Programme dates
27 June 2027
In-person Program
IB Advance
by St Clare's Oxford Summer School
IB Advance strengthens IB subject knowledge, Extended Essay research and Theory of Knowledge through specialist teaching, workshops and academic study visits.
Last verified: 8 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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IB Advance at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
B2-C2 English
Age range / Year group
Ages 15-17
Location / Region
Oxford, United Kingdom
Cost
£5,670; £3,615
Duration
3 weeks
Format
In-person
LiteratureMathematicsHumanitiesScience
Class size: 12 students maximum
Accommodation: Included with residential package
Meals: Full board; day-student lunch
Campus experience: Science labs, art studio, library
Tutors / faculty: Experienced IB teachers
Sessions / cadence: 25 lessons / 23 hours, Monday-Friday
Academic outputs: Extended Essay project; TOK exhibition
IB Advance summary
IB Advance combines specialist IB subject teaching with Extended Essay workshops and Theory of Knowledge. Its emphasis is on strengthening the way students study, research and connect ideas across the Diploma.
Academic study visits, practical projects and higher education guidance give the course more breadth than a revision-only experience. It is especially relevant when you want support across both subjects and the IB's core elements.
What is IB Advance?
IB Advance is St Clare's summer course for developing existing IB knowledge and study methods. It combines English Literature, English Language, Maths, Performing Arts, Humanities, Science and Theory of Knowledge with teaching from experienced IB specialists.
The in-person experience connects classroom study with academic visits around Oxford and a dedicated Theory of Knowledge session at an Oxford University museum. Students also work on an Extended Essay project and receive guidance on university and career pathways.
Why Succeed highlights IB Advance
Specialist IB teaching connects subject knowledge with the Diploma's philosophy and methodology.
Dedicated Extended Essay workshops address the practical work of planning, researching and structuring an essay.
A Theory of Knowledge museum session gives critical thinking a concrete setting beyond the classroom.
Small classes create more opportunities to ask questions and interact with subject specialists.
University and career counseling adds a useful next-step perspective to academic study.
Who is IB Advance for?
Best for
Students who want to build on existing IB learning while strengthening research, independent study and Theory of Knowledge.
Not ideal if
Your main priority is intensive revision in one subject or a summer centered on recreational activities.
Is IB Advance worth it?
IB Advance is worth considering when your goals include better study methods and stronger confidence with the IB's core work. The combination of subject specialists, Extended Essay workshops and Theory of Knowledge activities gives you several ways to apply what you learn.
Its broad curriculum is a limitation if you need concentrated help with one particular subject. Compare that breadth with your school priorities and family budget, and judge the value by the skills you can carry back into regular study.
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Cost and what is included
£5,670; £3,615; includes Tuition in both packages., Activities program in both packages., One excursion per week in both packages., Travel and medical insurance in both packages., Accommodation and full-board meals with the residential package., Lunch with the non-residential package..
Accommodation
Included with residential package
Meals
Full board; day-student lunch
Provider details
Review the St Clare's Oxford Summer School provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
3 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.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does IB Advance need?
Effort level
Substantial academic engagement.
Best started
Begin planning six to eight weeks before the session starts, allowing longer for international travel arrangements.
Main challenge
Moving between different subjects while developing independent research skills.
Typical preparation
List the subjects and study methods you most want to strengthen.
Review your existing IB work and identify questions for the Extended Essay workshops.
Wait for your place confirmation before booking flights.
Arrange any airport transfers at least three weeks before arrival and prepare your travel documents.
Useful if
You have specific IB study habits or Extended Essay skills you want to improve.
What do students do on IB Advance?
You combine IB subject lessons with practical tasks, academic study visits and work on the Diploma's core elements. The sample course moves through three subject themes while developing research, analysis and presentation skills.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Start with orientation, goal setting, and Language and Literature activities.
- 2
Explore Science and Humanities through practical investigations, historical questions and a science poster project.
- 3
Develop Mathematics and Arts through applied problems, drama workshops and a group performance.
- 4
Build your research approach through Extended Essay workshops and Theory of Knowledge work.
- 5
Discuss university options and career pathways with experienced counselors.
IB Advance dates and deadlines
Upcoming
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Programme dates | 27 June 2027 | Local | Upcoming |
Eligibility and requirements
Students ages 15-17.
English level B2-C2.
How much does IB Advance cost?
Residential program fee
£5,670 — Three-week package with accommodation and full board.
Funding or discounts
- Non-residential program fee: £3,615 — Three-week package with lunch.
What's included
Tuition in both packages., Activities program in both packages., One excursion per week in both packages., Travel and medical insurance in both packages., Accommodation and full-board meals with the residential package., Lunch with the non-residential package.
How to apply to IB Advance
- 1
Follow the official IB Advance Book Now link to the summer booking portal.
- 2
Use the summer enquiry form or contact summer.admissions@stclares.ac.uk if you need help.
- 3
Wait for confirmation of your place before booking flights.
- 4
Complete the parental consent-to-travel form and share your travel arrangements with St Clare's.
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What does IB Advance cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Language and Literature
Analyze Shakespeare, literary devices and speeches through discussion, exam-style questions and a theater review.
Science and Humanities
Investigate cells, DNA and flight while exploring the Cold War and connections between disciplines.
