We are thrilled to introduce our brand-new Summer Teenagers: Merrist Wood programme, launching in July 2026. This exciting addition to our portfolio gives students the chance to experience a very different side of the UK while enjoying the same high-quality teaching, care and international community that St Clare’s, Oxford is known for.
A New Kind of Summer Experience
Merrist Wood Campus sits within 400 acres of stunning Surrey countryside. With a working farm, an animal management centre (with a licensed zoo), landscaped gardens, sports pitches and ancient woodland, it offers the perfect environment for students seeking space, nature and hands-on learning.
Located just outside Guildford, a charming and affluent British town, the campus combines the peace of rural life with convenient access to cafés, shops and cultural highlights. And with central London only an hour away, students enjoy the benefits of a countryside retreat without missing out on the capital’s iconic landmarks.
Two Exciting Academic Pathways
Our Merrist Wood programme offers two course options designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence and spark new interests:
Immersive English (with weekly afternoon electives)
All weekly themes in the English programme are linked to sustainability, allowing students to make the most of the natural environment around them. Whether learning about “Farm to Fork” on the working farm or exploring local woodlands, lessons are practical, engaging and rooted in real experiences.
Students customise their learning by choosing one afternoon elective per week:
Animal Health & Conservation
Bushcraft
Football Coaching
Visual Arts
The electives are intentionally designed to be unplugged experiences, encouraging students to reconnect with nature and hands-on creativity while still recognising the value of technology in modern learning.
Leadership & Sustainability
Students learn about the major challenges our world is facing today, such as climate change, food poverty, and wealth inequality and explore how organisations are responding through corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social impact initiatives. This course gives you practical knowledge, useful tools, and leadership skills to help you create positive and lasting change. Think summer school meets corporate retreat!
Activities, Excursions and Adventure
Life at Merrist Wood extends far beyond the classroom. Students enjoy a full programme of sports, outdoor activities, arts and crafts, movie nights, karaoke, mini Olympics, nature crafts, survival skills workshops and more.
A major highlight is the three excursions per week (six excursions over a two-week stay), giving students a chance to explore a wide range of UK destinations. Recent trips include London, Windsor Castle, Canterbury and Leeds Castle and Oxford.
A Calm, Close-Knit Community
Merrist Wood offers a different atmosphere from our bustling Oxford Teens campus.
While Oxford hosts up to 320 students in a lively city setting, Merrist Wood welcomes around 80 students in university-style accommodation, creating a close-knit, family-feel environment. It’s perfect for students who enjoy community, nature and a slower pace.
Students stay in comfortable single rooms arranged in residential flats, with full board meals, an on-site café and 24-hour support from our dedicated welfare team.
Join us in Summer 2026!
With unique outdoor learning, sustainability-focused academics, an exceptional range of activities and a welcoming campus environment, Summer Teenagers: Merrist Wood is set to offer an unforgettable summer.
Book now!