, while the tutor recommendation is conditional. Participation should be judged by what the student learns and creates, rather than by the Oxford setting alone.

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

    Cost and what is included

    £7,495; £6,995; includes 10 days of classroom learning and study materials, 12 hours of masterclasses, Industry Q&A Hero session and practical academic Challenge, Oxford University accommodation for residential students, Breakfast and dinner every day, Qualified staff support, supervision and safety protocols, Oxford walking tour and museum trips, Windsor Castle and Blenheim Palace trips, Punting, ceilidh dancing and cultural activities, International Boat Ball, social nights and sports, Graduation ceremony and Certificate of Achievement, Tutor recommendation when criteria are met, Invitation to apply to the Ambassador Program.

    Accommodation

    Oxford college bedrooms

    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner daily

    Supervision or safety information

    Residential staff are always on site, with Matron support and a 24-hour emergency line. Discover Academy students must explore in groups of at least two, sign in and out, and follow supervision arrangements from dinner onward.

    Provider details

    Review the Oxford Scholastica Academy provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    Two weeks; Oxford, United Kingdom.

    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.

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    How much preparation does Business Summer Course need?

    Effort level

    Moderate academic work within a busy residential schedule.

    Best started

    Begin application and travel planning several months before your chosen summer session, then complete suggested reading in the preceding weeks.

    Main challenge

    Turning a creative idea into a financially credible plan and explaining it as a team.

    Typical preparation

    • Draft a personal statement explaining why business interests you and what you hope to learn.

    • Read the suggested preparation materials and practice explaining a simple business idea.

    • Plan insurance, travel documentation and payments with a parent or guardian.

    • Prepare your laptop or tablet, stationery, phone and comfortable walking shoes.

    Useful if

    You want an introductory test of business study and greater confidence presenting ideas.

    What do students do on Business Summer Course?

    You develop a group startup idea while learning how business decisions connect customers, money, branding and leadership. Alongside the project, you apply those ideas to an investment challenge and take part in masterclasses, entrepreneur discussions and cultural activities.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Compare business structures and choose an initial idea for your group project.

    2. 2

      Identify customer problems and use market research and SWOT analysis to refine the concept.

    3. 3

      Estimate financial needs and develop a brand, target audience and marketing asset.

    4. 4

      Apply economic reasoning, leadership approaches and growth strategies to the plan.

    5. 5

      Structure and present your business pitch, then reflect on your learning.

    6. 6

      Work with technology students to develop and present a skyscraper investment case.

    7. 7

      Explore a final specialist topic chosen around your tutor’s expertise.

    Business Summer Course dates and deadlines

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    No fixed application date.

    Date not confirmed

    Discover Business Academy — Two weeks, July session 1

    4-17 July 2027

    Two-week course session.

    Upcoming

    Discover Business Academy — Two weeks, July session 2

    18-31 July 2027

    Two-week course session.

    Upcoming

    Discover Business Academy — Two weeks, August session

    1-14 August 2027

    Two-week course session.

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Designed for ages 12-14 at the course start.

    • Mature 11-year-olds may apply with written age approval.

    • Demonstrate motivation to study business in a personal statement.

    • No previous academic study of business is required.

    • Speak, read and understand English confidently.

    • Applicants must not have already started university.

    • Provide relevant medical, dietary, educational and other needs information.

    How much does Business Summer Course cost?

    Residential course fee

    £7,495 — Two-week course with accommodation, breakfast and dinner.

    Funding or discounts

    • Non-residential course fee: £6,995 — Two-week course with your own accommodation.
    • Booking deposit: £995 — Paid when applying; refunded if the application is rejected.
    • Social-impact support: Free mentoring — Separate mentoring and guidance replace full-course scholarships.

    What's included

    10 days of classroom learning and study materials, 12 hours of masterclasses, Industry Q&A Hero session and practical academic Challenge, Oxford University accommodation for residential students, Breakfast and dinner every day, Qualified staff support, supervision and safety protocols, Oxford walking tour and museum trips, Windsor Castle and Blenheim Palace trips, Punting, ceilidh dancing and cultural activities, International Boat Ball, social nights and sports, Graduation ceremony and Certificate of Achievement, Tutor recommendation when criteria are met, Invitation to apply to the Ambassador Program

    How to apply to Business Summer Course

    1. 1

      Start the official application form and choose the 12-14 age group and Oxford study option.

    2. 2

      Choose the business course and preferred session.

    3. 3

      Complete your application and personal statement explaining your interest in business.

    4. 4

      Pay the £995 deposit for admissions-panel review.

    5. 5

      Receive the admissions decision and complete the Student Information Form after acceptance.

    6. 6

      If arranging your own accommodation, reply to the confirmation email to request the non-residential option.

    7. 7

      Arrange comprehensive insurance and any required travel documentation.

