12 Summer Business Programs in the UK for High School Students
Discover the top 12 summer business programs in the UK for high school students. Enhance your skills and gain valuable experience this summer!
If you're a high school student in the UK considering a business degree, a summer business program can give you a great, accessible head start. Summer business programs cover topics you might not learn in school and help you build practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset. Since they happen during summer break, they won’t clash with your school year. You'll get a chance to explore different areas of business like marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, economics, investing, and leadership. Many universities, including Oxford, King’s College London, and LSE, offer programs that combine lectures, hands-on workshops, simulations, and group projects.
You may work on business plans, pitch ideas to professionals, or participate in site visits and team challenges. These programs often include mentoring and community engagement, providing you with real-world insights and helping you develop skills such as communication, teamwork, networking, and market analysis. They’re also a good way to figure out your future goals and strengthen your college applications by showing initiative and interest in the field.
12 Summer Business Programs in the UK for High School Students
Here are 12 summer business programs for high school students in the UK:
1. Oxford University’s Future Entrepreneurs Summer School
Location: Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
Cost: £9,900
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; a limited number of spots are available per course
Dates: July 19 – August 2
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 16–18
Oxford University’s Future Entrepreneurs Summer School lets students explore how entrepreneurship can help solve global challenges. You’ll learn to spot opportunities, think creatively, and build solutions that have a social or environmental impact. Whether you already have an idea or are just curious about business, the program helps you gain real-world skills. You’ll study the whole startup process, from brainstorming to pitching, and take part in workshops on leadership, business planning, and teamwork. Working with peers from around the world, you’ll develop your own startup idea and pitch it to a panel of judges. You’ll also get insights from entrepreneurs, mentors, and Saïd Business School faculty, and learn how innovation works at different startup stages.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: Virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: Tuition Varies depending on program type; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 6–12 students for the summer group program
Dates: Individual Program: 12 weeks with flexible start dates, Summer Group Program: June 9 – June 29 | August 4 – August 24
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: All high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a startup boot camp for high school students, created by Harvard entrepreneurs. You'll build a real startup aimed at solving a real-world problem, with mentorship from professionals at companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. The program combines hands-on startup development with interactive sessions on business basics, idea generation, market research, prototyping, and launching your product. It ends with a demo day where you pitch to potential investors. There are two formats: a 30-hour team-based online program and a flexible individual option with 12 hours of one-on-one coaching. You can view the program brochure here.
3. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
4. Imperial College London’s Year 12 Sutton Trust Summer School — Economics, Finance, and Data Science
Location: Imperial College London, London, UK
Cost: Free of cost
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive
Dates: July 15 – July 18 | July 22 – July 25
Application Deadline: January 14 – March 6
Eligibility: Students in Year 12 (England or Wales), Year 13 (Northern Ireland), or S5 (Scotland), or the equivalent, can apply. They must be under 18 when the summer school begins and must currently attend, or have always attended, a UK state-funded (non-fee-paying) school or college. You can find the academic requirements here.
Imperial College London’s Year 12 Sutton Trust Summer School is a four-day residential program where you’ll dive into a subject of your choice, explore it in depth, and build skills for university. Before it starts, you’ll attend two webinars to meet the team and get tips from student mentors. On day one, you'll meet your mentor group, tour the campus, and get advice on courses and personal statements. The next two days include lectures, workshops, and lab sessions led by Imperial staff, giving you a feel for university-level study. If you’re interested in business, the Economics, Finance, and Data Science course will allow you to explore how these fields connect through practical exercises, case studies, and workshops. The program highlights how data-driven tools are used to tackle financial and policy challenges, helping you understand what it’s like to study these subjects at Imperial and consider future paths in global economics.
5. LSE Summer School’s 100-Level Courses
Location: London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
Cost: £3,100–£9,000, depending on the number of sessions + £50 non-refundable application fee; scholarships are available
Cohort Size: Up to 20 students per course
Dates: June 23 – July 11 | July 14 – August 1 | August 4 – August 22
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Recent high school graduates with around a B+ average (GPA 3.3) and proof of a university offer can apply for the 100-level courses. You can check the requirements here.
