Oxford Summer Courses Becomes Atlas Summer Courses
Key takeaways:
New name reflects the organisation’s international growth and future as part of Summer Discovery Group
OXFORD, England, 1 September 2026 — Oxford Summer Courses today announced that it has changed its name to Atlas Summer Courses, marking the next stage in the organisation’s growth from its beginnings in Oxford into an international provider of academic summer programmes and its evolution as part of the broader Summer Discovery Group.
Founded in 2010 by two University of Oxford alumni, the organisation has welcomed more than 20,000 students from over 150 countries. Atlas Summer Courses offers courses across more than 40 academic subjects for students aged 9-24, including summer programmes in Oxford, Cambridge, London and leading UK boarding-school settings.
Atlas Summer Courses is part of Summer Discovery Group, which has delivered transformative experiences for students of all ages in partnership with leading institutions around the world. Summer Discovery Group has operated for nearly six decades and built a community of more than 150,000 alumni.
The Atlas Summer Courses name reflects the organisation’s international community and creates a platform for future growth while preserving the academic approach that has defined it since its founding. Atlas will continue to offer personalised, tutorial-style teaching, small classes and discussion-led learning designed to encourage intellectual curiosity, independent thinking and confidence.
“Oxford Summer Courses has built something distinctive over more than 15 years, earning the trust of families around the world through ambitious academic experiences and a highly personalised approach to learning,” said Chris Barrett, CEO of Summer Discovery Group.
“Atlas Summer Courses reflects both how far the organisation has come and where it can go next. As part of Summer Discovery Group, Atlas combines its own academic heritage and identity with the experience and reach of a group that has been serving students and families for nearly six decades. Our goal is to build on what has made these programmes special while creating more opportunities for students around the world.”
During the year-long transition, Atlas Summer Courses will use the phrase “formerly known as Oxford Summer Courses” to help families, educational partners, employees and alumni connect the new name with the established organisation.
The organisation’s growth and international reach have been recognised with a King’s Award for Enterprise in 2024 and a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade in 2020. Atlas Summer Courses is operated by Summer Discovery Europe Limited, a Certified B Corporation since September 2023.
Explore Atlas Summer Courses and its 2027 programmes at atlassummercourses.com.
About Atlas Summer Courses
Atlas Summer Courses, formerly known as Oxford Summer Courses, provides award-winning academic summer programmes for students aged 9–24 from around the world.
Founded in Oxford in 2010 by University of Oxford alumni Harry Hortyn and Robert Phipps, the organisation has welcomed more than 20,000 students from over 150 countries. Atlas Summer Courses offers more than 40 academic programmes across Oxford, Cambridge, London and leading UK boarding-school settings.
Through personalised, tutorial-style teaching, small classes and discussion-based learning, Atlas Summer Courses encourages intellectual curiosity, independent thinking and greater confidence.
Atlas Summer Courses received a King’s Award for Enterprise in 2024 and a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade in 2020. It is part of Summer Discovery Group and is operated by Summer Discovery Europe Limited, a Certified B Corporation.
About Summer Discovery Group
For nearly six decades, Summer Discovery Group has delivered transformative experiences for students of all ages. The group works with leading universities and educational institutions to create academic and experiential learning opportunities designed to help students explore their interests, challenge themselves and grow. The group has developed a community of more than 150,000 alumni.
In November 2024, Summer Discovery acquired Oxford Summer Courses, now Atlas Summer Courses, expanding the group’s international presence and portfolio of academic summer experiences.
Summer Discovery is a Verlinvest portfolio company.
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Media Contact
Robin Shallow, Robin Communications
M +1 (914) 841-5572 | robin@robincomm.com
About the author
Rhys Mackenzie is responsible for creating and maintaining educational content at Atlas Summer Courses, helping students and families access clear, accurate information about studying in Oxford. With several years of experience in digital content and student-focused resources, Rhys specialises in presenting academic programmes in a way that reflects the quality and integrity of Atlas Summer Courses' academic offering. Learn more about Rhys here.
Summary
Oxford Summer Courses has rebranded as Atlas Summer Courses, reflecting its growth from an Oxford-based organisation into an international provider of academic summer programmes and its future as part of Summer Discovery Group. Founded in 2010, the organisation has welcomed more than 20,000 students from over 150 countries and offers programmes across more than 40 subjects for students aged 9–24 in Oxford, Cambridge, London and leading UK boarding schools. Atlas will retain its personalised, tutorial-style teaching and discussion-led approach while creating new opportunities for students worldwide.