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    What does Business Summer Course cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Business ideas and markets

    Compare business structures, identify customer problems and use SWOT analysis to develop a startup concept.

    Finance and economics

    Explore revenue, costs, profit, cash flow, supply and demand, and economic influences on business decisions.

    Branding and marketing

    Define a target audience, examine influencer marketing and begin creating a marketing asset or campaign.

    Leadership and growth

    Apply management styles and teamwork strategies while examining international expansion, automation and AI.

    Pitching and investment

    Present your business plan and build a financially viable skyscraper investment case with technology students.

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

    What is a typical day on Business Summer Course?

    A typical day during the program.

    Classes and study

    The sample has classes Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in week one, and Monday-Friday in week two.

    Trips and practical learning

    The sample includes Friday Challenges, Thursday Windsor sightseeing in week one and Wednesday Blenheim Palace in week two.

    Social activities

    Movie and quiz nights, a scavenger hunt, talent show, ball and final ceilidh complement study.

    Masterclasses

    The course includes 12 hours of practical masterclasses, with the sample covering leadership, communication, debating and active thinking.

    Who teaches on Business Summer Course?

    The course profiles Dr Jaskiran Kaur Bhogal, who holds a doctorate in Anthropology from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Oxford Scholastica selects and trains subject experts from leading institutions, including Oxford and Cambridge.

    Tutors may change; classes have a maximum of 15 students.

    Where do students stay on Business Summer Course?

    Residential plan

    • College bedrooms: Choose standard or en-suite accommodation, with rooms allocated by age and sex.
    • Breakfast and dinner: Continental breakfast and group dinners are provided daily; lunch is purchased separately.
    • Pastoral support: Heads of House, Activities Coordinators and Matrons provide support with staff on site around the clock.
    • Common spaces and facilities: Accommodation includes social spaces, wireless internet and free laundry facilities.

    Non-residential plan

    • Own accommodation option: Students staying with family or arranging accommodation retain access to the rest of the program.

    Standard rooms may be single or twin, with bathrooms typically shared by two to three students.

    What happens after Business Summer Course?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    A business plan and pitch developed through group work.

    A branding or marketing asset or campaign.

    An investment proposal from the skyscraper Challenge.

    A Certificate of Achievement after successful completion.

    A conditional tutor recommendation and opportunity to apply to the Ambassador Program.

    The optional one-year Ambassador Program has monthly virtual meetings and requires a separate application.

    Where does Business Summer Course take place?

    Students stay and study in Oxford, using college accommodation and lecture halls, with cultural visits including Windsor Castle and Blenheim Palace. Oxford is accessible by train and coach, and the provider recommends Heathrow for international arrivals, with a separately bookable airport transfer service.

    The provider’s South Parade office address is different from the assigned residential campus address.

    Business Summer Course FAQs

    The curriculum covers business structures, customers and markets, entrepreneurial finance, marketing, economics, management, leadership and growth. You develop a group business plan and practice pitching it.

    No academic prerequisites are required. Admissions focus on motivation, curiosity and willingness to challenge yourself, expressed through a personal statement.

    Oxford Scholastica is an independent provider with no formal connection to the University of Oxford. It uses university accommodation and teaching facilities.

    Students choose standard or en-suite accommodation. En-suite rooms are normally single occupancy, while standard rooms may be single or twin with shared bathrooms; rooms are allocated by age and sex.

    Breakfast and dinner are included daily; students purchase lunch separately. Most dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and religious needs, can be accommodated when communicated in advance.

    Residential staff are always on site, with Matron support and a 24-hour emergency line. Discover Academy students must explore in groups of at least two, sign in and out, and follow supervision arrangements from dinner onward.

    Yes. Students can arrange their own accommodation and retain access to the rest of the program. Apply through the normal form and reply to the provider’s email to request the non-residential option.

    Successful completion earns an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement. A personalized tutor recommendation depends on meeting the provider’s criteria, including appropriate participation and completion of required work.

    Alternatives to Business Summer Course

    These business options offer different locations and study emphases, with age bands to compare carefully.

    Alternatives to Business Summer Course

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Booking Form
    • Pastoral Care | Oxford Scholastica Academy
    • Oxford Scholastica Academy Schedule
    • Summer School Accommodation | Oxford Scholastica
    • Terms & Conditions | Oxford Scholastica Academy
    • Oxford Summer School Dates & Fees | Oxford Scholastica
    • Contact Us | Oxford Scholastica Academy
    • Online Summer School Dates & Fees | Oxford Scholastica
    • Arrange a Call | Oxford Scholastica Academy
    • Oxford Scholastica Academy FAQs
    • Booking Form
    • Business Summer Course (Ages 12-14) | Oxford Scholastica

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

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Course identity checked

    • Session dates checked

    • Residential fees checked

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Rolling admissions verified

    • Accommodation and meals reviewed

    • Safeguarding arrangements reviewed

    • Recognition conditions reviewed

    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.