LSE Summer School gives students a chance to take undergraduate-level business courses in subjects like Economic Policy, AI for Business, Accounting, Finance, Management, and more. You can study for 3, 6, or 9 weeks in London, with courses designed and taught by LSE faculty to the same standards as regular degree programs. Courses are full-time and intensive, with around 54 contact hours over three weeks, usually 36 hours of lectures and 18 hours of tutorials. You’ll attend daily lectures and small classes where you’ll work on problem sets, case studies, or seminar papers. 100-level courses are taught at the same level as first-year university classes. While there are no subject-specific prerequisites, some courses may require math or related skills. To take these courses, you’ll need to have a university offer, and you might also need to show extra proof of academic ability. Each course is worth 3–4 U.S. credits or 7.5 ECTS. At the end, you’ll get a digital transcript showing your name, course, and grade.
6. King’s College London Pre-University Summer School — Business Management
Location: King's College London, London, UK
Cost: £2,990–£11,220 (tuition) | £3,730–£14,180 (tuition + accommodation), depending on the number of courses selected + £60 application fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Each year, 1,500+ students from over 70 countries join the program
Dates: June 30 – July 4 | July 7 – July 11 | July 14 – July 18 | July 21 – July 25
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Students aged 16–17 can apply; you can check the English language requirements here
King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School lets high school students explore subjects at a university level through one-week courses. You can take one or more courses over up to four weeks, choosing the same or different subjects. Courses are taught through lectures, seminars, workshops, and hands-on activities. To earn a Certificate of Completion, you’ll need to attend all sessions and complete the assignments. If you're interested in business, the Business Management course introduces you to areas like marketing, finance, operations, and managing people. You'll learn how businesses compete globally and start building your own strategies. By the end of the course, you’ll have worked independently and in teams, completed assignments, and experienced what a first-year undergraduate business course is like.
7. University of Warwick’s Pre-University Summer School — A Taste of Economics and Finance
Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
Cost: £4,950 + £50 non-refundable application fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not listed
Dates: July 15 – July 25
Application Deadline: May 31; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 16–17 can apply; you can check the English language requirements here
The University of Warwick’s Pre-University Summer School allows you to explore college-level subjects, experience campus life, and build international connections. Taught by Warwick faculty, you can choose from four course options: Economics and Finance, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, or Science and Engineering. You’ll participate in lectures, seminars, and workshops that will help you build your communication and real-world skills. If you're interested in business, the "A Taste of Economics and Finance" course introduces you to key ideas in economics, behavioral economics, game theory, and finance. You’ll learn how individuals and societies make decisions, explore money, stock markets, banking, and understand the political and social factors behind economic outcomes. The course aims to give you a feel for how economics is taught at the university level. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a University of Warwick Certificate of Attendance.
8. St Clare's College — Business in Oxford
Location: St Clare’s College, Oxford, UK
Cost: £3,575
Cohort Size: Maximum 12 students per class
Dates: 2-week courses start on June 29 and July 27
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 15–17 with an upper-intermediate to very advanced level of English (CEF B2 to C2)
St Clare’s Business in Oxford offers an opportunity for students interested in exploring business while improving their English. You’ll strengthen your core skills in business or economics, expand your vocabulary, and boost your fluency in English. You’ll explore the business world through Oxford’s academic resources, hear from guest speakers, and visit real workplaces to see how things run behind the scenes. You’ll also connect with students from all over the world and increase your network. With a high staff-to-student ratio, you’ll be well-supported throughout the program. You’ll also build experience in teamwork, improve your interview and presentation skills, write CVs, and take part in debates to sharpen your communication. You’ll work on a personal business research project in business or economics and attend a career session led by an expert to explore future opportunities in the field.
