FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Debate Chamber Summer Schools offer in-depth, seminar-based courses for students who are passionate about their chosen subject.

Our courses provide an opportunity to explore topics beyond the school curriculum, develop new skills, and engage in lively discussions with like-minded peers. We focus on an open-ended, collaborative approach to learning, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking.

Since launching our first Law Summer School in 2006, we have expanded to offer a wide range of courses in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, welcoming thousands of students from across the UK and beyond.

Our summer schools are primarily designed for students aged 15–18 who are keen to explore subjects beyond the school curriculum and engage in more advanced discussions. These courses are particularly suited to students considering university study in their chosen subject.

We also offer a limited number of courses for younger students (ages 11–14), which focus on introducing key ideas in an accessible and engaging way.

Each course page provides details on the target age group and any recommended prior knowledge.

We offer a wide range of courses across different subjects and age groups. If you’re unsure which course is the best fit, consider:

• Age suitability and prior knowledge – Each course page specifies the recommended age group and any background knowledge that may be helpful.
• Your academic interests – Our courses are ideal for students who enjoy thinking critically, discussing ideas, and exploring their subject in depth.
• Future university ambitions – Some courses, such as Medicine or Law, are particularly useful for students considering those degrees, offering insights into key topics and career pathways.

If you’re still unsure, feel free to get in touch – we’d be happy to help you choose the right course.

Our courses are interactive and discussion-based, with a focus on open-ended enquiry rather than memorising facts or preparing for exams.

Students will explore challenging ideas, debate key issues, and work through problems collaboratively in a seminar-style format. Rather than being passive listeners, students are encouraged to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and engage in lively debate.

Many courses also include practical, skills-based activities such as mock trials, model United Nations sessions, ethical case studies, or scientific problem-solving exercises, giving students a chance to apply their learning in real-world scenarios.

All Debate Chamber courses are taught by expert tutors who share a passion for exploring and communicating ideas.

Typically doctoral students at leading UK universities with experience teaching at undergrad level, they are perfectly placed to challenge preconceptions, inspire original thinking, and bridge the gap between secondary school and university. All our tutors are skilled at leading engaging, thought-provoking discussions and encouraging students to take an active role in their learning.

Learn more about our teaching team here.

You can book a place on any of our courses through our website. Simply visit the relevant course page, select your preferred dates, and complete the online booking form. If you have any questions before booking, feel free to get in touch.

Course fees vary depending on the subject, duration and format. The cost for each course is listed on its individual course page – generally the online course fees will be lower than the in-person costs.

Yes! We offer a limited number of bursary places covering up to 90% of course fees to help make our Summer Schools accessible to students who would otherwise be unable to attend for financial reasons.

If you would like to apply for a bursary, please visit our bursary page for full details on eligibility and how to apply.

If you need to switch to a different course or set of dates, we will do our best to accommodate you, subject to availability. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make a change.

If you need to cancel your booking, please let us know as soon as possible. Our refund policy depends on how much notice you provide:

• More than 8 weeks before the course start date – You can cancel and receive a full refund less the non-refundable 25% deposit.
• Less than 8 weeks before the course start date – Refunds operate on a sliding scale depending how short notice the cancellation is.

For full details, please see our Terms & Conditions.

There is no official deadline for registration, but places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Many courses fill up quickly, especially as summer approaches, so we recommend booking early to secure your place.

If a place becomes available, we will contact you by email or phone as soon as possible. If you do not hear from us, unfortunately, this means we have been unable to offer you a place this time.

However, you are always welcome to check back with us in case of any last-minute changes.

Our in-person summer schools are held at Woburn House, Tavistock Square, Bloomsbury, Central London – a convenient location with excellent transport links. It is well-served by buses and the London Underground and is just a ten-minute walk from Kings Cross and Euston railway stations. You can see more location and travel details here.

For students who prefer to learn from the comfort of home, we also offer online courses, delivered live via zoom. These courses provide the same interactive, discussion-based learning experience, allowing students to join from anywhere without the need to travel.

Our summer schools take place in July and August each year. Exact dates vary depending on the subject – please see the calendar pages for a full list of dates, and check the individual course pages for availability for particular events.

For in-person courses, students should bring a notebook and pen for taking notes. If you prefer to take notes on a laptop or other device then you are very welcome to do that, but please keep track of your belongings, and never leave devices unattended.

For Mathematics and Physics Summer Schools students should also have access to a scientific calculator.

In-person courses run from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with a lunch break and short refreshment breaks during the day.

Online courses run from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with a lunch break and a period of independent study.

No, lunch is not provided. Students should bring their own lunch or purchase food from the cafés and shops nearby. There are plenty of options within a short walk of the venue, and if the weather is good then the gardens in the centre of the Bloomsbury squares are a lovely place to eat outside.

Younger students will require a parental permission slip to leave the building independently at lunchtime, or will need to be collected by a parent or other suitable adult.

We are committed to making our courses as accessible as possible. If you have any specific requirements – for example, wheelchair access, hearing assistance, or other accommodations – please let us know at the time of booking, and we will do our best to meet your needs.

Each course explores subject areas beyond the school curriculum, giving students a chance to engage with advanced ideas and real-world applications.

Some courses focus on key academic topics, while others include practical exercises, case studies, and problem-solving tasks.

Courses concerned with current affairs – such as Economics or International Relations – are also responsive to global events, incorporating recent developments and real-world policy challenges into discussions.

Full course content details can be found on the individual course pages.

Most courses require no specific prior knowledge, just an enthusiasm for the subject and a willingness to engage in discussion.

Some courses for older students (ages 15–18) assume familiarity with a certain level of school material, particularly in subjects like Economics, Mathematics or Physics.

Any recommended background knowledge is detailed on the relevant course page.

Yes, all students who complete a course will receive a certificate of attendance. This serves as a record of participation but is not an accredited qualification. Certificates are issued at the end of the course and can be a useful addition to personal statements or academic portfolios.

Yes! You can read feedback from past participants and their parents on our reviews page.

These reviews offer insights into the learning experience, the tutors, and what students have gained from their time with us.

The age brackets for each course are guidelines rather than strict limits. If a student falls just outside the stated range but is keen to attend, we are usually happy to accommodate them – provided they are comfortable working with students who may be a little older or younger and meet any academic pre-requisites for the course.

If you’re unsure whether a course is the right fit, please feel free to get in touch, and we’ll be happy to advise.