Mathematics and Arts
Practice probability, scientific notation and geometry alongside drama workshops and collaborative performance.
Theory of Knowledge
Develop critical thinking and analysis through a museum session and a module culminating in an exhibition.
Extended Essay
Use dedicated workshops to strengthen research, planning and essay structure through an Extended Essay project.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on IB Advance?
A typical day during the program.
Teaching pattern
25 lessons totaling 23 hours.
Language and Literature
Orientation, Shakespeare, literary analysis and theater-related activities.
Science and Humanities
Practical science, Cold War history, Theory of Knowledge and careers guidance.
Mathematics and Arts
Applied mathematics, drama workshops, rehearsals and group arts performances.
Who teaches on IB Advance?
Experienced IB teachers and subject specialists teach the course at St Clare's, which describes 50 years of IB expertise. University and Career Counselors lead the dedicated higher education and careers session.
Classes have a maximum of 12 students.
Where do students stay on IB Advance?
Residential plan
- Accommodation: Accommodation is included in the residential package.
- Full-board meals: The residential package includes full-board meals.
- Activities and excursions: The package includes an activities program and one excursion per week.
Non-residential plan
- Day-student option: A separate non-residential package includes tuition, activities and one excursion per week.
- Lunch: Lunch is included in the non-residential package.
What happens after IB Advance?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Strengthen subject knowledge for continued IB Diploma study.
Develop a more confident approach to Extended Essay research and structure.
Practice critical thinking and academic inquiry through Theory of Knowledge.
Explore university options and career pathways with experienced counselors.
Where does IB Advance take place?
The course uses St Clare's 139 Campus at 139 Banbury Road in north Oxford, within walking distance of Summertown and the city center. The IB World School campus includes science labs, an art studio, modern teaching spaces and a large library.
Wait for place confirmation before booking flights; airport transfers should normally be arranged at least three weeks before arrival.
IB Advance FAQs
It builds on existing IB knowledge through English Literature, English Language, Maths, Performing Arts, Humanities, Science and Theory of Knowledge. Extended Essay workshops support research and essay planning.
The course specifies English level B2-C2.
The teaching pattern is Monday-Friday, with 25 lessons totaling 23 hours. The sample timetable moves through Language and Literature, Science and Humanities, then Mathematics and Arts.
Yes. There is a non-residential package that includes lunch, alongside tuition, activities, one excursion per week, and travel and medical insurance.
The residential package includes accommodation and full-board meals, alongside tuition, activities, one excursion per week, and travel and medical insurance.
Dedicated workshops help students plan, research and structure their essay. The course also develops academic inquiry through an Extended Essay project.
Experienced IB teachers and subject specialists teach the course, with a maximum of 12 students per class. University and Career Counselors lead a dedicated Higher Education and Careers Advice session.
Wait for confirmation of your child's place before booking flights. Airport transfers should normally be booked and paid for at least three weeks before arrival, and parents must complete the consent-to-travel form.
Alternatives to IB Advance
Compare these options if you prefer focused mathematics preparation, humanities study or a broader online academic experience.
Alternatives to IB Advance
Mathematics preparation through an in-person Cambridge course
Mathematics
07 Jul 2026
From £6390
15-17
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students prioritizing mathematics preparation
In-person summer study centered on humanities
Humanities
Deadline: Not announced
From $8850
15-17
In-person
Best for
Students drawn to humanities study
Online study spanning humanities, science and social sciences
General
Deadline: Not announced
From $635
16-17
Online
Online
Best for
Students seeking online academic study
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent 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 & verification
Source types reviewed
- Fees and Dates | Teenagers: Oxford | St Clare's, Oxford
- Payment Methods | St Clare's, Oxford
- St Clare’s Oxford | DELTA course | How to Apply & Fees
- Brochure | St Clare's, Oxford
- St Clare’s Oxford | DELTA course | How to Apply & Fees
- Pre-arrival Information | CELTA | St Clare's, Oxford
- St Clare’s Oxford | CELTA Course | How to Apply & Fees
- Brochure | St Clare's, Oxford
- St Clare’s Oxford | CELTA Course | How to Apply & Fees
- Pre-arrival Information | IB Teacher Workshops | St Clare's, Oxford
- St Clare’s Oxford | IB Teacher Training Workshops | Booking & Fees
- Brochure | St Clare's, Oxford
- Pre-Arrival Information | Admissions | St Clare's, Oxford
- Brochure | Admissions | St Clare's Oxford
- IC Admissions Guide | How to Apply & Entry Requirements
- Pre-Arrival Info | Admissions | St Clare's School, Oxford
- IB Admissions Guide | How to Apply & Entry Requirements
- Brochure | Admissions | St Clare's School, Oxford
- Brochure
- Pre-Arrival Information | Adults | St Clare's, Oxford
- Brochure
- Pre-Arrival Information | Teenagers: Oxford | St Clare's, Oxford
- Brochure
- Pre-Arrival Info | Juniors | St Clare's, Oxford
- IB Advance | Teenagers: Oxford | St Clare's, Oxford
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What we verified (on 8 Oct 2026)
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IB Advance
by St Clare's Oxford Summer School
Upcoming
May qualify for the £300 Succeed Programme Award.
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