9. Oxford Scholars Programme: Scholars’ Immersion — Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Location: University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; students stay at one of four Oxford colleges, St. Anne’s, St. Hugh’s, Somerville, or Linacre
Cost: £5,699
Cohort Size: A maximum of 100 students attend OSP each year
Dates: August 3 – August 16
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 14–18
The Oxford Scholars Programme: Scholars’ Immersion offers students a chance to dive into one of seven focused modules designed to support both academic and personal growth. In the Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship course, you’ll learn how to build, analyze, and pitch business ideas, manage finances, explore investments, and understand the basics of business law. Each module includes lectures, workshops, and practical sessions led by subject experts. Before the program begins, you’ll complete some short videos and reading materials to get prepared. During the course, you’ll participate in lectures, group discussions, and hands-on activities. You’ll identify opportunities, explore how markets work, and come up with business strategies. You’ll also create business plans, team up on projects, and pitch your ideas. You’ll also learn about investment basics, financial literacy, and key legal concepts. At the end, you’ll receive a certificate at a graduation ceremony, recognizing your participation and achievement.
10. NSLC’s International Business & Finance High School Summer Program
Location: Multiple locations, including the University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
Cost: $5,950 (Residential Program)
Acceptance Rate: High acceptance rate
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: July 6 – July 17 | July 20 – July 31 | August 4 – August 15
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least one year of high school, including recent graduates, aged 14–18, are eligible to apply.
NSLC’s International Business & Finance Summer Program offers an opportunity to explore key ideas in business, finance, and innovation through hands-on activities and real-world experiences. You’ll learn how to build growth strategies, spot market opportunities, and understand financial concepts like market operations and firm valuation. Through workshops, seminars, and tours, you'll dive into topics like product development, business models, and launching a company. You’ll also work on simulated investment portfolios, improve skills like networking, resume writing, public speaking, and interviewing, and use design thinking to solve real-world business challenges. Guest speakers from the industry will share insights, and you’ll create strategies and evaluate competitors to help your business stand out.
11. The Bucksmore Young Professionals Business & Finance Summer Camp
Location: King's College London, London, UK
Cost: £3,050 per week
Cohort Size: 12 students per class
Dates: 2-week courses start on July 8 and July 22
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13–17 with a minimum B1 (intermediate) level of English
The Young Professionals Business and Finance course introduces high school students to business and finance while helping improve English fluency through interactive learning. You’ll study topics like financial markets, investment banking, and business strategy through hands-on workshops and case studies, building a portfolio you can use for future studies. The course is taught by industry professionals, where you’ll learn about global economics, corporate finance, and entrepreneurship, working around 25 hours a week. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your understanding of business models, financial markets, and core principles of finance. The program wraps up with a Capstone Industry Project, where you'll act as an investor in a “Shark Tank”-style pitch session. Using your financial knowledge and business skills, you'll review business proposals, dig into financials, and make investment decisions with virtual funds in a fun, realistic setting.
12. Essex Business School Summer Sessions
Location: Essex Business School, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
Cost: £900 per module + on campus B&B accommodation available from £45 per night
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not listed
Dates: July 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: April 8
Eligibility: Students who are 18 or older at the time of the program and have an English language qualification equivalent to IELTS 5.5
The Essex Business School (EBS) offers a two-week summer program for students interested in either AI in marketing or sustainability in business. You’ll take expert-led courses, work on real-world case studies, and collaborate on group projects with students from around the world. You can pick one of two tracks. The AI in Marketing module examines how AI is changing the way businesses understand consumers, personalize content, and execute campaigns, using tools such as social media marketing and predictive analytics. The Business Sustainability module looks at how companies can build sustainability into their strategies. You’ll tackle real-world challenges, use AI tools to measure impact, and come up with solutions that support innovation and responsible business practices.
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13. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Around 10–25%
Dates: The summer cohort typically runs for 12 weeks from June to August
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted minimum 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale are encouraged to apply
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program gives high school students a chance to dive into independent research with support from a PhD mentor. You can choose a topic from areas like STEM, social sciences, or the humanities. Along the way, you'll join research method workshops, get help from a writing coach, and work toward completing a full-length academic paper. Subjects you can explore include chemistry, biology, physics, math, psychology, business, computer science, entrepreneurship, data science, and more. If you're interested in business, options include Behavioral Economics, Economic Policy Analysis, or how technology is adopted in firms. If you don’t see your interest listed, you and your mentor can design a custom research topic. The program isn’t university-run, but you may be eligible for UCSD credit. You can find application details here.