News & Views

This July, around 30 Cognita students from schools across the globe gathered at Worcester College, Oxford, for an enriching two-week academic and cultural experience. Held from 6 to 19 July 2025, the exclusive summer programme welcomed students aged 15 and over to live and study in one of Oxford’s most historic colleges.

Building on the success of the 2023 and 2024 editions, this year’s programme featured five academically rigorous courses spanning the social sciences, the arts, and STEM. Alongside their academic pursuits, students took part in a range of cultural talks, excursions, and activities designed to immerse them in Oxford’s rich intellectual and historical heritage.

Each participant received a Certificate of Attendance and Achievement from Worcester College in recognition of their engagement and accomplishments throughout the programme.

Students described the experience as both inspiring and transformative. Many valued the chance to explore subjects they are passionate about, while also developing key skills such as independence, curiosity, and cross-cultural collaboration. The programme brought together learners from Cognita schools in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, fostering a truly global exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Academic sessions were led by expert tutors from the University of Oxford, and students praised the engaging and supportive teaching style.

“I really appreciated how all the professors in the course added interactive elements into the learning process. This made the material more engaging but also deepened my understanding by allowing me to apply what we learned to real life,” shared one student participant.

Beyond the classroom, the programme offered a variety of cultural excursions, talks, and experiences across Oxford’s historic landscape.

“There was never a day I didn’t enjoy the places we visited,” said one student, reflecting the enthusiasm shared by many.

Kristie Overton, Cognita’s Head of Education Insights and Projects, reflected on her visit to the programme:

“Visiting our students at Worcester College is always a highlight of the year for the Cognita team. This year, we also hosted focus groups to better understand the ‘future skills’ students are keen to develop. Many emphasised leadership, as well as the importance of pursuing passions beyond the classroom. Their maturity, ambition, and the support they received from Worcester College were genuinely impressive.”

Dr Maximilian Lau, Programme Manager for the Oxford Certificate Programmes at Worcester College, added:

“One of the best things about these programmes is seeing the moment when a student becomes truly inspired. It might happen in a seminar, but also it might come from a conversation with a new friend from across the world, or when going to one of Oxford’s many world famous institutions – but when the moment strikes it is life changing. Oxford, like all elite universities, is a lot of hard work – but teaching students that this hard work is part of a journey that they want to be on is a lesson that will shape them from that moment forward.”

Find out more about our Enrichment Opportunities available as part of an outstanding Holistic Education.