What is OSS26?
The Oxford Summer School 2026 (OSS26) is a eight-day course of study and activity in a city which is host to one of the oldest and most imitated academic institutions in the world.
It combines a purposefully curated mix of academic, wider cultural and also manual undertakings. The objective of the integrated programme is to accompany and inspire university students in their pursuit of academic excellence, ample personal growth on multiple fronts, and leadership qualities.
The academic stream focuses on exploring some of the ideas that have shaped Western Civilization. Details of this year's academic content are detailed here. As well as seminars, there will be fire-side talks in the evenings with guest speakers from the University of Oxford and elsewhere.
To complement the strictly academic programme there will be a stimulating programme of cultural activities in both Oxford and London: visits to key sites in Oxford, many of them off the ordinary touristic track; attendance at musical concerts and plays; and visits to London museums and galleries.
The programme follows the approach taken by John Ruskin (1819–1900), the Victorian art critic and celebrated polymath, who endeavoured to bring Oxford undergraduates, amongst others, to discover the value and elevating significance of focused manual labour. Sessions of such work will be designed to build cohesion among participants, as well as making a start on the development of manual skills that complement and balance strictly intellectual pursuits.
Most academic activities will take place at Grandpont House, a residential student centre run by Netherhall Educational Association (a registered charity, no. 236586). There will be also sessions held at several colleges of the University.
“A week of truly holistic formation. Some of the best memories and experiences of my life so far!”
OSS Participant
The Oxford Summer School is aimed primarily at university students, engaged in full time degrees, or who have completed one in the last three years. We are looking for candidates with strong academic background, keen to engage in the intellectual, cultural and manual work sessions; ready to expand their knowledge-bases, and to be profoundly challenged and changed on all these fronts. OSS26 is at the same time far more about broadening minds than about simply filling them up.
The cost of OSS26 is £480 which includes accommodation, course materials, and entrance to cultural sites/events, as well as all meals and travel while participating in the programme. Travel to and from OSS26 and travel within London is not covered.
Who is
OSS26
for?
How to apply?
Places on OSS26 are limited to a modest number of undergraduate students. Full details on the application processed are to be found in the Apply page
Academic Programme
Details of this year’s academic programme can be found here.
The aim is to enrich the minds of the participants through a mix of seminars and after-dinner speakers who are able to share their knowledge in their respective fields. Past seminars have dealt with issues such as public justice, leadership according to the classic thinkers, the pursuit of the intellectual life, and the relationship between science and religion.
These seminars are conducted by academics, mostly from the University of Oxford. Participants are expected to prepare for each seminar by reading the selected texts provided by the seminar leader. These texts are sent to participants well in advance of the programme's start.
Fire-side Talks
The after-dinner speakers (fireside talks) have covered a wide range of topics, from the history of Oxford University and Isaac Newton to neuroscience and Middle Eastern affairs. These talks are more informal and require no preparation.
Cultural Programme
An important part of OSS26 is to expose participants to some salient examples of Western culture.
Thus, the timetable includes a classical music concert at the Sheldonian Theatre, a Shakespeare play at London’s Globe Theatre, and a guided tour of the National Gallery in London.
There is also a guided tour of Oxford and an opportunity to visit the Ashmolean Museum, the world’s first, and we would like to think, best, university museum. More details can be found here.
Manual Work
Programme
Perhaps the most innovative aspect of OSS is the manual work programme. It is innovative, though it is rooted in an old tradition in Oxford that combines the pursuit of high academic goals with manual work to keep participants grounded.
Guided by experts, participants learn useful, character building skills such as mixing cement, bricklaying, and path making. This strand of the OSS also helps participants to bond with each other, and the experience so far has been extremely positive.
