Creative Writing Scholars
Join the Creative Writing Scholars summer programme at Atlas Summer Courses in 2027. Hosted at Harrow School, whose facilities we hire for the summer, the programme is designed for ambitious 12–14-year-olds who learn in classes of up to 15 students. Apply now to secure your place.
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Learning
Outline
At Atlas Summer Courses, Creative Writing Scholars is designed for 12–14-year-olds who love storytelling and want to explore different styles and formats. Students will create believable characters, build engaging plots, and experiment with new ways to tell stories—from poetry and short fiction to photography and podcasts. We don’t follow a fixed curriculum— our tutors shape each course around the group’s interests and ideas, making every learning journey personal, creative, and dynamic. Each day also includes a reflection activity to help students absorb what they’ve discovered.
Teaching methodology
Our teaching for 12–14-year-old students is focused on interactive and task-based learning. You’ll be taught by experienced tutors who are passionate about creative writing and skilled at inspiring curiosity. Over the course of the week, you’ll develop your writing through multimedia presentations, group work, writing exercises, and peer reviews, with a meaningful focus on real-world storytelling. With no fixed curriculum, you’re encouraged to share your specific writing interests when you apply, and our expert tutors will tailor the course content to reflect those passions wherever possible.
The Creative Writing Scholars programme is hosted by Atlas Summer Courses at Harrow School. With dedicated house parents and on-course staff, students are supported and cared for throughout their stay as they develop their writing skills. Harrow School has a rich literary tradition, making it an inspiring setting to spark creativity and imagination.
Students stay in standard shared rooms at Harrow School, with caring house parents and on-course staff ensuring comfort, safety, and support throughout their stay.
Meals are provided on a full-board basis, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Students dine in historic school halls or local dining facilities, with all dietary requirements catered for.
The Atlas Summer Courses Experience
Creative Writing Scholars gives young writers the space and confidence to express their ideas in powerful and imaginative ways. Through storytelling techniques, character development, and guided discussion, students experiment with different genres and discover their own voice as a writer. It’s a chance to share ideas boldly, think creatively, and explore how writing can shape the way we see the world.
Each weekday includes two extended morning lessons in small, discussion-led groups, where students write, edit, and present their work with support from experienced tutors. Afternoons offer guided project time, supervised study, and subject-linked excursions — providing new inspiration and fresh perspectives to fuel their writing. With structured evening socials, reflection activities, and full-time support from trained staff, learners grow confidence, independence, and essential communication skills. They finish the week proud of the stories they’ve told — and excited to keep writing.
Step inside Warwick Castle, one of England's best-preserved medieval fortresses, and discover more than 1,000 years of history. Explore its magnificent Great Hall and towers, experience spectacular live jousting and falconry displays, and uncover the stories of medieval life in one of the UK's most iconic castles.
Explore the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with nearly 1,000 years of royal history. Discover the magnificent Crown Jewels, step inside the iconic White Tower, and uncover the stories of kings, queens and famous prisoners, including Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes, while exploring one of London's most historic landmarks.
Step behind the scenes at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and discover how the world of Harry Potter was brought to life. Explore iconic sets including the Great Hall and Diagon Alley, see authentic costumes and props, and step aboard the original Hogwarts Express while uncovering the filmmaking techniques behind the beloved film series.
Discover the historic city of Oxford, home to the world-renowned University of Oxford and centuries of academic excellence. Wander through its iconic colleges and cobbled streets, visit landmarks including the Bodleian Library and Christ Church, and explore the city's rich literary, architectural and cultural heritage. Fans of Harry Potter can also see the Great Hall that inspired Hogwarts' famous dining hall.
Typical Outings
Timetable
Dates & Prices
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Lunch and dinner included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Lunch and dinner included.
- Lunch and dinner included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: For ages 13–15, lunch and dinner are included, and for ages 16–24, dinner is included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discounts: Not included.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided).
- Accommodation: Standard (shared room).
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Included.
- Insurance: Travel and medical insurance included.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided).
- Accommodation: Standard (shared room).
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Included.
- Insurance: Travel and medical insurance included.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: 13-24: Tutorials (1-2 students per tutor), seminars, and workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13–15 are on a full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16–24 are on a half board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or at local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Single or twin room (confirmed by us at a later date).
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (up to 10) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13–15 are on a full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16–24 are on a half board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or at local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Concierge helps select the best available option.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Enhanced (OxSC concierge).
- Airport Transfer: Included (Heathrow Airport only. No time restrictions.).
- Insurance: Platinum coverage (top-level protection on cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: One-year free deferral.
- Future Coaching Session: Included (1 session).
- Friends & Family Discount: Discounted stay/meals for family in top Oxford/Cambridge hotels while on course.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (up to 10) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13–15 are on full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16–24 are on half board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Guaranteed private room and bathroom.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Airport Transfer: Included (Heathrow Airport only, available for flights arriving/departing between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. T&Cs apply.).
- Insurance: Enhanced coverage (higher limits on cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: One-year free deferral.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discount: Discounted stay/meals for family in top Oxford/Cambridge hotels while on course.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (up to 10) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13–15 are on full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16–24 are on half board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Select your preferred single or twin room (shared bathroom).
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Airport Transfer: Included (Heathrow Airport only, available for flights arriving/departing between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. T&Cs apply.).
- Insurance: Standard coverage (cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discounts: Not included.
Related Courses
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the option you choose.
In our Plus (residential) programme, students get small-group lessons (max 15), accommodation, all meals, daily activities, supervised excursions, airport transfers (Heathrow 8 AM–3 PM), travel and medical insurance, and 24/7 pastoral care.
In the Non-Residential (day) option, they join the same lessons and daytime activities/trips but return home in the evenings. You can compare both in full on our Prices & Dates page.
Yes. Different package options may be available for students aged 12–14, with inclusions varying by course and location. Check the course page for the package options, accommodation and inclusions available for your chosen dates.
Our courses for ages 12–14 are taught by experienced educators and subject specialists with relevant subject knowledge. Tutors are confirmed closer to the summer, so profiles on our website are examples of educators who have previously taught with us.
Students aged 12–14 receive a certificate of completion, detailed feedback from their tutor and a personalised letter of recommendation, reflecting their participation, progress and achievements during the course.
Students aged 12–14 are supported by on-site staff throughout their experience. Wellbeing, safeguarding and age-appropriate supervision are built into the programme, while students are encouraged to develop greater confidence and independence.
Atlas Summer Courses gives students aged 12–14 the opportunity to explore their chosen subject beyond their usual studies. Small-group teaching encourages independent thinking, while the wider residential experience helps students build confidence, independence and new friendships.
There are no formal entry requirements. Students should have a genuine interest in their chosen subject, and teaching is tailored to each student’s interests and abilities so everyone can learn at the right level. All lessons are taught in English, so students should have a good working understanding of spoken and written English.
